Thanksgiving in Wisconsin feels more like winter’s kickoff than fall’s farewell. You can usually expect cold temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s, with a real chance of snow or flurries, especially in the northern and central parts of the state.
Some years surprise everyone with milder weather in the 40s or even low 50s, but honestly, most folks end up bundling up for holiday gatherings and travel.
Snow skips some years, but light accumulations pop up pretty regularly. Cloudy skies and chilly winds show up often, and if a storm rolls through, roads can get slick.
These conditions shape not just how you celebrate, but also how you plan your trip.
Knowing what late November usually brings helps you prepare for both comfort and safety.
Whether you’re hosting family, driving across the state, or visiting Wisconsin for the holiday, it pays to understand typical patterns, extremes, and travel concerns.
Typical Thanksgiving Temperatures in Wisconsin
Thanksgiving in Wisconsin usually brings chilly days, though the weather can swing wildly year to year.
You might get mild afternoons in the 50s or 60s, or you might end up shivering with highs stuck in the teens.
Snow and rain both show up, depending on where you spend the holiday.
Average Highs and Lows
Wisconsin’s humid continental climate makes November weather change fast.
By late November, average high temperatures usually land between 35°F and 42°F. Average lows range from 20°F to 28°F.
Southern cities like Milwaukee and Madison run a few degrees warmer than northern spots like Superior or Rhinelander.
Nights get pretty cold, and frost shows up often.
Daytime highs might feel mild if the sun breaks through, but wind chills can cut right through you. If you want to play football or go hiking outside, you’ll definitely want a warm coat, hat, and gloves.
Snow on the ground isn’t a sure thing, but it happens often enough. Some years bring bare grass, while others already have a few inches by the holiday.
Record Warm and Cold Years
Wisconsin has had some wild swings on Thanksgiving.
In 2012, Milwaukee reached 63°F and Madison hit 62°F—record highs for the holiday. That year felt more like early fall than Thanksgiving.
But in 1930, Green Bay shivered through a high of just 12°F. Madison only managed 21°F in 1956, and Eau Claire had a high of 16°F that same year.
These records really show how unpredictable the holiday can be. Even though averages suggest cold weather, you might get anything from a taste of early fall to a real taste of winter.
Regional Variations
Where you are in Wisconsin makes a big difference.
Southern Wisconsin—places like Milwaukee, Madison, and Janesville—usually run several degrees warmer, with highs in the upper 30s to low 40s.
Northern Wisconsin, especially near Lake Superior, stays colder. Highs in the 20s or low 30s are pretty common, and snow chances go up.
Towns like Superior or Rhinelander usually see winter settle in sooner than the south.
Western cities such as La Crosse and Eau Claire get sharp temperature swings. Sometimes they’re mild, but Arctic air can blast in fast.
If you’re traveling across the state, you’ll notice big differences in both temperature and precipitation. Packing layers just makes sense.
Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns
Thanksgiving in Wisconsin often brings unsettled weather.
Some years you’ll get rain, some bring snow, and sometimes it’s just cold and dry. Snowfall shows up more often in the northern and western parts of the state.
Chance of Rain and Snow
The odds of seeing precipitation on Thanksgiving sit around 50% in southern and western Wisconsin, according to long-term records.
About a third of the time, that’s measurable rain or snow. The rest of the time, you might just see a trace that doesn’t really add up.
Rain happens less than snow in late November, but it’s not unheard of. Warmer years bring light rain or drizzle, especially near Madison and Milwaukee.
Northern areas, like Superior, usually get snow instead.
Temperatures often hover near freezing, so precipitation type can flip during the day. You might start with cold rain in the morning and end up with wet snowflakes by evening.
Travel can get tricky, especially if roads haven’t been treated.
Average Snowfall Amounts
Snowfall on Thanksgiving in Wisconsin isn’t a guarantee, but it’s common enough that people plan for it.
On average, 0.2 to 0.3 inches falls in places like La Crosse and Rochester, looking at long-term numbers.
Bigger snow events don’t happen every year, but they’re memorable. La Crosse once got 5.5 inches in a single Thanksgiving storm. Some towns in western and central Wisconsin have picked up 6 to 9 inches in other years.
Snow depth on the ground really varies. Some mornings you’ll see bare grass, other years several inches will already cover everything.
Records show snow on the ground about one out of every three Thanksgivings across much of the state.
Light Snow and Flurries
Light snow and flurries show up more often than big storms around Thanksgiving.
Even if storms stay away, cold air can spark quick snow showers that dust cars and rooftops without piling up.
These flurries don’t usually last long and tend to fall early in the morning or after sunset.
They rarely cause big travel issues, but roads can get slick if temperatures dip below freezing.
