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Weather in Madison
University town between two pristine lakes
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About Madison
Madison sits between two pristine glacial lakes, creating a jeweled setting for Wisconsin's capital and university town. The Isthmus connecting the lakes holds the Capitol and vibrant downtown. The Wisconsin State Fair celebrates local food culture.
Best months to visit
June, July, August, September
Things to do in Madison
Swim or kayak Lakes Mendota or Monona
Stroll the Capitol Square and tour the domed building
Browse the Dane County Farmers' Market on weekend mornings
Visit the University of Wisconsin campus and museums
Explore State Street's bookshops, cafes, and indie shops
Hike trails at Tenney Park or nearby forests
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
-3C
Cold, with occasional showers.
February
-1C
Cold, with occasional showers.
March
6C
Cold, with some rainy days.
April
13C
Cool, with some rainy days.
May
20C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
Recommended
June
26C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
July
27C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
August
27C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
September
23C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
October
15C
Cool, with some rainy days.
November
7C
Cold, with occasional showers.
December
2C
Cold, with occasional showers.
Madison sits on an isthmus between two lakes, with the Wisconsin State Capitol's dome visible from almost everywhere and a famous Saturday farmers market that circles the building each summer. As home to the University of Wisconsin, it has a youthful, bike-friendly energy and a food scene built on Midwestern dairy and produce from the surrounding farmland.
Best areas to stay in Madison
Capitol Square
The downtown core circling the State Capitol, home to the Saturday farmers market.
State Street
A pedestrian-friendly strip connecting the Capitol to the university campus, lined with shops and restaurants.
University of Wisconsin campus
The lakeside campus area with the Memorial Union terrace, a popular lakeside hangout.
Monona / Mendota lakefronts
Park and trail areas around the two lakes flanking the isthmus.
Getting to Madison
✈
Flights
Fly into Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), or via Chicago O'Hare with a 2.5–3 hour drive.
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From London
~10–12 hours from London with one or two connections.
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Getting around
Downtown and the campus area are very walkable and bike-friendly; a car helps for exploring beyond the isthmus.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Madison?
May to October offers warm weather for the lakes and farmers market season; winters are long and cold with regular snow and ice on the lakes.
How do I get to Madison?
Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) has limited direct flights; many visitors fly into Chicago O'Hare and drive about 2.5–3 hours.
What is the Dane County Farmers' Market?
One of the largest producer-only farmers markets in the US, held on Saturdays around the Capitol Square in season, selling Wisconsin produce, cheese and baked goods.
Can I do anything on the lakes?
Yes — Lake Mendota and Lake Monona offer kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing in summer, and ice fishing or skating when frozen in winter.
Is Madison a college town?
Yes — the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus borders downtown and shapes much of the city's restaurant, bar and event scene.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
The Saturday farmers market around the Capitol was fantastic — went back for cheese curds twice in one morning.
Laura B. · August 2024
★★★★☆
Spent an evening on the Memorial Union Terrace by the lake — such a relaxed, social spot in summer.
Nick R. · June 2024
★★★☆☆
Bitterly cold in February but the frozen lake had people ice fishing and skating — a different kind of charm.
Carol S. · February 2024
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