Late spring · Weather & things to do
Milwaukee in May
Milwaukee warms up: highs climb to 66°F (19°C), from 55°F in April, with lows of 46°F (8°C) and about 4.3 in (109 mm) of rain.
It scores 75/100 for comfort, 3rd of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 66°F (19°C)
- Avg low
- 46°F (8°C)
- Rain
- 4.3 in (109 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 80%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 28 min
- Comfort score
- 75/100 · Great
What May feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 66°F (19°C), good for long walks.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 46°F (8°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.3 in (109 mm).
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 80%.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (September).
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, April – June.
- Comfort improves from 62/100 in April to 75/100.
- Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so May 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 — May falls outside it.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 46°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.3 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Milwaukee in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Mader's
German restaurant on Old World Third Street since 1902, with schnitzel, pork shank and steins of German beer.
Why now May scores 75/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Pabst Mansion
1892 Flemish Renaissance mansion of beer baron Frederick Pabst.
Lakefront Brewery
Riverside brewery known for its entertaining tours and Friday fish fry.
Kopp's Frozen Custard
Classic Milwaukee frozen custard stand with daily flavors and big burgers.
Milwaukee RiverWalk
Riverside path linking the Third Ward and downtown, passing the Bronze Fonz.
Nearby in May
- Chicago in May~81 mi · highs 59°F, 4.6 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Holland in May~93 mi · highs 58°F, 4.1 in rain · 4°C (8°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Indiana Dunes in May~105 mi · highs 69°F, 4.4 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Door County in May~140 mi · highs 57°F, 3.7 in rain · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, drier
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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Milwaukee?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 75/100 against a best of 84 in September. Expect highs of 66°F (19°C) and 4.3 in (109 mm) of rain. Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Milwaukee in May?
Average highs are 66°F (19°C) and average lows 46°F (8°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Milwaukee in May?
Some: about 4.3 in (109 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 37.3 in (948 mm).
What should I pack for Milwaukee in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 46°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.3 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Milwaukee
Planning Milwaukee in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.