The climate of Waukesha
Geographically nestled within the Midwestern United States,
Waukesha,
Wisconsin, experiences a humid continental climate. This climatic condition falls under Köppen climate classification Dfb, characterized by no dry season and a warm summer. The yearly weather cycle in this location is quite contrasting, with a fair distribution of all four distinctive seasons.
Temperature variations span from a low of 14°F (-10°C) in
January to a high of up to 78.1°F (25.6°C) in
July, indicating a vast temperature spectrum. An undulating trend is visible in rainfall throughout the year. The least precipitation occurs in
February with approximately 0.51" (13mm), while July has the maximum amount of rainfall at around 1.73" (44mm). Surprisingly, snowfall is not negligible in Waukesha. The cold months, from
December to February, show a measureable quantity, peaking in December at around 0.79" (20mm).
A unique feature here is the fairly constant visibility of six miles throughout the year, irrespective of seasonal changes. A more conventional pattern is seen with daylight hours. They peak during the summer months, with a high of 15.3 hours in
June, and decline to a low of 9.1 hours in December.
The best time to visit Waukesha
Navigating towards the best time of year to visit
Waukesha, climatic data points towards the summer months, primarily
June through
August. These months showcase a comfortable weather environment with temperatures peaking at around 66.8°F (19.3°C) to 78.1°F (25.6°C), alluring for outdoor activities. It is also the sunniest period, with sunshine hours extending from 9.5 hours in June to a maximum of 10.2 hours in
July and August.
Besides warmth and extended periods of daylight, these months concurrently present low wind speeds standing between 6.7mph (10.8km/h) and 8.6mph (13.8km/h), adding to the comfort set by the pleasant temperature and clear skies. Coupled with a high UV index of 6 in June, a visit to Waukesha during this time would provide an optimal climate for sightseeing and al fresco dining.
The worst time to visit Waukesha
The most challenging months to visit
Waukesha are
January and
February with temperatures averaging between 14°F (-10°C) and 28.4°F (-2°C). The cold is accompanied by an increased number of snowfall days, peaking at 11.2 in January. The days during these winter months are quite short; daylight hovers around the annual minimum, from 9.4 hours in January to 10.6 hours in February.
Further compounding the cold weather are the wind conditions. The wind speed notably increases during this period from an average of 10.6mph (17.1km/h) in January to 11.2mph (18km/h) in February, making it feel even colder. Therefore, unless winter sports and activities are on the agenda, it might be best to avoid Waukesha during these months.
Spring weather in Waukesha
As winter wanes and spring ushers in,
Waukesha begins to thaw from
March to
May. The average high temperature starts to fluctuate between a comfortable 40.6°F (4.8°C) in March, rising to 63.5°F (17.5°C) by May. Meanwhile, opportunities for outdoor activities are enhanced with daylight incrementally increasing over these months, covering from 12 hours in March to 14.7 hours by May.
With the arrival of spring, the rainfall also sees quite a hike, especially in
April and May. Therefore, visitors should anticipate occasional showers and plan outdoor ventures accordingly. Spring season in Waukesha promises a respite from the harsh winter and a prelude to lovely summer days.
Summer weather in Waukesha
The summer season in
Waukesha, covering
June through
August, treats residents and visitors with warm temperatures fluctuating between 72.3°F (22.4°C) and 78.1°F (25.6°C). These months are characterized by the most prolonged amounts of daylight, peaking in June with 15.3 hours. Along with extended sunlight, the summer season also sees the highest UV index, with a peak of 6 in June.
Waukesha's summer season is also marked by a high relative humidity level, averaging from 79% to 81%. During this time, rainfall is frequent, with
July experiencing the most rainfall at approximately 1.73" (44mm).
