Halloween in Wisconsin is all over the place. Some years, you get those perfect crisp fall evenings for costumes. Other times? Rain, wind, or even snow show up to complicate things. On average, daytime highs usually land in the 40s to low 50s, and nighttime lows drop into the 30s. There’s about a one-in-three shot at measurable precipitation.
You might walk through dry leaves or end up crunching through slush on October 31. Both have happened before. Milwaukee, Madison, and other cities across the state have seen everything—sunny, mild trick-or-treat nights and even record snowfalls.
Knowing what’s typical helps you get ready. If you’re planning a family outing or just curious about Wisconsin’s climate, looking back at past Halloween weather gives you a sense of what to expect. This guide breaks down temperatures, precipitation, snow potential, and some memorable events so you can step into Halloween a bit more prepared.
Typical Temperatures on Halloween in Wisconsin
By late October, Wisconsin sits somewhere between lingering fall warmth and the first real taste of winter. You can expect cool afternoons and chilly evenings. Sometimes, the extremes make outdoor plans a little tricky.
Average High and Low Temperatures
Most parts of Wisconsin see the average high on Halloween in the upper 40s to low 50s °F. The average low usually falls into the mid-30s °F. Once the sun goes down, you’ll probably want a jacket or coat.
Madison and Milwaukee both usually see highs around 50 °F and lows near freezing. These numbers come from long-term records, but honestly, any given year can look totally different.
If you’re heading out to trick-or-treat, plan for it to feel colder than the thermometer says. Evening breezes and clear skies can make things feel pretty brisk, especially in open neighborhoods or out in the country.
Temperature Variability and Extremes
Halloween weather in Wisconsin swings wildly from year to year. Some years, you might get afternoons in the 60s or even 70s °F. Other times, it barely gets out of the 20s °F.
For example:
- Warmest years: Milwaukee hit 80 °F in 1950. Madison reached the upper 70s that year, too.
- Coldest years: Madison dropped to 16 °F in 1925. Eau Claire only reached 26 °F in 1996.
With such a wide range, averages don’t always help much. One year’s costume might leave you shivering or sweating the next. Keep an eye on the forecast if you’ll be outside for long.
Regional Differences: Madison, Milwaukee, and Beyond
Averages look similar, but local geography changes things up a bit. Madison, which sits inland, cools down faster at night. Lows near freezing are common, and frost can show up.
Milwaukee, right on Lake Michigan, often stays a few degrees warmer in the evening. The lake helps even things out, but winds near the shore can still make it feel colder.
If you head up to northern or central Wisconsin—places like Wausau or Rhinelander—Halloween nights usually run colder. Highs might only reach the low 40s °F, and lows often dip into the 20s. Travel north, and you’ll notice it gets chillier.
Precipitation Patterns on Halloween
Rain and even snow have made plenty of Halloween appearances in Wisconsin. Some years stay dry, but others bring measurable rainfall or a dusting of snow that messes with outdoor plans. Cities like Madison and Milwaukee have both seen rainy and snowy trick-or-treat nights.
Average Rainfall and Probability
Wisconsin usually gets light precipitation on Halloween, but it depends on where you are. In La Crosse, records show measurable rain about 30% of the time. Rochester, MN, just across the border, clocks in at about 31%. That gives you a solid idea for western Wisconsin cities.
Central and southern Wisconsin—think Madison and Milwaukee—look pretty similar. Rainfall totals are usually low, averaging less than 0.10 inches. Still, some years have dumped over an inch of rain, like the 1960 event in Green Bay and Wausau.
Snow doesn’t show up often, but it’s not impossible. La Crosse got 2.4 inches in 1926, and southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin picked up over an inch in 2023. The mix of rain and snow keeps late October weather feeling unpredictable.
Timing of Precipitation During Trick-or-Treat Hours
When the rain falls matters more than how much. Evening showers can ruin trick-or-treating, even if the day started dry. In a lot of Wisconsin cities, light rain tends to develop late in the afternoon or evening as temperatures drop.
