Waukesha, WI Homeowners Can Expect a Cooler, Drier Fall, Says The Old Farmer’s Almanac

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a brisker fall across Wisconsin this year.

The 2025 outlook calls for cooler-than-normal temperatures paired with below-average rainfall for much of the state. That means homeowners in Waukesha can look forward to a quicker shift into sweater weather, along with drier conditions that may make for vibrant foliage.

But while the forecast cools the air, the housing market in Waukesha is heating up. ZIP code 53186 earned the No. 14 spot on the Realtor.com annual list of the Top 50 Hottest ZIP Codes of 2025, marking this Milwaukee suburb as a standout market where homes are drawing strong demand and moving quickly.

Wisconsin forecast: cool days, fewer storms

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac’s Fall Forecast 2025 State Breakdown, Wisconsin is expected to experience a cooler and drier autumn overall. September will bring an average temperature of 57°F, about two degrees below normal, alongside 3.5 inches of precipitation. While that’s slightly above the usual rainfall, it will come in the form of frequent drizzle and occasional early snow showers in northern parts of the region. In Waukesha, homeowners should prepare for a mix of damp mornings and sudden cool spells, broken up by brief periods of late-month warmth.

By October, temperatures are forecast to dip further, averaging just 45°F — again, two degrees below normal. Precipitation will ease back to 1.5 inches, about an inch less than typical for the month. This shift suggests a drier and crisper fall than usual, with fewer prolonged rainy stretches. While the northern Midwest may see some snow flurries creep in early, Waukesha residents are more likely to encounter chilly rains with occasional sunny breaks that highlight autumn colors.

This cooler-than-average forecast stands in contrast to trends across much of the country. The Old Farmer’s Almanac projects a warmer-than-normal season across the West, South, and even into the Atlantic Corridor. For Wisconsin, the cooler temperatures and reduced rainfall point to a more traditional Midwestern autumn—a sharp departure from the extended summers seen elsewhere.

Waukesha’s market gains national attention

Waukesha’s real estate market is keeping a faster pace than the weather. Homes in ZIP 53186 sold in just 28 days on average, nearly 40 days quicker than the U.S. norm. Listings also captured 3.4× more views per property compared with the typical American home, highlighting how competitive this corner of Wisconsin has become.

The median listing price in Waukesha was $341,000, a figure that sits comfortably below the national median of $441,000. That relative affordability is part of the appeal, especially when compared with nearby metros where prices run much higher. Buyers are drawn to Waukesha for its balance of suburban living, strong schools, and easy access to Milwaukee — all without the steep premiums of larger urban hubs.

Other Wisconsin cities also made the 2025 Hottest ZIPs list, including Kenosha (ZIP 53142, No. 23) and Sheboygan (ZIP 53083, No. 32). Together, these entries underscore how Wisconsin suburbs are becoming magnets for buyers seeking affordability and community, even as inventory remains tight and homes move quickly off the market.

Fall projects for a smooth season ahead

With Waukesha heading into a cool and dry autumn, September is an ideal time to tackle home maintenance before winter sets in. Ryan Williams of 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric suggests repairing walkway cracks early to prevent icy slip hazards later in the season. Chris Granger of Sears Home Services notes that September is also perfect for cleaning siding with a power washer, which not only refreshes curb appeal but also reveals any repairs needed before snow arrives.

Other tasks top the list, too. Lindsey Pasieka of ConsumerSafety.org warns homeowners not to skip a chimney sweep before lighting the first fire of the season, as soot buildup can create dangerous conditions. And Lisa Turner, author of House Keys: Tips and Tricks From a Female Home Inspector, reminds homeowners that fall is the best time to service lawn equipment before storing it away. Tuning up machines now, rather than in spring, prevents damage from old oil and debris sitting idle all winter.

For a complete checklist, the Realtor.com September home maintenance guide offers step-by-step tasks to help homeowners stay ahead of the season.

This article was produced with editorial input from Dina Sartore-Bodo and Gabriella Iannetta.