Wisconsin

Wisconsin Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Wisconsin, the United States of America in January.

Planning a journey to Wisconsin, the United States of America this January and curious over the weather conditions to await? Your essential details are found on this page, answering your query:

What to Expect in Wisconsin in January

Wisconsin, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. January in Wisconsin generally has very cold temperatures, with precipitation levels ranging from low to moderate. During January, winter is in full swing.

Temperatures

The average maximum temperatures are very cold and range from -6°C (21°F) in Minocqua to -1°C (30°F) in Kenosha. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to -9°C (16°F) in Kenosha and -16°C (3°F) in Minocqua. In general, this month stands out as the coldest period throughout the year. Given the lower temperatures, it's essential to be well-prepared. Packing the right winter clothing and necessary accessories can make a significant difference in ensuring your comfort and well-being during this chilly season.

For specific regional insights in Wisconsin, the United States of America, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From low snowfall in Saint Croix Falls with an average of 14 mm (0.6 in) to moderate snowfall in Elkhorn with 43 mm (1.7 in). Going by our weather data, this month in Lake Geneva usually has the least rain, making it the driest month of the year.

Average sunshine

Most areas see decent amounts of sunshine this month. Lake Geneva gets around 138 hours of sunlight, providing a pleasant balance of sun and clouds. If you'd prefer more guaranteed sunshine, our weather planner can show you sunnier spots around the world.

Explore Wisconsin by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Wisconsin — and find the best time to visit. (based on Lake Geneva)

Best Places to Visit in Wisconsin in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Wisconsin.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Wisconsin

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in Wisconsin, the United States of America?

Temperature range in Wisconsin (January)

Precipitation variation in Wisconsin (January)

Lake Geneva

In January Lake Geneva generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -2°C (28°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -11°C (12°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
1°C (34°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-2°C (28°F)
Min temperature
-7°C (19°F)
-11°C (12°F)
-11°C (12°F)
Monthly sun hours
104 hours
138 hours
152 hours
Monthly snowfall
76 mm (3 in)
43 mm (1.7 in)
51 mm (2 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
10 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Brookfield

In January Brookfield generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -2°C (28°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -11°C (12°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
1°C (34°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-2°C (28°F)
Min temperature
-7°C (19°F)
-11°C (12°F)
-11°C (12°F)
Monthly sun hours
104 hours
138 hours
152 hours
Monthly snowfall
76 mm (3 in)
34 mm (1.3 in)
44 mm (1.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
13 days
10 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Oak Creek

In January Oak Creek generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -1°C (30°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -9°C (16°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
2°C (36°F)
-1°C (30°F)
-1°C (30°F)
Min temperature
-6°C (21°F)
-9°C (16°F)
-9°C (16°F)
Monthly sun hours
104 hours
138 hours
152 hours
Monthly snowfall
74 mm (2.9 in)
37 mm (1.5 in)
51 mm (2 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
10 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Pleasant Prairie

In January Pleasant Prairie generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -1°C (30°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -10°C (14°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
2°C (36°F)
-1°C (30°F)
-1°C (30°F)
Min temperature
-6°C (21°F)
-10°C (14°F)
-10°C (14°F)
Monthly sun hours
104 hours
138 hours
152 hours
Monthly snowfall
75 mm (3 in)
40 mm (1.6 in)
55 mm (2.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
10 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Janesville

In January Janesville generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -2°C (28°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -11°C (12°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
1°C (34°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-2°C (28°F)
Min temperature
-8°C (18°F)
-11°C (12°F)
-11°C (12°F)
Monthly sun hours
107 hours
145 hours
155 hours
Monthly snowfall
76 mm (3 in)
36 mm (1.4 in)
43 mm (1.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
10 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Wisconsin, in the United States of America.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Wisconsin in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Lake Geneva -2°C (28°F) -11°C (12°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Brookfield -2°C (28°F) -11°C (12°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Oak Creek -1°C (30°F) -9°C (16°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Pleasant Prairie -1°C (30°F) -10°C (14°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Janesville -2°C (28°F) -11°C (12°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Racine -1°C (30°F) -9°C (16°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)

Wisconsin weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Wisconsin, the United States of America in January?

In January, Wisconsin, the United States of America generally has poor weather conditions. Lake Geneva sees daytime temperatures near -2°C (28°F), with nights cooling to roughly -11°C (12°F).

What is the average temperature in Wisconsin, the United States of America in January?

In Lake Geneva, the average daytime high in January is -2°C (28°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around -11°C (12°F).

Does Wisconsin, the United States of America get a lot of snow in January?

Not particularly. Lake Geneva averages just 43 mm (1.7 in) of snow in January, making it a mostly dry month for Wisconsin, the United States of America.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Wisconsin, the United States of America?

In our opinion, January may not be the ideal time to visit Wisconsin, the United States of America due to the typically poor weather in Lake Geneva.

On average, the best time to visit Wisconsin, the United States of America is in May, July and September with generally perfect weather in Lake Geneva. The weather in January, February, March, November and December, on the other hand, tends to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Wisconsin.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the United States of America? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the United States of America.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.