Madison has a continental prairie climate with hot summers, cold winters, and dramatic seasonal swings. Summer (June through August) is the best time to visit for outdoor activities: Lake Herman is warm enough for swimming, the fishing is good, and Prairie Village runs its seasonal programs. The annual threshing jamboree at Prairie Village in late July is the biggest event of the year.
Spring and autumn are pleasant but brief — the shoulder seasons here are measured in weeks. Winter brings genuine cold and snow; ice fishing on Lake Herman is a local tradition, but visitors from warmer climates will need proper gear.