Weather in Appleton, Wisconsin
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Light Drizzle79%85°60°
- SundayMay 17Light Rain34%64°50°
- MondayMay 18Light Showers73%72°54°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Showers76%65°50°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast—53°40°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast—56°37°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle10%54°43°
- PM 2.5
- 7.0 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 8.4 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 5.3 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 94.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:25 AM
- Moonset
- 1:50 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open along the stoops
Appleton at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 6°F above the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: May 12 (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 brings Appleton's highest temperatures, averaging around 71°F, while January delivers the coldest conditions at approximately 18°F. Precipitation follows its own calendar, with June bringing the heaviest rainfall at 4.7 inches and February staying driest with just 1.1 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18° | 1.4″ | 4 |
| February | 20° | 1.1″ | 4 |
| March | 31° | 1.9″ | 5 |
| April | 44° | 3.2″ | 7 |
| May | 57° | 3.6″ | 8 |
| June | 67° | 4.7″ | 8 |
| July | 71° | 3.8″ | 7 |
| August | 70° | 3.6″ | 7 |
| September | 61° | 3.2″ | 6 |
| October | 49° | 2.8″ | 6 |
| November | 36° | 2.1″ | 5 |
| December | 24° | 1.8″ | 5 |
Regional context
Appleton belongs to the warm-summer humid continental climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal rhythms, and growing conditions with other cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Milwaukee, WI, Madison, WI, Green Bay, WI, Racine, WI, Kenosha, WI.
Naturalist notes
American robins typically return to Appleton in late March, their territorial songs marking the transition from winter's grip to spring's promise.
Wild columbine begins flowering in May woodlands, its distinctive spurred blossoms appearing as the last frost danger passes.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Appleton?
- Spring's final frost usually occurs around mid-May in Appleton, while the season's first frost typically arrives around mid-October.
- What is the rainy season in Appleton?
- June stands as the wettest month, delivering approximately 4.7 inches of rainfall, while the city's annual total reaches roughly 33 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Appleton?
- July typically records the year's highest temperatures, with averages around 71°F.
- What is the coldest month in Appleton?
- January brings the coldest temperatures, averaging approximately 18°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Appleton?
- Cool-season vegetables like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-May, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after that date.
- How many rainy days does Appleton get?
- Appleton experiences about 70 rainy days annually on average.
- What hardiness zone is Appleton?
- Appleton's USDA hardiness zone reflects its lowest average winter temperatures; consult the USDA's online zone lookup tool using the city's ZIP code for current zone information.
Climate
Appleton, Wisconsin experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate. Winter temperatures in January typically hover near 18°F, while July averages reach 71°F, creating a 54°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 33 inches, distributed across roughly 70 rainy days throughout the year.
Location at 44.3°N latitude, proximity to large water bodies, and local elevation combine to influence growing seasons, frost timing, and daily weather patterns.