Weather in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 17Heavy Rain63%66°49°
- MondayMay 18Light Showers65%74°54°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Showers42%73°50°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast—56°44°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast—57°42°
- FridayMay 22Light Rain10%53°44°
- SaturdayMay 23Light Drizzle10%54°43°
- PM 2.5
- 20.7 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 21.8 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 26.0 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 64.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:29 AM
- Moonset
- 1:42 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Milwaukee at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 4°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: May 4 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Cool-season window is open
As of May 17, the cool-season window is open or about to open. Direct-sow peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and brassicas now. Hold off on warm-season crops until 1–2 weeks after the last spring frost (around May).
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | — | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | — | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July stands as Milwaukee's warmest month (~73°F mean) while January brings the coldest temperatures (~22°F). June delivers peak rainfall at 4.8 inches, contrasting sharply with January's modest 1.5 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22° | 1.5″ | 4 |
| February | 25° | 1.5″ | 4 |
| March | 35° | 1.8″ | 4 |
| April | 46° | 3.7″ | 7 |
| May | 58° | 3.7″ | 8 |
| June | 68° | 4.8″ | 7 |
| July | 73° | 3.6″ | 6 |
| August | 71° | 3.7″ | 6 |
| September | 64° | 3.0″ | 6 |
| October | 51° | 2.7″ | 5 |
| November | 39° | 2.0″ | 5 |
| December | 28° | 1.7″ | 5 |
Regional context
Milwaukee belongs to the warm-summer humid continental climate region. Cities within this zone experience comparable temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions.
Similar climates: Madison, WI, Appleton, WI, Green Bay, WI, Racine, WI, Kenosha, WI.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the first blooms of wild lupine across Wisconsin's sandy soils, their purple spikes emerging as soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F.
American robins begin their dawn chorus in earnest during the third week of April, when daylight extends past 13 hours.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Milwaukee?
- Spring's final frost in Milwaukee typically occurs around mid-May, while the first fall frost returns around mid-October.
- What is the rainy season in Milwaukee?
- June ranks as the wettest month, delivering approximately 4.8 inches of rain on average. The city's annual precipitation totals roughly 34 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Milwaukee?
- July typically brings the warmest temperatures, averaging about 73°F.
- What is the coldest month in Milwaukee?
- January delivers the coldest temperatures, averaging about 22°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Milwaukee?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost (mid-May). Warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after this date.
- How many rainy days does Milwaukee get?
- Milwaukee experiences approximately 65 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Milwaukee?
- Milwaukee's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature. The USDA's online lookup tool provides current zone designation when you enter the city ZIP code.
Climate
Milwaukee, Wisconsin experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate zone. Winter temperatures in January typically hover near 22°F, while July averages reach 73°F — creating a 51°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals approximately 34 inches, distributed across roughly 65 rainy days throughout the year.
Geographic factors including latitude (43.1°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation determine the rhythm of seasons here. These elements influence plant growth cycles, frost timing, and daily weather patterns.