When to visit Milwaukee

Heralded as the "City of Festivals," Milwaukee celebrates all year long with cultural, musical, and artistic events. The most popular time to visit is the summer, when the weather is warm, schools are on vacation, and many of the festivals happen.

The spring and fall bring mild weather and cool temperatures, with blooming flowers in the spring and changing leaves in the fall. Winters can be cold and snowy, but outdoor activities keep visitors entertained.

• high season: June to August
• low season: December to March
• shoulder season: April to May, September to November

Weather Information

Milwaukee experiences four distinct seasons. Summers tend to be warm, with an average temperature of 71 degrees in July. Winters see chilly weather, with snow and average temperatures dropping to 19 degrees in January. Spring and fall bring mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures averaging 44 degrees in April and 50 degrees in October.

Crowd Information

June through August tends to be the busiest time to visit due to the many cultural and outdoor festivals, including the Asian Moon Festival, the Polish Fest, RiverSplash, the Lakefront Festival of the Arts, CajunFest, and PrideFest in June; Festa Italiana and German Fest in July; the African World Festival, Irish Fest, Mexican Fiesta, and the Wisconsin State Fair in August; and Oktoberfest and the Indian Summer Festival in September. Milwaukee's biggest festival, Summerfest, is an 11-day musical event in June and July.

Closure Information

Hotels, shops, and attractions remain open year-round.

When to Save

The least expensive time to go is January through March, when visitation is low. Prices tend to rise from June through August because of higher demand.

When to Book

Last-minute lodging is available most of the year, but for visits during the high season or popular events, book at least two to three months in advance to ensure availability.

Visitors with flexible travel plans can take advantage of low last-minute airfares. However, those with a set schedule should book flights at least three weeks in advance to obtain lower prices and ensure availability, especially for travel during the high season.

Information provided by Visit Milwaukee.