Last updated: January 18, 2025
Wisconsin, situated in the United States, experiences a humid continental climate characterized by its diverse seasonal temperature fluctuations. According to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification, the state exhibits two primary climate classes: Dfb (warm-summer humid continental) and Dfa (hot-summer humid continental). Winter temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -37°C (-35°F) in February, while the summer season may witness sweltering highs of 38°C (101°F) in July. With an average annual temperature of 8°C (47°F), Wisconsin's climate not only embraces the stark contrasts between its cold winters and hot summers but also influences its rich biodiversity and seasonal activities.
Wisconsin exhibits pronounced seasonal temperature variations, reflecting its humid continental climate. The winter months, notably January and February, are marked by extreme cold, with minimum temperatures dropping to -37°C (-35°F) in February and average lows around -7°C (20°F). As spring arrives in March and April, a gradual warming trend emerges, with average temperatures rising from 1°C (34°F) in March to 6°C (44°F) in April, punctuated by maximums reaching 29°C (84°F) by mid-spring. The summer months of June through August showcase the state's highest warmth, peaking at an impressive 38°C (101°F) in July, while average temperatures hover around 20°C (68°F) to 23°C (73°F). As fall approaches, September through November reveals a cooling trend, with temperatures descending from mild averages of 18°C (64°F) in September to chilling lows of -20°C (-4°F) in November. This distinct seasonal cycle underscores Wisconsin's dynamic climate, influencing both its ecosystem and the lifestyle of its residents.
Sturgeon Bay, Lake Geneva, and Wisconsin Dells in Wisconsin showcase significant temperature variations throughout the year. In Sturgeon Bay, temperatures can drop to a chilling -28°C (-18°F) in February and rise to a warm 31°C (89°F) in July. For more details on the monthly temperature in Sturgeon Bay, explore the link. Meanwhile, Lake Geneva experiences a brisk -33°C (-28°F) in February, with June reaching highs of 34°C (94°F). Additional information can be found in the monthly temperature in Lake Geneva link. Similarly, Wisconsin Dells witnesses a frosty -32°C (-26°F) in February, and the mercury soars to 34°C (94°F) in July. To learn more, visit the monthly temperature in Wisconsin Dells.
Wisconsin experiences a varied precipitation pattern throughout the year, reflecting its four distinct seasons. The winter months, particularly January and February, receive relatively low precipitation, with averages of 44 mm (1.7 in) and 51 mm (2.0 in) respectively, often manifesting as snow. As spring unfolds, precipitation begins to increase, peaking in April with 98 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 12 days. May follows closely with an average of 123 mm (4.9 in), signifying the transition to a wetter climate as flora begins to thrive.
The summer months of June through August showcase slightly decreased precipitation, averaging around 100 mm (4.0 in to 4.4 in) per month, typically occurring over about 10 to 11 days. This period is essential for crop growth, supported by a consistent distribution of rainfall. As autumn descends, September to November sees a gradual decline in precipitation, with 96 mm (3.8 in) in September and tapering to 48 mm (1.9 in) by November. Overall, Wisconsin's precipitation patterns are crucial for maintaining its rich agriculture and diverse ecosystems throughout the changing seasons.
In Wisconsin, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with a noticeable increase from winter to summer. The year begins with a modest 123 hours of sunshine in January, which gradually rises to 194 hours in February. By the time spring arrives, sunshine hours continue to climb, reaching 239 hours in April and peaking at 281 hours in May, as longer days and clearer skies commence. The onset of summer brings even more sunlight, with June boasting 331 hours and July surpassing all months with a striking 359 hours. This period, characterized by abundant sunshine, supports Wisconsin's vibrant outdoor activities and agricultural cycles.
As summer wanes into fall, sunshine duration begins to taper off but remains substantial. August still enjoys 326 hours of sunshine, but by September, this number drops to 266 hours, indicating the transition towards shorter days. October typically sees a further decline to 202 hours, while by November and December, sunshine hours dip significantly to 181 hours and 162 hours, respectively. These winter months mark the lowest sunshine periods, emphasizing the contrast with the sun-drenched days of summer. Such fluctuations in sunshine duration are not only essential for understanding Wisconsin's climate but also play a vital role in shaping the state's seasonal rhythms and natural landscapes.
The UV Index (UVI) in Wisconsin reveals a distinct seasonal pattern, with values rising steadily as winter transitions into spring and summer. During the winter months, January and February register relatively low UVI levels of 3 and 4, respectively, indicating minimal UV exposure. As spring progresses, the UVI increases significantly, reaching 6 in March and peaking at 8 in April. May sees even higher levels, with a UVI of 9 as daylight hours increase and the sun's intensity becomes more pronounced, setting the stage for the upcoming summer months.
Summer is marked by the highest UVI values, where Wisconsin experiences a maximum of 10 in both June and July. This peak signifies the necessity for sun protection during outdoor activities, as the risk of UV-related skin damage escalates. The UVI begins to decline in August, returning to 9, and further decreases to 8 in September as autumn approaches. As temperatures cool, the UVI tapers off, dropping to 5 in October and falling to 2 by December. This clear seasonal trend underscores the importance of being mindful of UV exposure, especially during the sunnier months, to safeguard skin health throughout the year.
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In Wisconsin, daylight duration showcases a striking seasonal variation that profoundly impacts daily life and activities. The year begins with limited daylight in January, with only 9 hours of sunlight, and this slowly increases to 10 hours in February. As spring approaches, daylight continues to extend, reaching 11 hours in March and jumping to 13 hours in April. May ushers in longer days, boasting 14 hours of daylight, while June brings the peak of summer with 15 hours of sunlight, providing ample time for outdoor pursuits and leisure activities.
