Discover the Absolute Coldest Place Along Lake Michigan

If there’s anything Lake Michigan is famous for during winter is that the lake and its surrounding regions are extremely cold. Winters are rough in the area, especially in states like Wisconsin and Michigan. Of course, some places along Lake Michigan can be warmer than others and then there are colder places, too. In fact, sometimes it gets so cold in Lake Michigan that the parts of the lake freeze over. Let’s take a look at the absolute coldest place along Lake Michigan. We’ll explore the place, what makes it super cold, the wildlife living in the area, and other fun facts.

About Milwaukee

Milwaukee is known for its beer. But the reality is that Milwaukee was put on the map because of TV hits like Happy Days. Today, it is considered one of the most well-known cities in the United States. But Milwaukee has a reputation to uphold. Besides being a known American mecca for German immigrants, it is also an American mecca for absolute beer lovers. Many brewing companies have established themselves in the city. The baseball team, the Milwaukee Brewers, is named as such for a reason.

Furthermore, Milwaukee is a sports town. The baseball team plays at American Family Field (formerly Miller Park) and its basketball team, the Bucks, that plays at Fiserv Forum. Even though the Green Bay Packers aren’t located in Milwaukee, the city still roots for them and they are proud Cheeseheads. Milwaukee is also host to several summer festivals, earning the city the nickname, “the City of Festivals.” 

Average Temperatures

Milwaukee has a humid continental type of climate. This means summers are hot and humid, but winters are extremely cold and snowy. Because the city lies along Lake Michigan, it experiences a “lake breeze,” which cools the city down during the spring and summer months. Milwaukee can also experience torrential rain in the form of thunderstorms with high winds. This causes serious damage in various places throughout the city.

In terms of average temperatures during winter, January is the coldest month. It averages around 24 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by 27 degrees Fahrenheit in February, which is the second-coldest month. As for the record, Milwaukee’s coldest temperature was -26 degrees Fahrenheit (-32 degrees Celsius) on January 17, 1982, and February 4, 1996. Milwaukee is also prone to a lot of snow. The average annual snowfall is 48.7 inches, with January getting 14.9 inches, followed by February with 11.8 inches of snow.

Winters in Milwaukee

Winters in Milwaukee are super cold. With the average temperatures being between 24 to 29 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, the locals bundle up to try and keep themselves warm. Lake Michigan is also the culprit in making the city more cold than it should be. It may cool things down during summer, but winters can be unbearably cold.

The low temperatures during the winter months range from 17 to 23 degrees Fahrenheit, and the record lows go below freezing temperatures. January and February have seen a record low of -26 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas December has seen a record low of -22 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain can be torrential at times, but not as common as snow during the winter months. Milwaukee experiences 35 snowy days per year, with January getting the most at 10 snowy days.

Wildlife in the Area

The area in and around Milwaukee is home to a diverse population of land animals. If you are out and about in the city or the surrounding areas, you may be lucky to find moose, but the most common animals you’ll find include skunks, foxes, squirrels, moles, weasels, and opossums.

As for Lake Michigan, the body of water is quite biodiverse. It is home to many marine animals, but also several native species like the lake sturgeon and lake trout, as well as the largemouth bass and bowfin. There are invasive species that exist in Lake Michigan that, unfortunately, are starting to decrease the native populations in the lake. Lampreys attach themselves to larger fish and suck their blood. They have colloquially been called, “the Vampires of the Great Lakes.”

Conclusion

And there you have it, Milwaukee is the absolute coldest place along Lake Michigan. The temperatures are extreme in this neck of the woods. They often are in the freezing range, but locals are used to it. That’s how it is every single year. For visitors coming from warmer states, it may be a shock. It’s best to bundle up to make sure you are comfortable during your visit to Milwaukee, WI.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © benkrut/iStock via Getty Images