Wisconsin might not be the most famous state in the U.S., but it offers a plethora of things to do and places to visit throughout the year. Wisconsin has quite a diverse landscape. You can find everything from beaches, mountains, lakes, hills, and more. It offers plenty of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, overnight camping, and boating, among other things.
The temperature in Wisconsin greatly varies depending on the season. You can expect cold and lots of snow during Wisconsin winters, as well as experience high temperatures that can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the summers.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Wisconsin?
The best time to visit Wisconsin is during the summer months of May to August, the fall months of September to November, and the winter month of December.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit the state during the other months, but simply that these months might be the best based on activities to do and comfortability. Wisconsin weather can get quite extreme, so expect hot temperatures during the summer and freezing temperatures during the winter.
Visiting Wisconsin In The Summer
Wisconsin summers can reach warm temperatures averaging 80 degrees Fahrenheit and peaking at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider visiting places like Devil’s Lake State Park during this time for hiking opportunities with beautiful views and kayaking and canoeing opportunities on the lake.
Wisconsin Dells is another of the most popular cities to visit during the summer as its considered the “Waterpark Capital of the World”. It’s the perfect place to visit with kids, where you can rent a cabin and visit waterparks and amusement parks like Noah’s Ark, Mt Olympus, Chula Vista Resort, and much more. It’s also one of the most popular winter destinations in the United States due to its indoor facilities.
If you’re looking for nightlife, it thrives during the summer, and you can’t beat cities like Milwaukee or Madison. Milwaukee is the largest city by population and shares a diverse population.
You’ll find reggae bars, techno events, EDM clubs, and more. Madison has UW-Madison, so the college town has plenty of bars and clubs. Plus, it’s one of the safest cities in all of Wisconsin and offers plenty of biking trails, hiking trails, and museums to explore. Read our luxury hotel guide for Madison here.
Visiting Wisconsin In The Winter
If there is a time you may want to consider avoiding Wisconsin, it would be during certain winter months. January through February are some of the coldest winter months, and the state also sees some heavy snowstorms during this time.
In areas like Green Bay and Door County, Northern Wisconsin sees some of the heaviest snowfalls. But if you’re into snow sports, it’s probably the best time to visit for you. Door County, in particular, is the go-to area for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports. You’ll find all kinds of accommodations here too.
Lake Geneva is another popular place to visit during the winter. Their famous Winterfest festival takes place during February and is home to U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship. You’ll also find plenty of romantic activities and accommodations in the city with your partner.
If you’re visiting from a warm place like Florida, you may want to avoid it unless you think you can withstand the cold. While November and December are cold, they don’t reach the same freezing levels as the months of January and February.
Wisconsin Events To Consider Attending
There are some unique events that occur in Wisconsin throughout the year that are worth visiting on their own. One of the most popular ones is Summerfest which starts near the end of June and runs through the beginning of July.
It takes place in Milwaukee near the lakeside and was once considered the world’s largest music festival. It receives hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world each year.
The Lumberjack World Championships also occur during the summer in Hayward, Wisconsin. It’s certainly a unique thing to watch and lasts three days. The EAA Airventure is another thrilling activity in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where you can enjoy an airshow full of aerobatics with family and friends. You can also read our guide on the best Wisconsin attractions to see.
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