Heavier events, like the 1984 rain in La Crosse or the 1991 ice storm in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, also hit during the evening. Those storms definitely made outdoor activities tough.
In Madison and Milwaukee, forecasts often show rain chances going up after sunset. So, you might head out under clear skies and come home with wet shoes. Costumes with umbrellas or water-resistant layers can really help.
Snowfall and Snow Depth Possibilities
Snow on Halloween in Wisconsin is unusual, but it’s happened. Most years, you won’t see any, but a few stand out with measurable snow and even some on the ground by the morning of October 31. These rare events can change travel, trick-or-treating, and the whole vibe of the holiday.
Historical Snowfall on Halloween
In Wisconsin, measurable snowfall on Halloween is pretty rare. La Crosse logged 2.4 inches in 1926, 0.5 inches in 1995, and 1.1 inches in 2023. Rochester, MN saw its snowiest Halloween in 1929 with 3.5 inches.
In southeast Wisconsin, Halloween 2023 was the second-snowiest since Milwaukee started keeping records, with over 3 inches in some spots. These events don’t happen often, but they prove snow can fall this early.
Long-term data shows the odds of measurable snow on Halloween in cities like La Crosse or Rochester are in the single digits. In Madison and Milwaukee, the odds drop even lower—usually just a trace or a light coating, if anything.
When snow does fall, it usually comes with colder-than-average highs in the 30s and lows that dip into the 20s. It feels more like winter than fall when that happens.
Average and Record Snow Depth
Almost every year, snow depth on Halloween morning is zero across Wisconsin. Even when it snows, it usually melts fast unless temperatures stay below freezing.
La Crosse’s deepest Halloween morning snow was just 2 inches in 1917. Rochester hit 4 inches in 1929. These are big outliers.
In Milwaukee and Madison, long-term records show no real snow depth on October 31. Even in snowy years, the ground’s usually bare by morning.
With average snow depth basically at 0 inches statewide, you can pretty much count on trick-or-treating and late October travel being snow-free. Only during rare cold snaps with early storms does snow hang around long enough to notice.
Weather Trends in Major Wisconsin Cities
Late October weather shifts a lot across Wisconsin. Depending on where you are, you’ll see differences in temperature, rain, and sometimes snow. Some cities definitely get more wild swings than others.
Halloween Weather in Madison
Madison usually gets highs in the upper 40s to low 50s in late October. Nights dip into the 30s, so trick-or-treating can get chilly.
Snow doesn’t happen much, but it’s not impossible. Madison picked up about four inches in 2019, making it one of the snowiest Halloweens on record. More often, you’ll just see light rain or cloudy skies.
Warm years are rare but memorable. In 1950, Madison reached the 70s. That’s not the norm, though—most Halloweens here feel like a classic cool autumn night.
Halloween Weather in Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s Halloween weather usually runs a bit milder than inland cities, thanks to Lake Michigan. Average highs reach the low 50s, and lows settle in the upper 30s.
But extremes happen. In 1980, temps soared to 80°F. In 2019, more than five inches of snow fell, breaking the city’s Halloween record. These swings really show how unpredictable late October can be near the lake.
Rain sometimes makes things soggy. Milwaukee has picked up over an inch on Halloween before, which can put a damper on outdoor plans. Still, most years are dry or just partly cloudy, making outdoor events easier to plan.
Other Notable Cities: Green Bay, Appleton, and La Crosse
Green Bay and Appleton usually share the same kind of weather. Highs in the upper 40s to low 50s are standard, but both cities have seen snow on Halloween. In 1960, Green Bay had more than an inch of rain, making for a wet night.
La Crosse, farther west, tends to be a bit drier but still gets snow sometimes. In 1926, La Crosse measured 2.4 inches of snow on Halloween. Heavy rain in the 1980s brought over two inches in a single day, too.
These cities show just how much things can change. From mild evenings in the 50s to snowy trick-or-treat nights, central and western Wisconsin keep things interesting.
