Milwaukee in May
In May, Milwaukee averages 17°C (63°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (104 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May in Milwaukee is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How May compares to the rest of the year in Milwaukee
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Milwaukee (5th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (13°C). May runs 6°C warmer than April (11°C) and warms a further 6°C into June (23°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Milwaukee
Times shown for Milwaukee local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Milwaukee — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Milwaukee's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Milwaukee in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Milwaukee's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Milwaukee
Milwaukee is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Milwaukee
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Milwaukee in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1°C / 30°F | -8°C / 18°F | 47 mm | 8 | — |
| February | 0°C / 32°F | -8°C / 17°F | 49 mm | 8 | — |
| March | 5°C / 42°F | -2°C / 28°F | 66 mm | 10 | — |
| April | 11°C / 51°F | 3°C / 37°F | 102 mm | 13 | — |
| May | 17°C / 63°F | 9°C / 48°F | 104 mm | 12 | — |
| June | 23°C / 74°F | 15°C / 59°F | 113 mm | 12 | — |
| July | 26°C / 79°F | 18°C / 65°F | 83 mm | 10 | — |
| August | 26°C / 79°F | 18°C / 65°F | 78 mm | 10 | — |
| September | 23°C / 73°F | 16°C / 60°F | 98 mm | 10 | — |
| October | 15°C / 60°F | 9°C / 48°F | 108 mm | 10 | — |
| November | 8°C / 46°F | 1°C / 34°F | 52 mm | 7 | — |
| December | 3°C / 37°F | -3°C / 26°F | 57 mm | 9 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Milwaukee in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Milwaukee in May?
In May, Milwaukee averages a high of 17°C (63°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Milwaukee in May?
May can be fairly wet in Milwaukee, with about 12 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Milwaukee?
May is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Milwaukee in May?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Milwaukee for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.