Wisconsin Dells Weather by Month and the Best Time to Visit
The Dells is a year-round destination, but it's a very different trip in July than in January. The weather decides what's open, how busy it is and what you'll pay. Here's what each month is like and how to pick the right time for your trip.
Wisconsin Dells weather by month
Averages for Wisconsin Dells, from NOAA's 1991 to 2020 climate normals.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precipitation | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°F | 8°F | 1.3 in | 11.5 in |
| February | 31°F | 11°F | 1.4 in | 10.2 in |
| March | 43°F | 22°F | 2.3 in | 5.9 in |
| April | 57°F | 33°F | 4.1 in | 2.0 in |
| May | 69°F | 45°F | 4.4 in | 0 |
| June | 79°F | 56°F | 5.1 in | 0 |
| July | 83°F | 60°F | 4.0 in | 0 |
| August | 81°F | 57°F | 4.2 in | 0 |
| September | 73°F | 49°F | 3.8 in | 0 |
| October | 60°F | 37°F | 2.8 in | 0.4 in |
| November | 44°F | 26°F | 2.2 in | 2.0 in |
| December | 32°F | 15°F | 1.8 in | 8.7 in |
The Dells gets about 37 inches of precipitation and 41 inches of snow in a typical year. June is the wettest month, and summer rain usually comes as afternoon or evening thunderstorms rather than all-day washouts.
The best time to visit, by what you want
- Outdoor waterparks: late June through mid-August. Noah's Ark ran from May 23 to September 7 in 2026, but late May and early June can still be cool.
- Boat tours and canyons: May through early October. Dells Boat Tours run April through October, the Ducks from mid-March to mid-November, and Lost Canyon from March through November.
- Fall color: early to mid-October. Color in the Baraboo Hills and at Devil's Lake usually starts in late September and is best in the first three weeks of October.
- Indoor waterparks: any time. They're open all year, and winter is when they shine.
- Smaller crowds and better rates: weekdays in spring and fall, and September after Labor Day.
Season by season
Summer (June to August)
This is peak season. Everything is open, including Noah's Ark, the outdoor parks at Mt. Olympus and Wilderness, Land of Natura's floating waterpark and the evening boat tours. Highs are in the high 70s to low 80s, and it can get humid.
It's also the busiest and most expensive time of year. Summer brings in about 41% of visitor spending in the Dells, and August is the top month for vacation rental revenue, just ahead of July. Book early, especially for weekends and the Fourth of July, when the resorts and the city all put on fireworks.
Fall (September to October)
An underrated time to visit. September still has highs in the 70s, the boat tours and Lost Canyon are running, and the summer crowds are gone once school starts. October brings fall color, Halloween weekends at the resorts, the Ghost Boat tours after dark, and downtown events like the Fall Wine Walk and Dells on Tap.
The outdoor waterparks close after Labor Day, so plan on the indoor parks if the kids want to swim. The free Wo-Zha-Wa Fall Festival takes over downtown in mid-September with a parade, a flea market and a carnival.
Winter (November to March)
Cold, with highs in the 20s and 30s and about 10 inches of snow a month from December to February. But the indoor waterparks, Tom Foolery's, Wizard Quest and Aquavia Lumina are all open, and the Tree of Light on the River Walk runs from November 20, 2026 to mid-January 2027. Christmas Mountain and Cascade Mountain have skiing and tubing nearby.
Midweek winter trips are usually the best deal of the year. Holiday weeks and spring break are the exception, when the waterpark resorts fill up fast. See our full guide to things to do in Wisconsin Dells in winter.
Spring (April to May)
Spring is a quiet shoulder season. April averages 57°F and is often wet, and the trees don't really green up until May. The boat tours start up in April, the trails at Devil's Lake and Mirror Lake are good for hiking, and you'll find lower rates outside of spring break. The average last frost comes in mid-May, and Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer, when Noah's Ark opens.
Tips for planning around the weather
- Check the forecast for thunderstorms in summer. Outdoor parks and boat tours can pause for lightning, so have an indoor backup. Our guide to indoor things to do in Wisconsin Dells has plenty.
- Bring layers in spring and fall. Mornings can be 30 degrees cooler than the afternoon.
- Book summer weekends early. Midweek dates are easier to find and usually cheaper.
- Plan winter driving time. Snow can slow the roads, so leave room in your schedule on travel days.
FAQ
What is the best month to visit Wisconsin Dells?
For outdoor waterparks and boat tours, July and early August. For good weather with smaller crowds, September. For fall color, early to mid-October.
What is the coldest month in Wisconsin Dells?
January, with an average high of 26°F and an average low of 8°F.
When do the outdoor waterparks open in Wisconsin Dells?
Usually Memorial Day weekend, and they close around Labor Day. In 2026, Noah's Ark was open from May 23 to September 7.
Is Wisconsin Dells worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you like indoor waterparks. They're open all year, midweek rates are lower, and the Tree of Light runs from late November to mid-January.
When is peak season in Wisconsin Dells?
June through August, with July and August the busiest months.
