Madison
Wisconsin's capital sits on an isthmus between two lakes, with a domed Capitol, eight Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, cheese curds and a large university campus.
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Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and the county seat of Dane County, in the south-central part of the state. Downtown sits on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, and Lake Wingra lies within city limits too. The Wisconsin State Capitol anchors Capitol Square, and its dome was modeled on the dome of the United States Capitol. Madison is about 77 miles west of Milwaukee and 122 miles northwest of Chicago.
Student life from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the flagship campus of the state system, shapes much of the city. State Street runs from campus to Capitol Square and is lined with bars and theaters. Madison has eight Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, more than any city outside the Chicago area, and it is known for cheese curds and Wisconsin supper clubs. Summers are warm and humid, and winters are cold with significant snow. The Dane County Farmers' Market runs around Capitol Square on summer Saturday mornings.
Madison in five
- Time the balloon fiestaThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs in early October and books rooms months ahead. Reserve early or choose another week if you want quiet.Balloon Fiesta
- Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at clear hoursThe tram climbs the mountain east of the city, with city views and trails at the top. Check operating hours and weather before you go, since high winds can close it.Sandia Peak Tramway
- Eat green chileNew Mexico chile, red or green, appears on many menus. Ask for "Christmas" to try both on one plate.
- Plan for the altitude and dry airThe city sits at about 5,300 feet (1,620 m). Drink water, use sunscreen and take it easy on the first day.
- Check entry rules before you book into the SunportVisa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding, and other passports need a visa. Confirm which applies to you before you buy a fare.Visa checker
Need to know
- Airport
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 10 min to downtown by car
- Getting there
- Fly into ABQ; drive from Santa Fe in about 1 hour
- Getting around
- Car or rideshare; the ABQ RIDE bus network
- Best base
- Old Town, downtown or Nob Hill
- Time needed
- 2 days; 3 to 4 with Santa Fe
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, sun
- FebruaryCool, dry
- MarchWindy, spring
- AprilMild, spring
- MayWarm, dry
- JuneHot, dry
- JulyHot, monsoon
- AugustHot, monsoon
- SeptemberWarm, clear
- OctoberBalloon Fiesta
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold, luminarias
Right now in Madison
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
15
- Feels like
- 11°
- Humidity
- 78%
- Wind
- 24 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 68%
Madison
02:36 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today17°12°68%Monday: Rain. High 17°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 68%.
- Tue19°17°89%Tuesday: Rain. High 19°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 89%.
- Wed17°9°87%Wednesday: Rain. High 17°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 87%.
- Thu11°7°27%Thursday: Drizzle. High 11°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 27%.
- Fri9°2°10%Friday: Cloudy. High 9°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Sat11°2°8%Saturday: Cloudy. High 11°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Sun9°3°16%Sunday: Cloudy. High 9°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 16%.
Updated 02:17 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Santa Feabout 1 hour by carAdobe plaza, museums and galleries; the Rail Runner also runs on its current schedule.Read the guide
- Taosabout 2.5 to 3 hours by carA high-desert town with a historic pueblo and art galleries.Read the guide
- Acoma Puebloabout 1 hour by carA mesa-top Native community; tours run on set schedules.
Before you go to Madison
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Rules for Madison, checked
- Visitors from visa waiver countries need an ESTA before flying to the US. Check eligibility and current rules on travel.state.gov before you book.Source
- Declare food, plants and animal products on your customs form. Check CBP's current rules at cbp.gov/travel before you pack.Source
- Dial 911 for police, fire or an ambulance anywhere in Madison.
- Check current fares and payment rules at itsmadison.com before you ride Madison Metro buses.
Plan around Madison
Parks, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideFlagstaffA mountain town and Grand Canyon gateway, west on I-40
Read the guideEl PasoA border city on the road south
Read the guideBryce CanyonHoodoos in Utah, a long drive but a classic stop
Read the guideESTA, explainedWho needs it, the fee and how to apply
Read the guideMadison FAQ
How many days do you need in Albuquerque?
Two days cover Old Town, the Sandia tram and a green chile meal. Add a day for Santa Fe or Acoma Pueblo. During the balloon fiesta, plan an early morning at the launch field.
Is Albuquerque worth visiting?
Yes, if you like Southwest food, mountain views and Route 66. It works best as a base for Santa Fe, pueblos and the Sandias rather than as a long-stay city.
When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?
April to May and September to October. Early October brings the balloon fiesta and crowds; July and August are hot with monsoon storms.
Do you need a car in Albuquerque?
Yes for most trips. The city is spread out, and day trips to Santa Fe, Taos and pueblos are easier by car. Old Town and Nob Hill are walkable once you are there.
Is Albuquerque safe for tourists?
Visitors usually stick to Old Town, downtown and Nob Hill. Like any big city, stay alert at night and avoid leaving valuables in a parked car.