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

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

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

    Like these


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.

If you see the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

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