Autumn weather in Waukesha
Transitioning from the sultry summers,
Waukesha embraces autumn with a significant drop in temperatures from
September to
November. From an average high of 70.7°F (21.5°C) in September, temperatures gradually decrease to 43.3°F (6.3°C) by November. Concurrently, daylight hours gradually reduce from 12.5 hours in September to 9.7 hours in November, marking the onset of shorter days.
The fall months are uniquely characterized by declining humidity levels from 79% in September to a yearly minimum of 77% in November. Although the rainfall does slightly decrease, temperatures remain relatively pleasant, contributing to the beautiful fall colors spread across the city.
Winter weather in Waukesha
December marks the onset of winter, with average temperatures dropping to around 31.8°F (-0.1°C) by the month-end and further declining to 14°F (-10°C) by
January. Despite freezing temperatures and high humidity levels brought about by the winter climate,
Waukesha does not see a substantial amount of snowfall; it averages less than an inch throughout the cold season.
Despite the cold climate, Waukesha's winter months are characterized by clear skies with the cloud percentage falling to an annual low of 30% in December. Thus, despite the decrease in temperature, the clear skies and reduced cloud cover contribute to a relatively comfortable winter climate. Winter in Waukesha is all about embracing the chill and enjoying the crisp air.
Weather in January
A typical winter month in
Waukesha,
Wisconsin,
January observes a cold climate and regular snowfall. Relatively high humidity levels make the chill in the air quite noticeable, further dropping the perceived temperature. The city experiences frequent snow showers with snowfall count of 1.57" (40mm) occurring over 11.2 days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning further into the winter season,
February in
Waukesha continues to be frigid, albeit less snowy when compared to
January. The drier atmosphere allows for a slight increase in sunlight despite the persistent cloud cover.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Come
March, the weather starts showing the first signs of spring. Temperature records show readings starting to climb, heralding the end of the frosty weather. As the leftover winter snow melts, the city starts receiving rainfall over an average of 8 days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As the town steps fully into spring in
April, the weather becomes markedly milder. With temperatures comfortably lodged in the cool range, the city enjoys a pleasant climate. April showers turn out to be a reality in
Waukesha with rainfall of 1.34" (34mm) recorded over 11.6 days.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The pleasant spring weather smoothly transitions into early summer during
May in
Waukesha,
Wisconsin. As the temperature steadily rises, the overall climate remains comfortably warm. Despite a moderate cloud cover, the city enjoys over 14 hours of daylight each day.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the onset of the summer season in
Waukesha. Temperatures continue to rise, with blue skies being a common sight. The city receives a rainfall amount of 1.34" (34mm) spread across almost 13 days. The return of summer to the city introduces lesser cloudy days and longer sunshine hours, encouraging outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month in
Waukesha,
Wisconsin, with temperatures soaring to as high as 78.1°F (25.6°C). This summer peak brings along increased humidity, creating a tropical atmosphere. Despite this, the city witnesses its maximum rainfall during this period.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August arrives, summer continues its reign in
Waukesha even though a slight dip in temperatures is noticeable. The climate remains warm, retaining much of
July's tropical feel. The routine of rainfall, however, reduces in intensity.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings the start of the fall season in
Waukesha,
Wisconsin. A significant drop in temperature is witnessed, signaling the end of the summer heat. Rain becomes less frequent with a decrease to 0.87" (22mm) of rainfall over just 10.3 days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October accentuates the autumn season further in
Waukesha. The climate cools down substantially with temperatures taking a significant plunge. As leaves turn colors, the city skies also see an interesting play of light and shadow due to increased cloud cover.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Waukesha,
Wisconsin, sees the shift from autumn to early winter. The first hints of incoming snow surface as time proceeds, paving the way for the cold season. The city registers its resumed snowfall with 0.75" (19mm) spanning over 4.3 days.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The city of
Waukesha welcomes the full force of winter in
December. As temperatures dip to their lowest, the town braces itself for the cold. With snowfall measuring to 0.79" (20mm) scattered over almost 9 days, the city witnesses a quintessential white December.
Weather in December »