Vilas County Climate
Vilas County, Wisconsin
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
39.8°F
Annual Precip
33.1"
Annual Snowfall
89.0"
Extreme Heat Days
2
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,727
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Vilas County
Climate Verdict
Vilas County has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 39.8°F, moderate rainfall of 33.1 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 2.266666666666666 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 89.0 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 10.7°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 65.9°F. Residents experience a substantial 55°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Vilas County is 4.6°F cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average of 44.4°F.
Climate Profile
About Vilas County Weather
Wisconsin's Ice Box
Vilas County is defined by an annual average temperature of just 39.8°F, one of the lowest in the continental U.S. This extreme northern climate is characterized by intense, long-lasting winters.
Coldest in the Region
Vilas is far colder than the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. While its 33.1 inches of precipitation is near the state norm, the vast majority of it arrives as snow.
Regional Snow Leader
The county receives a massive 89.0 inches of snow annually, nearly double that of Shawano or Sheboygan. Its 39.8°F average temperature makes it a distinct outlier even among its northern neighbors.
Extreme Snow and Brief Summers
Winters are brutal, with January averages of 10.7°F and nearly 90 inches of snowfall. Summers are exceptionally cool, with a 65.9°F July average and only 2 days per year over 90°F.
Built for the Northwoods
Professional-grade snow removal and extreme-cold survival gear are essential for the 14.0°F winter average. Invest in the best possible insulation, as heating is a year-round priority in this environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.