If you’re planning for Memorial Day in Wisconsin, you’ll probably need to prepare for just about anything. Most years, average daytime highs land in the upper 60s or low 70s, but it’s cooler near Lake Michigan and warmer out west. Nights? They often drop into the upper 40s or low 50s, and that can feel pretty brisk if you’re camping or hanging out late.
Rain shows up often, but not always. About one in three Memorial Day weekends brings some measurable rainfall, while a totally dry weekend is a bit of a rarity. You’ll want to keep your outdoor plans flexible, since sunshine and showers both make regular appearances.
Late May weather in Wisconsin has thrown out some real curveballs—rare snowfalls, or sudden jumps to summer-like heat. If you know what’s typical (and what’s possible), you’ll have a much easier time prepping for travel, backyard parties, or even gardening.
Typical Memorial Day Weekend Weather in Wisconsin
Memorial Day weekend here usually mixes spring with a taste of early summer. Expect mild to warm afternoons, chilly nights, and a decent shot at rain. The exact weather really depends on where you are.
Average High and Low Temperatures
Afternoon temperatures usually settle in the upper 60s to low 70s (°F) across most of Wisconsin. Some warmer spots hit the mid-70s, while the coolest areas hang closer to the 60s. Every now and then, highs can approach 90°F, but that’s pretty unusual.
At night, lows typically fall into the upper 40s to low 50s (°F). So, mornings and evenings can get chilly, especially if you’re camping or sitting around a fire. Occasionally, low-lying spots drop into the 30s, which surprises folks who expect only warmth this time of year.
These swings really show how late May sits between seasons. You’ll probably want a light jacket in the morning and short sleeves by the afternoon.
Regional Variations Across the State
Weather changes a lot depending on your location. In northern Wisconsin and near Lake Michigan, cooler air keeps highs close to the upper 60s. That lake breeze often makes Milwaukee and Green Bay feel chillier than places farther inland.
Western Wisconsin near the Mississippi River usually gets warmer, with highs often in the low to mid-70s. Cities like La Crosse and Eau Claire tend to see the warmest Memorial Days.
Southern towns like Madison fall somewhere in the middle, with highs near 72°F and lows in the upper 40s. That’s comfortable, but evenings can still catch you off guard with a chill.
Recent Weather Trends
Rain pops up fairly often during Memorial Day weekend. You’re looking at about a 30–40% chance of measurable precipitation on any given day. Over three days, odds are you’ll get at least one with rain.
Sometimes the whole weekend stays dry, but that only happens about one in five years. All-out washouts—where it rains every day—don’t happen much. When it does rain, it’s usually light to moderate, though a thunderstorm can dump a lot quickly.
Severe weather? It’s possible, since late May falls in Wisconsin’s storm season. Thunderstorms with gusty winds or hail can show up, but most years just bring a mix of sun, clouds, and some passing showers.
Historical Weather Extremes
Memorial Day weather in Wisconsin has run the gamut. Record highs have soared into the 90s°F in places like Madison, Green Bay, and La Crosse. Record lows have dropped into the low 30s°F, and frost sometimes sneaks in for a surprise.
Snow isn’t common, but it’s not unheard of. In 1947, a late-season snowstorm dropped heavy snow from southwest Wisconsin to the Fox Valley right on Memorial Day. Not typical, but it proves how unpredictable late May can be.
Some years, heavy rain really makes an impact. In 1941, Iowa towns just across the border got over 5 inches during Memorial Day, and western Wisconsin saw flooding impacts too. It’s a good reminder to be ready for changing conditions.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Rainfall during Memorial Day weekend really varies. Some years, you get lucky with dry skies, while other times, steady showers or even storms roll through. History shows a mix of sunny, dry holidays and weekends with measurable rainfall.
Chance of Rain During Memorial Day Weekend
If you’re planning outdoor activities, there’s a decent chance you’ll run into rain at some point. Long-term data says precipitation falls on about half of all Memorial Days in Wisconsin.
La Crosse, for example, reports rain on about 51.6% of Memorial Days. Rochester, MN, just across the border, has a similar rate—around 56%. That includes both measurable rain and trace amounts.