You might also see light snow mix with drizzle or freezing mist. That combo can make thin ice on sidewalks and highways, even if hardly any snow sticks.
If you’re traveling for the holiday, it’s smart to watch out for these little but annoying weather events.
Weather Extremes and Historical Records
Thanksgiving weather in Wisconsin has ranged from heavy snowstorms to mild, dry days.
Records show that snowfall, precipitation, and temperature swings have all shaped how people traveled and celebrated during the holiday.
Snowiest Thanksgivings
Snow has played a big role in Wisconsin’s Thanksgiving history.
Some years, storms have dropped several inches across the state, making travel tough but creating a classic holiday scene.
In 1918, a storm brought one of the biggest November snowfalls on record to parts of the Upper Midwest, including Wisconsin. Travel slowed to a crawl as snow piled up.
Northern Wisconsin usually sees more snow than the south. Some northern stations have reported over a foot of snow on the ground around late November, while the south usually gets lighter amounts.
Even a couple inches can make roads slick during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.
Typical snowfall ranges around Thanksgiving:
- North: 2–6 inches possible, sometimes more
- South: Trace to 3 inches is more common
Wettest and Driest Years
Precipitation patterns around Thanksgiving swing a lot.
Some years bring soaking rains or heavy wet snow, while others pass with just clouds and cold air.
Wisconsin’s wettest late-November holidays usually come with strong storm systems moving across the Great Lakes. These storms can drop over an inch of precipitation in a single day, often as rain in the south and snow farther north.
Dry years stand out for their lack of measurable precipitation. Sometimes Thanksgiving comes and goes with clear skies and no recorded rainfall or snowfall.
That makes travel a lot easier, but it also shows how extreme Wisconsin’s climate can be.
Examples of statewide extremes:
- Wettest years: Over 1 inch of precipitation in 24 hours
- Driest years: 0.00 inches on the holiday
Notable Weather Events
Several Thanksgiving holidays in Wisconsin history have stood out for extreme conditions.
In 1917, the state shivered through its coldest year on record, and late November brought frigid lows that made travel rough.
Other years have flipped the script. Some Thanksgivings started mild in the 40s or 50s, only to drop below freezing as cold fronts swept in.
Those changes often led to icy roads and sudden snow showers.
Travelers across Wisconsin have faced all sorts of challenges: heavy snow in the north, rain-soaked roads in the south, and sudden cold snaps statewide.
These events remind us that Thanksgiving weather in Wisconsin can be unpredictable and sometimes a little wild.
Travel Considerations During Thanksgiving Week
Travel during Thanksgiving in Wisconsin really depends on when winter weather decides to show up.
You might face light snow, wet roads, or just crowded airports, but a little planning goes a long way.
Typical Road Conditions
Most people in Wisconsin drive at least 50 miles to see family for Thanksgiving.
By late November, temperatures usually sit in the mid-30s to mid-40s, so precipitation can fall as rain, snow, or a mix.
Light snow is common up north, while southern areas often get chilly rain or quick showers.
Even a small amount of snow can make slick spots on bridges and shaded roads.
Traffic jumps on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and again on Sunday when everyone heads home.
Congestion often hits I-94, I-90, and roads near Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay.
Key concerns for drivers:
- Wet pavement from rain or melting snow
- Reduced visibility during light snow or fog
- Slower traffic near major cities and interchanges
If you plan your trip outside the busiest hours, you can save yourself some stress.
Air Travel and Delays
Airports like Milwaukee Mitchell International and Dane County Regional get busy during Thanksgiving week.
Local weather usually brings just light snow or mist, but delays still happen.
The bigger headache often comes from storms elsewhere. Big systems in the Deep South or East Coast can mess up the national flight schedule, which affects departures from Wisconsin even if skies here are clear.
Security lines get longer, too. It’s smart to allow at least two hours for domestic flights, and more if you’re traveling with kids or a big group.
Common causes of air travel delays include:
- Deicing procedures during light snow or freezing drizzle
- Air traffic control holds from storms in other regions
- Crowded runways during peak times
Booking earlier flights usually helps you dodge cancellations or missed connections.
Tips for Safe Holiday Travel
You can make Thanksgiving travel smoother if you prepare for both weather and crowds.
Keep your schedule flexible, since late November conditions can change fast.
For road trips:
- Check Wisconsin DOT updates for construction or closures
- Pack an emergency kit with blankets, snacks, and a phone charger
- Keep your gas tank at least half full in case of delays
For air travel:
- Confirm your flight before leaving for the airport
- Use carry-on luggage when you can
- Sign up for text alerts from your airline
Whether you drive or fly, staying on top of weather and traffic helps you avoid the usual headaches. A little timing and prep can make your holiday trip a lot less stressful.
