Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Milwaukee in January
This is the coldest month in Milwaukee: highs average 28°F (-2°C) and lows 13°F (-10°C), with about 1.6 in (40 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 45/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 28°F (-2°C)
- Avg low
- 13°F (-10°C)
- Rain or snow
- 1.6 in (40 mm)
- Humidity
- 89%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 10 min
- Comfort score
- 45/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 28°F (-2°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 13°F (-10°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 1.6 in (40 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 76%.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 10 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September.
- Comfort holds steady from December (43 → 45/100).
- Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so January 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 — January falls outside it.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 13°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Milwaukee in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Milwaukee Art Museum
Calatrava's lakefront pavilion with moving 'wings' and a strong collection.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 28°F.
Milwaukee Public Market
Third Ward market hall with seafood, cheese, Wisconsin specialties and an upstairs seating area.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 28°F.
Lakefront Brewery
Riverside brewery known for its entertaining tours and Friday fish fry.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Kopp's Frozen Custard
Classic Milwaukee frozen custard stand with daily flavors and big burgers.
Why now A cozy break on a 28°F day.
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.
Nearby in January
- Chicago in January~81 mi · highs 32°F, 1.9 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Holland in January~93 mi · highs 31°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Indiana Dunes in January~105 mi · highs 32°F, 2.3 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Door County in January~140 mi · highs 26°F, 1.4 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, 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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Milwaukee?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 45/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September. Expect highs of 28°F (-2°C) and 1.6 in (40 mm) of rain or snow. Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Milwaukee in January?
Average highs are 28°F (-2°C) and average lows 13°F (-10°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Milwaukee in January?
Not much: about 1.6 in (40 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 13°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Milwaukee
Planning Milwaukee in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.