As summer transitions into fall, daylight duration gradually begins to recede. July maintains 15 hours of daylight, but by August, the time diminishes to 13 hours. September marks a further decline with 12 hours of daylight, while October sees a plunge to 10 hours. The decline continues into winter, with November dropping to 9 hours and December concluding the year with the shortest daylight at 8 hours. This rhythmic pattern of daylight variations not only influences the state’s natural beauty but also affects everyday life, as residents adapt their routines to the changing light conditions throughout the seasons.
Eagle River, United States, experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with harsh winters and warm summers. Winters see average lows plummeting to -30°C (-22°F) in January and February, while summer months like July offer milder temperatures, averaging 20°C (69°F) with highs reaching 32°C (90°F). Precipitation levels are generally moderate, peaking at 117 mm (4.6 in) in October. Sunshine increases significantly in the summer, reaching a maximum of 361 hours in July, while the winter months receive considerably less, with 109 hours in January. For more details on Eagle River's climate, click here.
Green Lake, United States, experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with average temperatures in January and February around -7°C (20°F) and -6°C (21°F) respectively, while summer months like July see averages rise to 23°C (74°F). Precipitation is relatively moderate throughout the year, with the wettest months being May and July, receiving 117 mm (4.6 in) and 109 mm (4.3 in) of rainfall, respectively. Sunshine gradually increases from a low of 128 hours in January to a peak of 356 hours in July, then decreases towards the year-end. For more detailed information on the local climate, visit the Green Lake climate page.
Lake Delton experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with cold winters and warm summers. In January, temperatures can drop to as low as -33°C (-26°F), while July enjoys an average high of 34°C (94°F). Precipitation varies across the months, peaking in May with 126 mm (5.0 in) and hitting lows in the winter months with 45 mm (1.8 in) in January, November, and December. The area receives considerable sunshine, particularly from May to August, where the monthly sunshine ranges from 274 to 357 hours. For more details, visit the Lake Delton climate page.
Lake Geneva, United States, experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are typically cold, with January and February witnessing average temperatures around -5°C (23°F) and -4°C (25°F) respectively, and minimum temperatures plummeting to -33°C (-28°F). Precipitation is relatively moderate throughout the year, peaking in May with 154 mm (6.0 in), while sunshine hours are highest in July at 360. The area warms significantly in the summer, with July seeing average highs reaching 24°C (75°F) and consistent sunshine. For more details, visit the Lake Geneva climate page.
Rib Mountain, United States, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. Winter temperatures can drop to as low as -33°C (-28°F) in February, with average temperatures hovering around -9°C (17°F) in January. Summers in Rib Mountain are relatively mild, with July's average temperature reaching 22°C (71°F) and a maximum of 33°C (91°F). Precipitation peaks in the summer months, with August receiving the most rainfall at 121 mm (4.8 in). Sunshine varies significantly across the year, peaking at 356 hours in July. For more information, visit Rib Mountain climate.
Sister Bay, located in the United States, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. In the winter months, January and February see average temperatures of around -4°C (24-25°F), with precipitation generally under 60 mm per month. As spring arrives, temperatures gradually rise, reaching an average of 13°C (55°F) in June, while precipitation peaks in June at 91 mm (3.6 in). The summer offers warm conditions with July and August averaging around 19°C to 20°C (67°F to 68°F), complemented by significant sunshine hours peaking in July at 364 hours. The fall sees temperatures cooling from an average of 17°C (63°F) in September to 4°C (39°F) by November, with increased precipitation in October at 108 mm (4.2 in). For more details, visit the Sister Bay climate.
Sturgeon Bay, located in the United States, experiences a humid continental climate with distinctly cold winters and warm summers. In winter months, temperatures can drop significantly, with lows reaching -28°C (-18°F) in February, while summer months see highs up to 31°C (89°F) in July. The city receives consistent precipitation throughout the year, peaking in June at 101 mm (4.0 in). Additionally, sunshine hours vary with the seasonal changes, ranging from 118 hours in January to a peak of 368 hours in July. For more details on the climate of Sturgeon Bay, visit the Sturgeon Bay climate page.
Vermont experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. Winter temperatures can plummet to -33°C (-26°F) in February, with the warmest temperatures reaching 19°C (66°F) in December. Summer months see temperatures peaking at 35°C (96°F) in July. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with May being the wettest month at 135 mm (5.3 in). Sunshine increases from 126 hours in January to a peak of 356 hours in July, before declining towards the end of the year. More detailed information can be found on the Vermont climate.
The climate in Wisconsin Dells varies significantly across the year, with cold winters and warm summers. In January, temperatures range from a low of -32°C (-26°F) to a high of 9°C (48°F), while July offers milder weather with lows around 13°C (55°F) and highs reaching 34°C (94°F). Precipitation peaks in May at 126 mm (5.0 in), whereas the driest months like January and February receive about 43-52 mm (1.7-2.0 in). Sunshine hours are abundant in the summer, peaking at 357 hours in July, in contrast to fewer hours during the winter months. For more detailed information, visit the Wisconsin Dells climate.
In conclusion, Wisconsin's climate is characterized by its notable seasonal shifts, influencing temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. The state's cold winters give way to warm summers, with distinct patterns that shape both the environment and the lifestyle of its residents. Understanding these climatic dynamics helps to appreciate Wisconsin's rich biodiversity and agricultural productivity, as well as the importance of adapting to varying weather conditions throughout the year. From the crisp air of winter to the vibrant summers filled with sunlight, Wisconsin offers a unique and engaging experience that is fundamentally tied to its ever-changing climate.