Climate and monthly weather forecast
Appleton, WI

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Colorful trees and neat lawns in Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, the river, and the rest of the city
Colorful trees and neat lawns in Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, the river, and the rest of the city

The climate of Appleton

Appleton, Wisconsin belongs to the Dfb Köppen climate classification which represents a Humid continental climate, with no dry season and warm summers. This puts Appleton in the category of having four distinct seasons each year, with broad swings in temperature.

Averaged climatological parameters reveal a clear fluctuation throughout the year. The peak temperature can roll up to 78.4°F (25.8°C) in July, while the lowest point dips to 10.8°F (-11.8°C) in January. Humidity is relatively constant throughout the year, wavering slightly between 75% in April to 88% in January and February.

Rainfall and snowfall are common phenomena, and their occurrence changes with the seasons. The number of rainy days varies between 3.9 days in January to a peak of 15.9 days in May. Snow persists from November to April with the thickest blanket, about 5.79" (147mm), seen in January. Apart from these seasons, significant snowfall is negligible.

The amount of daylight increases from 9.3 hours in January to a high of 15.5 hours in June before it starts its decline. Consequently, sunshine hours stand at a paltry 3.4 hours in January but climb to a commendable 10.1 hours by July.

Wind speed in Appleton registers minimum in July at 7.1mph (11.4km/h) and spirals up to a peak of 9.9mph (15.9km/h) in April.

The best time to visit Appleton

The best time to visit Appleton generally lies between June and September. During these months, the average high temperature ascends from 72.9°F (22.7°C) to 78.4°F (25.8°C), with the lowest low temperature remaining above 55.6°F (13.1°C). July holds the apex of daylight at 15.5 hours. Sunshine is bountiful during this period, peaking at 10.1 hours per day in July. While rainfall levels vary, the number of rainy days is relatively small in this frame, descending from 14.8 days in June to 12.8 days in August.

The worst time to visit Appleton

The season least favorable to visit Appleton spans from November to March. In this period, the average high temperature descends from 41.5°F (5.3°C) down to 21.9°F (-5.6°C), while lows plummet from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 10.8°F (-11.8°C). Daylight reduces to a meager 8.9 to 9.6 hours. Sunshine becomes scarce, reaching a mere 3.4 hours in December. While snowfall in November and March averages around 1.61" (41mm) and 2.76" (70mm) respectively, it rises up to 5.79" (147mm) in January.

Spring weather in Appleton

Spring transitions the weather in Appleton from frigid to mild. In March, the average high and low temperatures are 38.5°F (3.6°C) and 25.2°F (-3.8°C). By the end of spring in May, average highs rise to 64°F (17.8°C) and lows to 46.6°F (8.1°C). Rainfall is more frequent, reaching a peak in May with 15.9 days of recorded rainfall, while snowfall diminishes by the end of April.

Summer weather in Appleton

Summer introduces warm weather to Appleton. Average high temperatures hover around 78.4°F (25.8°C) in July, whereas average lows remain around 61.2°F (16.2°C) in the same month. Rainfall is less frequent with only around 14 to 15 rainy days per month. Daylight extends to a maximum of 15.5 hours in June while Sunshine hours peak at 10.1 hours in July.

Autumn weather in Appleton

Autumn witnesses a dwindling in temperatures. By November, the average highs and lows descend to 41.5°F (5.3°C) and 30°F (-1.1°C) respectively. Rainfall remains nearly steady between 1.81" (46mm) in September and 1.5" (38mm) in November. However, the number of rainy days falls gradually to 9.2 days in November. Snow begins in November with recorded snowfall of 1.61" (41mm).

Winter weather in Appleton

Winter in Appleton is characterized by cold temperatures and regular snowfall. In December, the average high and low temperatures fall to 28.2°F (-2.1°C) and 18.5°F (-7.5°C) respectively and reach their lowest levels in January at 21.9°F (-5.6°C) and 10.8°F (-11.8°C). Snowfall reaches a peak in January with about 5.79" (147mm). Daylight is limited to 8.9 hours by December and even less in January. Sunshine hours drop to a mere 3.4 hours in January.

Weather in January

A true winter wonderland describes January in Appleton, Wisconsin, with snowfall reaching up to 5.79" (147mm) during the month. As daylight hours are shortest at 9.3 hours, locals and visitors bundle up and enjoy indoor activities. Weather in January »

Weather in February

The vestiges of winter persist in February as temperatures climb slowly from January with the highest reaching 25.2°F (-3.8°C) and the lowest at 13.1°F (-10.5°C). An end of winter event, the Winter Family Festival celebrates the town’s cold and snow-filled conditions. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March brings hints of spring to Appleton as temperatures start to thaw hovering between 25.2°F (-3.8°C) and 38.5°F (3.6°C). The snow begins to wane, giving way to more rainfall averaging at 1.69" (43mm). The cold still lingers, with snowfall days reducing to 8.4 from the higher counts in the preceding months. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April ushers in true springtime with an evident leap in temperatures from 38.5°F (3.6°C) to 50.7°F (10.4°C). Floral blooms grace Appleton as rain showers become more frequent. Mirroring this change, snowfall dwindles to an average of 2.76" (70mm) with only 3.8 days of snowfall. Weather in April »

