Early winter · Weather & things to do
Milwaukee in December
Milwaukee cools off: highs slip to 33°F (1°C), from 46°F in November, with lows of 20°F (-7°C) and about 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 43/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 33°F (1°C)
- Avg low
- 20°F (-7°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.1 in (54 mm)
- Humidity
- 88%
- Cloud cover
- 77%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 50 min
- Comfort score
- 43/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 33°F (1°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 20°F (-7°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 77%.
Only about 8 h 50 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 50 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 54/100 in November to 43/100.
- Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
- Our Chicago & Milwaukee route is planned for Late Nov – Dec 24, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 20°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Milwaukee in December
With highs near 33°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Harley-Davidson Museum
Over 100 years of motorcycles in the company's hometown.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 33°F.
Bryant's Cocktail Lounge
Cocktail lounge since 1938 with no menu; bartenders mix to your taste.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 33°F.
Cathedral Square Park
Downtown park at the center of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, filled with lit trees and displays.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Sobelman's Pub & Grill
Burgers and over-the-top Bloody Marys in a corner tavern near Marquette.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Milwaukee RiverWalk
Riverside path linking the Third Ward and downtown, passing the Bronze Fonz.
Nearby in December
- Chicago in December~81 mi · highs 37°F, 2.3 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Holland in December~93 mi · highs 36°F, 2.7 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Indiana Dunes in December~105 mi · highs 37°F, 2.4 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Door County in December~140 mi · highs 31°F, 2.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
These averages also cover Bradford Beach & the Lakefront and Deer District & Downtown Milwaukee.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Milwaukee in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Milwaukee?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 43/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September. Expect highs of 33°F (1°C) and 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow. Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Milwaukee in December?
Average highs are 33°F (1°C) and average lows 20°F (-7°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Milwaukee in December?
Not much: about 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 37.3 in (948 mm).
What should I pack for Milwaukee in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 20°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Milwaukee
Routes in season in December
- Chicago & Milwaukee Late Nov – Dec 24
Planning Milwaukee in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.