Milwaukee · January
Run in the midday.
Cold: average high 30°F, low 17°F. Layering becomes the workout. Subfreezing mornings mean midday is the only reliably runnable window. Layer up and watch for wind chill.
Avg high / low
30° / 17°F
Humidity
74%
Rain days
12/mo
Wind
14 mph
What January feels like in Milwaukee
Sunrise
08:18
Mid-month average
Sunset
17:44
Mid-month average
Time-of-day breakdown
Morning
Coolest, driest air of the day. The window before sunrise is the most reliable comfortable hour.
Midday
Often the warmest few hours of a cold day. If you can only run once, midday gives you the most temperate window.
Evening
Cold drops back in fast after sunset. Tight window — done before headlamp territory.
What to wear running in Milwaukee in January
The kit for January in Milwaukee: cold-weather layers, gloves, and ear coverage on most mornings, a wind-blocking layer for exposed routes, a water-resistant cap or jacket on standby.
January vs the surrounding months
vs December
-7° avg high
+1 rain days
Milwaukee in December →
January
30°F avg high
12 rain days
Best: midday
vs February
-1° avg high
+1 rain days
Milwaukee in February →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Milwaukee in January?+
Midday. Subfreezing mornings mean midday is the only reliably runnable window. Layer up and watch for wind chill.
What's the average temperature in Milwaukee in January?+
Average high 30°F, average low 17°F.
How does January compare to surrounding months in Milwaukee?+
Compared to December (avg high 37°F), January is cooler. Compared to February (avg high 31°F), January is cooler.
Does it rain often in Milwaukee in January?+
Expect about 12 measurable rain days in January, on average.