The climate of Wausau
Located in North Central
Wisconsin,
Wausau holds up to its geographical position with a predominantly Humid Continental climate; warm summers and no dry season (Köppen climate classification: Dfb). Spanning across the calendar year, Wausau's weather exhibits a characteristic dance of temperature fluctuations, relative humidity variation, and an orchestration of different precipitation rates.
Temperature swings in Wausau are quite impressive, with average high temperatures peaking at 77.2°F (25.1°C) in
July and plunging to as low as 19.8°F (-6.8°C) in
January. Concurrently, the average low temperature mirrors this trend by reaching a minimum of 8.2°F (-13.2°C) in January and progressing to a maximum of 58.5°F (14.7°C) in July. Relative humidity remains relatively constant throughout the year, ranging from a high of 91% in January and
February to a low of 76% in
April.
Rainfall follows a similar pattern, intensifying from an average of 0.43" (11mm) in January to 1.46" (37mm) in
May and
June, before descending back to 0.59" (15mm) in
December. Contrastingly, the average snowfall levels are fluctuating, with heavy snowfall in January that lessen through until April, and resume from
November to December. It is worth noting that Wausau does not receive any snowfall from May to
September.
Wausau's daylight hours extend from a minimum of 9.2 hours in January to a maximum of 15.6 hours in June, while sunshine hours follow a similar trend with a minimum of 2.8 hours in January and peaking at 9.7 hours in July. Although cloud cover varies throughout the year, it reaches a peak in January (72%) and descends to its lowest in July and
August (37%).
Speaking of wind conditions, Wausau remains fairly constant throughout the year, oscillating from 7.1mph (11.4km/h) in July to 9.4mph (15.1km/h) in April.
The best time to visit Wausau
For the optimal blend of excellent weather conditions and outdoor opportunities,
June to
August is the prime time to visit
Wausau. These months offer the highest average temperatures, ranging from 63.7°F (17.6°C) to 77.2°F (25.1°C). Combined with a generous 14.9 to 15.6 daylight hours, these conditions augur well for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, or picnicking in the city's numerous parks.
The worst time to visit Wausau
The winter months of
December,
January, and
February knock on the doors of
Wausau with brutal cold and harsh conditions, making them the least favorable for a visit. With high temperature averages from 19.8°F (-6.8°C) to 24.8°F (-4°C), and average low temperatures dropping as low as 8.2°F (-13.2°C), it is a time better suited for those who revel in snow and cold.
Spring weather in Wausau
Spring in
Wausau begins with a lingering winter chill and eventually blooms into a mild season.
March,
April, and
May see average high temperatures rise from 36.9°F (2.7°C) to 63.7°F (17.6°C), and low temperatures from 22.5°F (-5.3°C) to 45°F (7.2°C). Rainfall increases progressively throughout spring, culminating in an average of 1.46" (37mm) in May. With daylight hours extending from 12h to 14.9h, spring is a pleasing time to explore the outdoors.
Summer weather in Wausau
Summers in
Wausau are warm, with temperatures peaking at 77.2°F (25.1°C) in
July. This warmth is slightly tempered with a relatively high humidity level around 82%. Though rainfall averages are lower than in spring, the summer brings delight to nature enthusiasts with daylight hours reaching their highest and providing ample opportunity for outdoor pursuits.
Autumn weather in Wausau
Autumn in
Wausau sees a drop in temperature from 68.2°F (20.1°C) to 38.3°F (3.5°C) between
September and
November. It is a perfect season to enjoy Wausau's scenic vistas as they change colors. November greets with its first average snowfall of 1.38" (35mm), signaling the onset of winter.
Winter weather in Wausau
Wausau's winter is harsh, with average high temperatures dropping to 24.8°F (-4°C) in
December and further to 19.8°F (-6.8°C) in
January. Snowfall kicks into high gear, peaking at 2.17" (55mm) in January. Despite the cold, the pristine snow-covered landscapes make a stunning sight for those willing to brave the chill.
Weather in January
Expect the initial arrival of the year in
Wausau,
Wisconsin, with winters at their height characterized by chilled days and even colder nights. The days show a high temperature of merely 19.8°F (-6.8°C) and the nights dip low to 8.2°F (-13.2°C), combined with frequent snowfall averaging 2.17" (55mm) across 15.2 days in the month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
February rolls in, the profoundly cold weather of
January persists, albeit with slightly milder conditions. Despite a subtle climb in temperatures, the weather predominantly remains unbearably icy and frosty. Snowfall remains inevitable with a recorded average of 2.05" (52mm), occurring over an average of 14.3 days in February.
Weather in February »Weather in March
With the advent of
March, signs of spring begin to show in
Wausau, as the severe freeze starts to gradually recede. The extreme cold weather of the previous months starts making way for milder temperatures. However, the snow does not cease entirely; March still witnesses an average snowfall of 1.3" (33mm) spread over 10.8 days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signifies the advent of spring in
Wausau. Compared to the frigid conditions of the preceding months, a warmer ambiance starts to take over, marking the end of the harsh winter. Notably diminishing snowfall, recording only an average of 2.09" (53mm) over 5.7 days, indicates the receding intensity of winter in April.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May hails the arrival of pleasant weather in
Wausau, with the spring season in full bloom. The cold winters are now replaced by warm sunny days, making outdoor activities even more delightful. Notably, May records a shift towards warmer climes, with snowfall now a thing of the past, paving the way for clear skies and ample sunshine.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Summer settles into
Wausau with
June, ensuring warm and longer days that invite outdoor leisure activities. June transitions from the lush spring to a sunny and clear atmosphere. The weather undergoes a significant shift with the mercury rising to record temperatures of 71.8°F (22.1°C) during the day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Wausau is when summer hits its peak, bringing with it the year's warmest days. Marked by clear skies, the bright sunny days are perfect for recreational activities and social events. The mercury reaches a significant height as the monthly average temperatures record 77.2°F (25.1°C).
Weather in July » Weather in August
The heat slightly cools down in
August, yet summer continues to prevail in
Wausau, with warm, sunny days suitable for outdoor activities. The slight decrease in temperature does not lower the spirit of the summer season. Conditions remain reminiscent of
July, with average temperatures hovering around 75.6°F (24.2°C).
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings in the early signs of fall in
Wausau, with a slight drop in temperature levels. The sweltering heat of the summer months retracts, providing relief with more relaxed days. While it still experiences warmth, September records a temperate climate with temperatures averaging around 68.2°F (20.1°C).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is all about embracing the fall season in
Wausau. Although the temperature begins to cool down comprehensively, the city radiates a festive feel with the autumn season in full swing. The drop in temperature levels is more pronounced, with the monthly average recording around 53.1°F (11.7°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November is a transitional period for
Wausau's weather, as it marks the advent of freezing winters after the pleasant autumn season. The mercury takes a nosedive, and the weather begins to get significantly colder. During November, chilly winds become the norm, and the city records a lower average temperature of 38.3°F (3.5°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, the ultimate month of the year, brings back the intense cold in
Wausau. The city prepares to close the year under a thick layer of snow and freezing temperatures, making it one of the coldest months. Marked by average temperatures of 24.8°F (-4°C) in the day, December reveals the characteristic winter wonderland image of Wausau.
Weather in December »