Price County Weather: What to Expect Every Season in Northern Wisconsin

By Price County Fun Editorial Team | Price County, Wisconsin

Planning a trip to Price County? The weather here shapes everything — from which lakes are fishable to whether the ATV trails are open. Here is what you need to know about the climate, seasonal patterns, and how to plan around them.

Winter in Price County means business. Average highs hover around 21°F in January, with lows dropping to single digits above zero — and that is on a normal day. Cold snaps routinely push below -20°F.

Snowfall totals range from 55 to 70 inches across the county, with northern areas closer to Lake Superior picking up more. Multiple 12-to-24-inch snowfalls hit each season. The snowmobiling is outstanding when the trails have cover, and ice fishing on lakes like Phillips, Solonia, and Duroy draws anglers from across the Midwest.

What you need to plan for:

• Road conditions can change fast , check Wisconsin 511 before driving
• Ice thickness varies by lake , verify with local bait shops before walking out
• Snowmobile trails generally open mid-December and close by late March
• Layering is not optional , wind chills on open lakes can reach -40°F

Spring: Mud Season to Green-Up (April–May)

Spring arrives slowly in the Northwoods. April averages a high of 51°F, but snow can still fall well into the month. The last spring freeze typically hits between May 10 and May 20, which means gardeners and campers need patience.

The real challenge is mud. As snow melts and the ground thaws, ATV trails and back roads turn to soup. Most ATV trail systems do not fully open until mid-May, after the spring thaw stabilizes. May averages a high of 64°F with 3.4 inches of rain, so pack rain gear.

Spring points out:

• Walleye and northern pike fishing opener is always the first Saturday in May
• Turkey hunting season runs mid-April through late May
• Waterfall viewing is at its peak , snowmelt swells creeks and rivers
• Black bear sightings increase as they emerge from dens

Summer: Warm Days, Cool Nights (June–August)

Summer is what draws people to Price County. July averages 77°F for a high and 55°F for a low , warm enough for swimming and boating during the day, cool enough to sleep comfortably at night. Precipitation peaks at 4 inches per month, mostly from afternoon thunderstorms.

The lakes are the main attraction. Walleye, musky, and bass fishing hit their stride. Canoeing and kayaking on the Flambeau River offer a different pace. Hiking trails through the county and state forests are dry and bug-prone by mid-June , bring repellent.

Summer weather tips:

• Thunderstorms can roll in fast on the lakes , always check the forecast before heading out
• Mosquitoes and deer flies peak in June and early July
• Water temperatures in most lakes reach the low 70s by mid-July
• Sunset in late June is around 9 PM , long days for outdoor activities

Fall: Colors, Hunting, and the First Frost (September–November)

September stays pleasant with an average high of 66°F, but by October the high drops to 52°F and nights dip to freezing. The first fall freeze usually arrives between September 15 and 25.

Fall is peak tourism season for a reason. The hardwood forests that cover much of Price County turn brilliant red, orange, and gold , typically peaking the last week of September through mid-October. Hunting seasons for deer, grouse, and waterfowl bring another wave of visitors.

Fall planning notes:

• Peak fall colors generally run late September through mid-October
• Archery deer season opens mid-September; gun season is late November
• November can bring the first significant snow , have winter gear ready
• Trail conditions reports from the county help plan ATV and hiking outings

Climate Data at a Glance

**Annual precipitation**: 30–32 inches (liquid) | **Annual snowfall**: 55–70 inches | **Growing season**: 110–125 days

How Weather Affects Your Plans

Fishing

Open-water season runs mid-May through October. Ice fishing kicks in once lakes freeze solid , usually mid-December through March. Check ice thickness reports from local bait shops. Wind and temperature swings affect fish activity, so overcast days often outproduce bright ones.

ATV and UTV Trails

Most trails open in mid-May and close by late October or early November. Spring mud season and fall freeze-thaw cycles can close trails temporarily. The Price County ATV Association posts current conditions online.

Snowmobiling

Trails typically open mid-December when there is enough snow base. Season runs through mid-March. Early and late seasons can be hit-or-miss , a warm February can shut things down early.

Camping and Hiking

Peak camping is June through August. Fall camping in September and October is popular for the colors, but nights drop below freezing. State and county campgrounds have limited seasonal availability , check reservations early.

Check Conditions Before You Go

The National Weather Service office in La Crosse covers Price County. For current conditions, forecasts, and alerts, check

For current conditions and alerts from the National Weather Service, visit [forecast.weather.gov](https://forecast.weather.gov/). For road conditions, Wisconsin 511 provides real-time updates.

This article was written by the Price County Fun Editorial Team using NOAA climate normals for the Phillips, WI cooperative station and Wisconsin State Climatology Office data. Temperature and precipitation averages reflect the 1991–2020 normal period. Last updated May 2026.

See also: Complete Price County Tourism Guide 2026 | Hiking Trails Ranked by Difficulty | Northwoods Old Fashioned Guide