Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Madison, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Madison
- Important essentials for Madison
- Activities for Madison
- Madison in January: weather and what to pack
- Madison in February: weather and what to pack
- Madison in March: weather and what to pack
- Madison in April: weather and what to pack
- Madison in May: weather and what to pack
- Madison in June: weather and what to pack
- Madison in July: weather and what to pack
- Madison in August: weather and what to pack
- Madison in September: weather and what to pack
- Madison in October: weather and what to pack
- Madison in November: weather and what to pack
- Madison in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Madison, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Madison, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear out. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Madison. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should work in most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
Traveling to Madison in January, you will notice that it is beyond freezing, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly and snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Lip balm
The best option: here
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Pajamas
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Madison, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Madison has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in Madison is frigid and snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this one
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Pajamas
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Madison, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Madison has some excellent skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
In March, Madison can be brisk, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 40s F (single digits C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). During your visit, you can expect heavy snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Madison, with several of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 60%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Madison, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Madison has some good ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
April is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
May
May in Madison is balmy and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) to high 60s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
June
If you vacation in Madison during June, you are likely to see that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
July
July in Madison is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
August
August in Madison is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
September
If you vacation in Madison during September, you are likely to find that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
October
October in Madison can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
November
Traveling to Madison in November, you will notice that it is brisk and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Madison, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Madison has some excellent skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
December in this region is very cold, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains regularly and snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Pajamas
-
Lip balm
The best is: this
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Madison, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Madison has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Activities for Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Madison.
If you go to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
If you see the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Kolding, Denmark, Franklin Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Mirissa, Sri Lanka, Moncalieri, Italy, Yame, Japan, Central Gran Canaria, Spain, Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, United States of America, Rayong, Thailand, Lebanon, New Jersey, United States of America, Wiesbaden, Germany, and Aruanã, Goiás, Brazil.