Best months
April, May, and September
Warmest month
July, 30°C
Wettest month
July, 109 mm
Chicago weather by month
Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.
| Month | High / low | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1°C / -7°C | 38 mm · 4 days | Cold |
| February | 2°C / -6°C | 42 mm · 4 days | Cold |
| March | 9°C / 1°C | 61 mm · 6 days | Cold |
| April | 16°C / 5°C | 91 mm · 7 days | Fair |
| May | 22°C / 12°C | 102 mm · 8 days | Great |
| June | 28°C / 17°C | 108 mm · 8 days | Fair |
| July | 30°C / 20°C | 109 mm · 6 days | Fair |
| August | 29°C / 19°C | 100 mm · 6 days | Fair |
| September | 25°C / 16°C | 68 mm · 5 days | Great |
| October | 18°C / 9°C | 102 mm · 7 days | Fair |
| November | 10°C / 2°C | 47 mm · 4 days | Cold |
| December | 4°C / -3°C | 53 mm · 5 days | Cold |
Chicago by season
Spring
Spring is variable, with cold snaps and warm days, but parks bloom and baseball season starts.
- + Baseball season opens
- + Fewer crowds
- + Blooming parks
- − Unpredictable weather
- − Rain
Summer
Summer is Chicago's best season, with beaches, rooftop bars, festivals and outdoor concerts.
- + Beaches and lakefront
- + Festivals like Lollapalooza
- + Outdoor dining
- − Hot and humid days
- − Crowds
Autumn
Autumn brings crisp weather, colourful parks and the Chicago Marathon in October.
- + Pleasant temperatures
- + Fall colours
- + Marathon and cultural events
- − Hotels busy during events
- − Cooler evenings
Winter
Winter is famously cold and windy, but festive lights, ice skating and museums make it enjoyable.
- + Holiday lights and markets
- + Ice skating
- + Lower hotel prices
- − Freezing temperatures
- − Snow and wind
Chicago month by month
Chicago in January
ColdIn January, Chicago averages highs of 1°C and lows of -7°C, with about 4 rainy days and 38 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Chicago in February
ColdIn February, Chicago averages highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C, with about 4 rainy days and 42 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Chicago in March
ColdIn March, Chicago averages highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C, with about 6 rainy days and 61 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Chicago in April
FairIn April, Chicago averages highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C, with about 7 rainy days and 91 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Chicago in May
GreatIn May, Chicago averages highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C, with about 8 rainy days and 102 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Chicago in June
FairIn June, Chicago averages highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C, with about 8 rainy days and 108 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Chicago in July
FairIn July, Chicago averages highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C, with about 6 rainy days and 109 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Chicago in August
FairIn August, Chicago averages highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C, with about 6 rainy days and 100 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Chicago in September
GreatIn September, Chicago averages highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C, with about 5 rainy days and 68 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Chicago in October
FairIn October, Chicago averages highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C, with about 7 rainy days and 102 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Chicago in November
ColdIn November, Chicago averages highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C, with about 4 rainy days and 47 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Chicago in December
ColdIn December, Chicago averages highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C, with about 5 rainy days and 53 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Top tours and experiences in Chicago
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
4.97,500 reviews1h 30m
from €52
Check availability
Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile
4.63,729 reviews45m
from €25
Check availabilityAll things to do in Chicago →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Plan your Chicago trip
Best time to visit Chicago: FAQ
What is the best month to visit Chicago?+
September is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 25°C. May and April are close behind.
What is the rainiest month in Chicago?+
July is the wettest month, with about 109 mm of rain.
How hot does Chicago get?+
July is the warmest month, with average highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. The coldest nights come in January, averaging -7°C.
Averages for 2006–2025 from the CHICAGO MIDWAY AP weather station (15 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.