Retirement Lists

Madison, Wisconsin

Wisconsin State Capitol on Capitol Square in Madison, Wisconsin.

Madison climate

Madison’s warm months reward outdoor planning, while a long freezing season shapes the home

Madison’s climate ledger records an 81°F average summer high, 5 days above 90, an Excellent summer feel, 1,390 peak sun hours, and May through September as the best listed months. Lakes, beaches, gardens, biking, hiking, boating, and parks can all make the warm season feel varied.

The average winter low is 13°F, with 155 days below freezing and a Poor winter feel. Humidity is 80 percent, comfortable weather lasts 5 months, solar exposure is Poor, air quality is Excellent, allergy levels are Poor, modeled fine particle pollution is 5.9 micrograms per cubic meter for 2021 through 2025, heat risk is Low with a Very Good display, drought risk is Low, and weather volatility is Moderate. Madison’s central climate question is how the home and household manage winter.

Living through the seasons

Summers are the easier season. Winter comfort deserves a closer look.

Overall Comfort
Good

2.6 / 5

Average Summer High
81°F

Mild · 81°F

Days Above 90°F
5 days/year

Excellent

Summer Feel
Excellent

4.8 / 5

Average Winter Low
13°F / -10°C

Poor

Days Below Freezing
155 days/year

Poor

Winter Feel
Poor

1 / 5

The shape of the year

Humidity, comfortable months, and sunshine show how the seasons differ.

Humidity
80%

Poor

Comfortable Months
5 months

Fair

Solar Exposure
1390 peak sun hrs/yr

Poor

Air, allergies, and weather

Air quality and allergies shape day to day comfort. The best months and weather risks help with timing.

Air and allergies

Air Quality
Excellent

4.7 / 5

Allergy Levels
Poor

Current AQI

Checking…

Current PM2.5

Checking…

Timing and weather

Long Term Fine Particle Pollution
5.9 µg/m³ 2021-2025 modeled average

Good · 5.9 µg/m³ 2021-2025 modeled average

Best Months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Toughest Months
Feb, Jan, Dec
Heat Risk
Low

Very Good

Drought Risk
Low
Weather Volatility
Moderate

3 / 5

Madison in everyday life

Could Madison work for you?

What may work well

  • Madison has an 81°F average summer high, only 5 days above 90, Excellent summer feel, and May through September as the best listed months.
  • Lakes, beaches, parks, gardens, biking, hiking, boating, and arts provide specific warm season choices.
  • Air quality is Excellent, heat risk is Low with a Very Good display, and drought risk is Low.

What to think about

  • A 13°F average winter low and 155 freezing days make winter management the central climate tradeoff.
  • 80 percent humidity, Poor allergies, Poor solar exposure, and only 5 comfortable months can narrow outdoor choices.
  • Heating, entryways, traction, snow and ice, parking, mobility, power, and car readiness matter at the exact home.

Plan Madison climate around a usable winter home

  1. Review heating and entryways

    Ask about heating, insulation, windows, moisture, stairs, handrails, storage, snow and ice, parking, and the route from the Madison home to the car or street.

  2. Use the warm months well

    Place lakes, beaches, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Goodman Pool, Warner Park, biking, hiking, boating, arts, care, and family visits on the seasonal plan.

  3. Keep air and allergy questions separate

    Use Excellent air quality, 5.9 micrograms of modeled fine particle pollution, Poor allergies, 80 percent humidity, ventilation, medication planning, and household sensitivity together.

  4. Prepare the car and return route

    Match the Recommended car with winter tires or equipment questions, parking, traction, power, care travel, pharmacy trips, and family routes before choosing a home.

Questions retirees ask

What is Madison’s climate like?

Madison has an 81°F average summer high, 5 days above 90, a 13°F average winter low, 155 days below freezing, 80 percent humidity, 5 comfortable months, Excellent air quality, Poor allergies, and May through September as the best listed months.

Are Madison summers comfortable?

The published summer high is 81°F, with 5 days above 90 and an Excellent summer feel. Lakes, parks, gardens, biking, boating, and arts are warm season strengths, while the route from parking to the door still needs review.

How difficult are Madison winters?

The average winter low is 13°F, there are 155 days below freezing, and winter feel is Poor. Review heating, insulation, entryways, stairs, sidewalks, snow and ice, parking, mobility, and car readiness.

Are allergies a concern in Madison?

The published allergy level is Poor, while air quality is Excellent and modeled fine particle pollution is 5.9 micrograms per cubic meter for the 2021 through 2025 average. Pair those rows with humidity, ventilation, medication planning, and household sensitivity.

When is Madison most comfortable outdoors?

May through September are the best listed months, and 5 months are comfortable. Lakes, beaches, parks, gardens, biking, arts, care, winter preparation, and the route home still need to fit the household.

Madison offers an appealing summer through lakes, parks, gardens, biking, boating, and arts, while the 13°F winter low, 155 freezing days, Poor winter feel, humidity, and allergies make the home carry more of the year. For Madison’s climate plan, choose Save, Compare, or Find my fit.

Sources

Climate comfort helps estimate how practical daily life may feel across the year, especially for heat, humidity, cold, and seasonal constraints.

Seasonal timing, health conditions, air conditioning, air quality, and elevation can change the lived experience.

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