Some years just bring a sprinkle, while others dump heavy rain. Sometimes, storms drop over an inch in a single day. It’s wise to keep your plans loose if you want to be outside.
Frequency of Dry Versus Wet Weekends
When you look at the whole long weekend, it’s almost a toss-up between dry and wet. In southern Wisconsin, most years see rain on at least one of the three days, but weekends where it rains every day are pretty rare.
Dry spells do happen. In some recent years, the whole weekend stayed dry, giving you a few days of sun. Other times, showers or storms can mess with two or more days.
On average, you’ll probably get one day of unsettled weather during Memorial Day weekend. That usually leaves at least one solid day for barbecues, parades, or a quick trip, even if rain interrupts part of your plans.
Notable Precipitation Events
Some Memorial Day weekends have really stood out for extreme rainfall. In 1942, heavy rain flooded the Chippewa and Black Rivers, with some towns getting over 3 inches in a day.
Jump to 2019, and you’ll find record-breaking rain again. La Crosse measured 1.13 inches—its wettest Memorial Day ever—while Rochester got 3.33 inches. Both set records, and both caused localized flooding and travel headaches.
Severe storms sometimes pile on. In 1994, strong thunderstorms brought large hail and damaging winds to parts of Wisconsin on Memorial Day. If you’re spending the holiday outside, it’s smart to keep an eye on the forecast.
Unusual and Extreme Weather Events
Wisconsin’s Memorial Day weekends have seen some wild swings. You might get late-season snow, record heat, or even unseasonable cold, depending on the year.
Late Season Snowfall
Snow at the end of May is rare, but it’s happened. One of the most memorable times was 1947, when heavy snow fell from southwest Wisconsin to the Fox Valley on Memorial Day. Some areas saw several inches.
These events really stick out because they’re so different from the usual late-spring temps. While highs usually reach the upper 60s or low 70s, snow means a big blast of cold air. It doesn’t happen often, but you can’t say it’s impossible.
If you’re in higher elevations or valleys, you might run into frost or a light freeze during the weekend. Not as dramatic as a snowstorm, but still enough to damage plants or make camping unexpectedly cold.
Even if snow is unlikely, it’s a reminder that Wisconsin’s weather can still surprise you, even in late spring.
Record High and Low Temperatures
Temperature extremes show just how much things can swing. In Madison, the record high is 91°F and the low is 30°F. Eau Claire has hit 96°F and dropped to 35°F.
| City | Record High (°F) | Record Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Eau Claire | 96 | 35 |
| Green Bay | 92 | 35 |
| La Crosse | 93 | 37 |
| Madison | 91 | 30 |
| Milwaukee | 91 | 33 |
| Wausau | 94 | 33 |
One year, you might feel summer-like heat, and the next, you’ll wake up to near-freezing temps. These swings happen because Memorial Day falls during a time when warm southern air and leftover northern chill push and pull at each other.
If you’re packing for the weekend—camping, boating, or just hanging outside—bring stuff for both warm afternoons and chilly nights. Better safe than sorry, right?
Weather Impacts on Travel and Outdoor Activities
Memorial Day weather in Wisconsin can change fast. Mornings might start off in the 40s, but afternoons could climb into the 70s or higher. Rain is a regular visitor, and every once in a while, storms or even a late snow will disrupt plans. These shifts affect travel and outdoor fun.
Travel Considerations and Safety
If you’re traveling over Memorial Day weekend, expect crowded roads and possible weather delays. Rain falls on at least one day most years, and wet roads mean you need to drive carefully. Thunderstorms can drop visibility fast, especially on rural highways.
Temperature swings make a difference, too. A warm day can turn into a chilly evening drive, so bring layers if you’re out late. Sometimes, fog rolls in near Lake Michigan when cool lake air hits warmer land, and that can really slow traffic.
Flying? You might run into delays if storms pop up. Thunderstorms in southern Wisconsin have messed with flight schedules before. If you’re flying out of Milwaukee or Madison, check the forecast and give yourself extra time.
Popular Outdoor Events and Traditions
A lot of folks in Wisconsin use Memorial Day weekend for parades, cemetery visits, or just hanging out at lakes and parks. Weather shapes all of these. You might need a jacket for morning events, but by afternoon, you could be sweating if temps reach the 80s.
