Normally, Madison averages about 40 inches of snow per year, though many people remember the winter of 1978-79, when the city received a record 76.1 inches. Generally, snow doesn't fall until November, though once it begins, ground is sometimes not seen again until early spring. Spring, though often late, is for many the most anticipated season of all. It's ushered in with balmy breezes, the smell of lilacs and sailboats on the lake. Fall's colorful panorama of foliage is stunning.
Summer is nice for boating, swimming, camping and hiking, as long as rainfall is moderate.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Madison is 107 degrees on July 14, 1936. Thankfully, the thermometer hardly ever climbs above 100, though high humidity sometimes makes it feel that way. Talking about the weather in Dane County, whatever the season, constitutes more than small talk around here .