Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Milwaukee in October
Milwaukee cools off: highs slip to 60°F (15°C), from 74°F in September, with lows of 42°F (5°C) and about 3.2 in (82 mm) of rain.
It scores 75/100 for comfort, 4th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 60°F (15°C)
- Avg low
- 42°F (5°C)
- Rain
- 3.2 in (82 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 67%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 47 min
- Comfort score
- 75/100 · Great
What October feels like
Highs near 60°F (15°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
Nights cool to an average low of 42°F (5°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.2 in (82 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around October
October is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (September).
- The year's biggest cool-down: highs drop 8°C (14°F) from September.
- Comfort slips from 84/100 in September to 75/100.
- Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so October 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 — October falls outside it.
What to pack for October
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 42°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Milwaukee in October
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Mader's
German restaurant on Old World Third Street since 1902, with schnitzel, pork shank and steins of German beer.
Why now October scores 75/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Cathedral Square Park
Downtown park at the center of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, filled with lit trees and displays.
Milwaukee Public Market
Third Ward market hall with seafood, cheese, Wisconsin specialties and an upstairs seating area.
Milwaukee RiverWalk
Riverside path linking the Third Ward and downtown, passing the Bronze Fonz.
Bryant's Cocktail Lounge
Cocktail lounge since 1938 with no menu; bartenders mix to your taste.
Nearby in October
- Chicago in October~81 mi · highs 59°F, 3.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Holland in October~93 mi · highs 58°F, 4.4 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Indiana Dunes in October~105 mi · highs 62°F, 3.7 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Door County in October~140 mi · highs 55°F, 3.7 in rain · 3°C (5°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 October: quick answers
Is October 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 60°F (15°C) and 3.2 in (82 mm) of rain. Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so October is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Milwaukee in October?
Average highs are 60°F (15°C) and average lows 42°F (5°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Milwaukee in October?
Some: about 3.2 in (82 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 37.3 in (948 mm).
What should I pack for Milwaukee in October?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 42°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Milwaukee
Planning Milwaukee in October?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.