Rain is a pretty common guest. There’s measurable precipitation about one-third of the time, so having a picnic shelter, tent, or backup plan helps if you’re hosting a gathering.
Outdoor sports and boating are big, too. Even on warm days, rivers and lakes can stay cold, so be careful if you’re swimming or kayaking. Wind can whip up choppy water on bigger lakes, so don’t skip the life jackets.
Gardening and Home Considerations for Late May
By late May, Wisconsin gardens usually enjoy warmer soil and more steady rainfall. Still, you can get cool nights that threaten tender plants. A bit of timing and prep helps you balance growth with the risk of late frost.
Soil Moisture and Rainfall Benefits
Rain usually picks up in late May compared to earlier in spring, giving your garden soil steady moisture. That cuts down on the need for constant watering, especially for crops like carrots, beets, and onions that like it cool and damp.
Consistent rain helps lawns and perennials put down strong roots. You can help by mulching around shrubs and veggies to hold in moisture and keep weeds at bay.
Not all soils behave the same, though. Sandy soils drain fast and might still need extra water. Clay-heavy soils, which are pretty common in Wisconsin, can stay soggy, so don’t work them when they’re soaked or you’ll risk compacting.
If you want to check if your soil’s ready, just grab a handful and squeeze. If it crumbles, you’re good to plant or till. If it clumps together and feels wet, give it a few days to dry out.
Frost and Planting Risks
Even in late May, nighttime lows in Wisconsin sometimes dip into the 30s. The risk of frost drops compared to earlier in the month, but it doesn’t disappear, especially up north or in low-lying spots.
Gardeners find that cool-season crops like radishes and peas handle these temperatures just fine. Warm-season plants like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and melons really don’t appreciate the cold, though.
If you plant them too early, you might set their growth back or even lose young seedlings altogether.
Many people decide to wait until after Memorial Day before putting tender plants in the ground. If you’re feeling impatient and plant earlier, you can use row covers, cold frames, or just bring potted plants indoors when a frost advisory pops up.
Hanging baskets and container gardens get hit the hardest by cold snaps. Honestly, moving them inside on chilly nights is usually the simplest way to keep them safe and still get a jump on the season.
Tips for Planning Memorial Day in Wisconsin
Weather around Memorial Day in Wisconsin is kind of unpredictable. You might wake up to a chilly morning and end up with a warm afternoon, and rain can show up out of nowhere.
If you want to stay comfortable and keep plans on track, you’ll want to check local forecasts ahead of time.
What to Pack and Wear
Daytime highs usually land in the upper 60s or low 70s in most areas. Closer to Lake Michigan, it feels cooler, while it’s warmer near the Mississippi River.
At night, temps often fall into the 40s or low 50s, so packing layers really matters.
A light jacket or fleece will keep you comfortable in the evenings and mornings. In the afternoon, a short-sleeve shirt works well, but you’ll probably want to throw on another layer if the clouds roll in.
If you’re camping, you’ll be glad you brought a warm sleeping bag because temperatures sometimes fall into the 30s, especially in low spots.
Rain happens a lot this time of year, with about a one-in-three chance of measurable precipitation over the holiday weekend. Tuck a compact umbrella or light rain jacket into your bag.
Waterproof shoes come in handy if you plan to hike or just spend a lot of time outside.
Don’t forget sun protection like sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Even if it’s cool, the sun can still pack a punch.
Weather Resources and Forecast Tools
Keep an eye on local forecasts throughout the week before Memorial Day. The weather can shift fast, and honestly, the short-term updates usually beat those long-range guesses.
The National Weather Service (NWS) shares detailed forecasts for your city. You’ll get temperature ranges, wind speeds, and chances for rain.
Local TV and radio stations jump in with frequent updates, especially if storms look likely.
If you want to plan things out, try the hourly forecast tools on popular weather apps. They make it easier to pick the right time for grilling, boating, or hitting the road.
Radar maps come in handy if you like watching storm systems as they move. Plenty of apps let you track rainfall intensity and direction, so you can tweak your plans if needed.
Camping or heading out into rural areas? Bring a NOAA weather radio just in case—cell service might disappear when you least expect it.