Wisconsin’s Climate Context in Late November
Late November in Wisconsin brings colder days, shorter daylight, and a higher chance of snow.
The state’s inland spot, mixed with the Great Lakes’ influence, shapes the temperature swings and precipitation patterns you’ll notice around Thanksgiving.
Humid Continental Climate Overview
Wisconsin sits in a humid continental climate zone, so you get four distinct seasons and some pretty sharp temperature swings. By late November, early winter really settles in.
Average highs hit the mid-30s °F up north and the mid-40s °F farther south. At night, temperatures often drop below freezing, especially if you’re outside city limits. That’s when fall’s mild days fade out, and the cold starts to stick around.
Snow shows up more often during this stretch. In Madison, you’ll usually get about 1–2 inches of snow in November. Head north to places like Superior, and you might see 3 inches or more. Rain becomes less common than in summer, but you’ll still get plenty of days with a messy mix of rain and snow.
One thing that really stands out about Wisconsin’s climate is how quickly the seasons flip. You never quite know what you’ll get—some Thanksgivings are mild, while others get hit by early snowstorms.
Impact of the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes—especially Lake Superior and Lake Michigan—really shape late November weather. These huge lakes act like thermal blankets, slowing down how fast the shoreline areas get cold.
In Milwaukee, for example, late November highs usually land near 46°F, which feels a bit warmer than what you’ll find farther inland. But the lakes don’t just keep things mild—they also help dump heavier snow in some spots. If you’re downwind of Lake Superior, you’ll probably see lake-effect snow ramp up totals fast compared to other parts of the state.
Winds off the lakes push extra moisture inland. That’s why eastern Wisconsin often gets more clouds and light rain or snow than places farther west. The lakes add a lot of unpredictability, so you might notice totally different weather just a short drive away.
Comparing Thanksgiving to Other Seasons
Thanksgiving weather in Wisconsin really stands out from the rest of the year. Summer brings highs in the upper 70s or low 80s °F, and the days seem to last forever. By late November, though, highs drop to the 30s and 40s °F, and you only get 9–10 hours of daylight.
Spring usually feels wetter, with April and May bringing over 3 inches of rain in spots like Madison. By Thanksgiving, that precipitation turns to snow more often, but you usually won’t see as much as you get in December or January.
Late November feels a lot more like winter than fall. You should expect cold mornings, maybe some icy roads, and there’s a good chance you’ll see snow on the ground if you head north.
Planning Your Visit: Best Times and What to Pack
Late November in Wisconsin means chilly days, colder nights, and a mix of sun, clouds, and maybe some snow. When you’re planning a trip, you’ll want to think about weather, travel patterns, and seasonal events.
Best Time to Visit Wisconsin
If you want to dodge the crowds and travel hassles, try arriving a few days before Thanksgiving. Midweek travel usually means less traffic than the day before the holiday. Actually, traveling on Thanksgiving Day itself can feel surprisingly calm, with fewer people on the roads or at airports.
Weather can be all over the place. Highs usually land in the upper 30s to mid-40s °F, and lows often fall into the 20s. If you’re in the north, you could see snow, but southern Wisconsin might get more cold rain.
If you’re into hiking or scenic drives, earlier in the week is usually quieter and the weather tends to be a bit more stable. The weekend after Thanksgiving often brings heavier traffic and busier attractions, especially near malls and bigger cities.
Packing for Variable Weather
Wisconsin’s late November weather really calls for layers. Bring a warm coat, sweaters, and long-sleeve shirts so you can adjust as temperatures change. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and scarf—you’ll want them if you’re spending time outdoors in the evening.
Waterproof shoes or boots are a lifesaver when you run into slush, wet leaves, or a dusting of snow. If you’re driving, toss an ice scraper and a small emergency kit in your car just in case.
For indoor gatherings, go with casual but warm clothes. Most homes and restaurants crank up the heat, so it helps to have lighter layers underneath for comfort.
Outdoor Activities and Events
Thanksgiving week in Wisconsin brings all sorts of seasonal activities that match the chilly weather. Lots of towns host a local Turkey Trot run on Thanksgiving morning, and you can usually just sign up and join in.
These runs attract families, walkers, and serious runners alike. It’s a fun way to start the day, even if you’re not a runner.
If sightseeing’s more your thing, you’ll find state parks like Devil’s Lake or Peninsula State Park still open. You do need to watch out for icy trails, so grab some traction footwear before you go.
The crisp air and bare trees open up views of bluffs, lakes, and maybe even some wildlife you’d normally miss.
Around this time, holiday light displays pop up too. Cities like Milwaukee and Madison set up drive-through or walk-through shows, so you can enjoy all the festive decorations without freezing outside for too long.