Notable Halloween Weather Events
Halloween in Wisconsin has thrown just about everything at people—record heat, measurable snow, and everything in between. Some years, you need just a light jacket. Other years? Full winter gear. Rain has also spoiled plans, while some nights stay clear and mild.
Warmest and Coldest Halloweens
Most late Octobers land in the 40s or 50s, but some Halloweens have really gone off-script. In 1950, a warm spell pushed temps into the 70s across much of Wisconsin. Milwaukee hit 80°F, still the warmest Halloween on record.
1917 was one of the coldest. Highs around the state stayed in the 20s and low 30s, with some towns barely reaching freezing. In 1996, Eau Claire only got up to 26°F, so families bundled up big time.
These wild swings make Halloween weather hard to predict. One year, it’s a classic fall night. The next, it feels like January.
Notable temperature records:
- Warmest: 80°F in Milwaukee (1950)
- Coldest: 20s–low 30s in many cities (1917)
- Recent chill: 26°F in Eau Claire (1996)
Wettest and Snowiest Halloweens
Rain has ruined plenty of Halloween plans. In 1960, over 1 inch of rain fell in Green Bay, Rhinelander, and Wausau. La Crosse got more than 2 inches in 1984, making it one of the wettest Halloweens ever.
Snow isn’t common, but when it hits, it’s memorable. In 2019, Milwaukee measured over 5 inches of snow. Madison got 4 inches—their snowiest Halloween ever. Northern cities like Rhinelander and Wausau also picked up just over 2 inches in 2014.
When it rains or snows on October 31, you’ve got to change your plans. Wet weather slows trick-or-treating, and heavy snow can make travel a hassle.
Notable precipitation records:
- Wettest: 2+ inches in La Crosse (1984)
- Snowiest: 5+ inches in Milwaukee (2019)
- Other snow: 2 inches in Rhinelander (2014)
Forecasting Halloween Weather in Wisconsin
Halloween weather in Wisconsin changes fast. You might get a mild evening in the 50s, or you could be dealing with snow and freezing wind chills. Finding a good forecast and staying flexible with your plans helps you avoid surprises and actually enjoy being outside.
How to Access Reliable Weather Forecasts
Start by checking the National Weather Service (NWS). They usually have the most accurate and up-to-date forecasts for Wisconsin.
The NWS local offices in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and La Crosse put out detailed outlooks. You’ll find info on temperature, precipitation, and wind trends there.
Local TV stations and radio broadcasts give timely updates too. These sources often break down how national forecasts actually affect your specific town or county, which is honestly pretty useful.
If you’re in a hurry, just grab your phone. Mobile weather apps can send you alerts for sudden changes like snow squalls or strong winds.
Don’t just glance at the high and low temperatures. Take a look at the hourly forecasts—trick-or-treating usually happens in the evening, and temperatures can drop fast then.
It’s smart to check radar maps as well. They’ll show you if rain or snow is moving in.
If you’re curious about what’s normal, the NWS keeps records of past Halloween weather in Wisconsin. That can help you see whether the forecast is typical or kind of out of the ordinary.
Tips for Planning Halloween Activities
Plan your evening activities with the temperature and chance of precipitation in mind. In Wisconsin, Halloween usually feels chilly, with lows dipping into the 30s or 40s.
Snow or rain can happen, especially up north, though it’s not super common. Still, you never really know what the weather will do.
Dress in layers so costumes stay warm without getting bulky. A thin base layer under a costume keeps kids comfortable when they’re walking around outside.
If sidewalks look wet or slushy, waterproof boots or shoes make a big difference.
Think about timing your plans. Trick-or-treating earlier in the afternoon usually means it’s a bit warmer and easier to see.
If strong winds are in the forecast, make sure to secure outdoor decorations so they don’t blow away or get damaged.
Have a backup plan for indoor gatherings in case the weather turns nasty. Community centers, libraries, or even garages can work if snow or rain makes outdoor events tough.
Check the forecast before you head out and adjust your plans as needed. That way, everyone stays safe and actually enjoys the holiday.