Weather in May

The warming trend continues in May offering comfortable weather with high temperatures around 64°F (17.8°C) in Appleton. Residents delight in the greenery as rainfall becomes more rigorous with an average of 3.54" (90mm). The city basks in 14.8 hours of daylight and about 8.8 hours of sunshine making it ideal for outdoor activities. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Summertime arrives in June as Appleton basks in the highest sunshine hours of 9.4 on average. The pleasant climate offers some of the warmest weather in the year with an increased high temperature of 72.9°F (22.7°C). Despite the rise in temperature, the city sees minimal fluctuation in humidity, preserving the comfort level. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July holds the title as the hottest month in Appleton with the high average temperature shooting up to 78.4°F (25.8°C). Locals and tourists can enjoy the outdoors as rainfall dips to 2.4" (61mm), less than the preceding months. High humidity levels persist, influencing the overall feel of the hot weather. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August weather parities July in many aspects with high temperature hovering around 77.4°F (25.2°C), just slightly lower than the previous month. This warm weather incites locals to enjoy Appleton’s concert series and outdoor markets. Weather in August »

Weather in September

The arrival of September heralds a gradual shift from sultry summer to the freshness of fall in Appleton. Temperatures start to decline, slipping from 70.2°F (21.2°C) to make way for the cooler autumnal months. Despite the decrease, weather conditions remain pleasant and comfortable for outdoor activities. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October presents a striking shift in Appleton’s weather as temperatures fall to an average high of 55.8°F (13.2°C). The town starts to embrace a crisper atmosphere, consistent with the arrival of the fall season. However, rainfall sees a slight increase with an average of 2.72" (69mm), making it one of the rainier months of the year. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November ushers in winter’s chill as temperatures drop to an average low of 30°F (-1.1°C). The first snow of the season often touches down in this month, hinting at the impending winter. Wind speeds pick up, averaging at 9.8mph (15.8km/h), adding a chilly bite to the air in Appleton. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December rounds off the year with an average high of 28.2°F (-2.1°C), turning Appleton into a beautiful winter wonderland again. As the coldest month, snowfall increases to 4.33" (110mm) with 11.4 snowfall days setting the stage for a likely white Christmas. Weather in December »
Updated: Feb 14, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest in Appleton?

With average high and low temperatures of 21.9°F (-5.6°C) and 10.8°F (-11.8°C) respectively, January is Appleton's coldest month.

What are the most humid months in Appleton?

January and February, with an average relative humidity of 88%, are most humid months in Appleton, Wisconsin.

How much does it rain in Appleton?

In Appleton, Wisconsin, during the entire year, the rain falls for 131.1 days and collects up to 24.45" (621mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Appleton?

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall in Appleton, Wisconsin.

When does it snow the most in Appleton?

January is the month with the most snowfall in Appleton, Wisconsin. Snow falls for 14.2 days and accumulates 5.79" (147mm) of snow.

How much does it snow in Appleton?

In Appleton, Wisconsin, during the entire year, snow falls for 56.9 days and aggregates up to 21.97" (558mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Appleton?

January has the least sunshine of the year in Appleton, with an average of 3.4h of sunshine.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Appleton?

The months with the lowest UV index in Appleton are January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

What is the driest month in Appleton?

February is the month with the least rainfall in Appleton, Wisconsin. Rain falls for 4 days and accumulates 1.06" (27mm) of precipitation.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Appleton?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.

What is the least humid month in Appleton?

With an average relative humidity of 75%, April is the least humid month in Appleton.

What is the wettest month in Appleton?

May is the month with the most rainfall in Appleton, Wisconsin. Rain falls for 15.9 days and accumulates 3.54" (90mm) of precipitation.

What are the months with the highest UV index in Appleton?

The months with the highest UV index in Appleton, Wisconsin, are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 5.

When it does not snow in Appleton?

In Appleton, Wisconsin, snow does not fall in June through September.

When are the longest days in Appleton?

With an average of 15h and 30min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

What time of the year is the hottest in Appleton?

July, noted for its average high-temperature of 78.4°F (25.8°C) and an average low-temperature of 61.2°F (16.2°C), is considered the warmest month in Appleton, Wisconsin.

What month has the most sunshine in Appleton?

The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 10.1h of sunshine.

What is the month with the shortest days in Appleton?

December has the shortest days of the year in Appleton, Wisconsin, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight.

Average temperature
Appleton, WI

Average temperature - Appleton, WI

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (78.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (21.9°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (61.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (10.8°F).

Average pressure
Appleton, WI

Average pressure - Appleton, WI

The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January, February and March (30.09"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.91"Hg).

Average wind speed
Appleton, WI

Average wind speed - Appleton, WI

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (9.9mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (7.1mph).

Average humidity
Appleton, WI

Average humidity - Appleton, WI

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and February (88%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (75%).

Average rainfall
Appleton, WI

Average rainfall - Appleton, WI

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (3.54").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (1.06").

Average rainfall days
Appleton, WI

Average rainfall days - Appleton, WI

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (15.9 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (3.9 days).

Average snowfall
Appleton, WI

Average snowfall - Appleton, WI

The month with the highest snowfall is January (5.79").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Appleton, WI

Average snowfall days - Appleton, WI

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (14.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Appleton, WI

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Appleton, WI

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 54min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 24min).

Average sunshine days
Appleton, WI

Average sunshine days - Appleton, WI

The month with the most sunshine days is September (16.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (11.8 days).

Average UV index
Appleton, WI

Average UV index - Appleton, WI

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, November and December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
Appleton, WI

Average visibility - Appleton, WI

The months with the highest visibility are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February and December (5mi).

Appleton, Wisconsin, USA

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