
High temps range from the upper 60s in May to the low 80s come August. This allows visitors to enjoy a little more elbow room at the city's top attractions and summer events. Dane County Farmers' Market (April-November)Īfter the university's spring commencement, Madison is noticeably quieter once the majority of the student population heads back home for summer break.A variety of kid-friendly activities, including holiday light displays at the Henry Vilas Zoo, the Wisconsin state Capitol and Olbrich Botanical Gardens, make this an especially fun time for families to visit. Plus, you'll be able to score discounted nightly rates at some of the city's best hotels during Hotel Week in February. Winter hiking at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum and ice skating at The Edgewater hotel are also popular winter pastimes. Still, if you're not dissuaded by the freezing temperatures, you'll be able to take advantage of some uniquely Midwestern activities like ice fishing on Lake Mendota. While the fresh powder is certainly conducive to snowshoeing, sledding and skiing, it can cause frustrating travel delays. What's more, the city sees an average snowfall of more than 50 inches. With average high temperatures hovering in the 20s and 30s and lows in the teens, conditions can be harsh.

Winters in Madison are not for the faint of heart.

Along with the pleasant fall weather, this season also welcomes university students back to campus, bringing an infectious energy to the downtown area. The changing leaves and crisp air, accompanied by high temperatures in the low 70s in September and the mid-40s by November, provide the idyllic setting for a fall visit.
