Wisconsin’s Winter Forecast Is in (And It’s Not What You’d Expect)

Winter will be here before you know it. And if you’re wondering what to expect this winter in Wisconsin, you’re in luck. The Farmers’ Almanac recently released its long-range winter forecast. It’s been one heck of a year, and it looks like it will end with a bang—at least according to the Farmers’ Almanac 2025–2026 winter forecast. It just might not be the bang you're expecting.

Now, Wisconsin is certainly no stranger to winter. The average seasonal snowfall in Wisconsin ranges from about 40 to 50 inches across central and northeast Wisconsin. The Vilas County snowbelt region, on the other hand, can see as much as 100 inches of the white stuff.

On the other hand, in the winter of 2023–2024, the Milwaukee region received less than 20 inches of snow, which is 18 inches less than a typical Milwaukee winter. That still doesn't top the nearly snowless winter in Wisconsin back in 1968, but the last few years have not been great for snow in the Badger State.

This year, the Farmer's Almanac winter forecast for Wisconsin predicts that it is about to change. That's right, folks: Buckle up for a very cold and snowy winter—in fact, according to the predictions, we could see snowfall this autumn! 

So, you'll want to get your snowblowers tuned, your shovels at the ready, and law in a solid supply of ice melt. After all, this is Wisconsin, and winters in Wisconsin come with snow—and this winter could be a doozy!

If you remember a few years ago, the Farmer's Almanac winter forecast was dubbed the Polar Coaster, as the season was supposed to be filled with ups and downs. The winter of 2020 was deemed the Winter of the Great Divide since the country was divided by wacky weather.

The Farmers' Almanac 2025 is calling this winter "very cold" and "snowy." If that has you skeptical, keep in mind that the Farmers' Almanac has an 80 percent success rate with forecasting the seasons, and they've been at it since 1792.

We Wisconsinites are no strangers to winters filled with extreme cold and lots of snow; however, this year, we might find ourselves getting pretty tired of it. According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the entire Midwest can expect below-average temperatures and a lot of snowfall.

Fortunately, we won't sit idly by, because there are still plenty of things to do in winter in Wisconsin. I'd argue that Wisconsin in the winter is the best season! Whether you prefer to hit the hiking trails or cozy up by the fire in a rustic lodge, there are so many things to do.

Of course, one of the most popular things to do in the winter in Wisconsin is to check out all of the dazzling Christmas light displays. If you need some travel inspiration, check out some of our favorite winter towns in Wisconsin that truly come alive in the wintertime. You could even put together a road trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner. Just make sure you've got the winter essentials before the season starts.

So, what do you think about the Farmers' Almanac winter forecast for Wisconsin? Do you typically rely on the Farmers’ Almanac for weather predictions in Wisconsin?

Read on to discover some of the best winter attractions in Wisconsin that are family-friendly.