December weather forecast
Illinois, USA

December heralds the official commencement of winter in Illinois, bringing along colder temperatures, shorter days, and often, a blanket of snow. The northern parts of the state, bordering Wisconsin, experience daytime temperatures that range from the low to mid-30s°F. The southern regions, near Kentucky, though slightly warmer, still feel the chill with temperatures fluctuating in the upper 30s°F to low 40s°F.

Chicago, the state's iconic metropolis, is imbued with a wintry ambiance. The city's skyscrapers and streets often get adorned with festive lights, and the shimmering Lake Michigan, with its icy breezes, accentuates the seasonal cold. Outdoor skating rinks and holiday markets become city hotspots, drawing residents and tourists alike.

Nights in December are especially chilly, with temperatures typically settling between the upper 10s°F to mid-20s°F. This drop in temperature, paired with diminishing daylight, unequivocally marks the heart of the winter season.

When contrasted with November, December's colder grasp is evident. Precipitation in the form of snow becomes more commonplace, especially in the northern regions. Snowfall can vary, but the ground frequently finds itself blanketed, providing a wintry backdrop for the holiday festivities. As December reaches its conclusion, Illinois is firmly nestled in winter's embrace, awaiting the new year and the continuation of the season's chill.

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• Chicago - December »
  The month with the least rainfall in Chicago is December, when the rain falls for 8.8 days and typically collects 1.65" (42mm) of precipitation. In Chicago in December, during 7.5 snowfall days, 2.52" (64mm) of snow is typically accumulated.
• Aurora - December »
  December has the shortest days of the year in Aurora with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight. In Aurora, in December, during 6.4 snowfall days, 0.55" (14mm) of snow is typically accumulated.
• Rockford - December »
  December in Rockford, the final month of the year, characteristically sees a decrease in temperatures, an increase in snowfall, and the shortest daylight hours. In Rockford, in December, snow falls for 10.1 days, with typically accumulated 2.68" (68mm) of snow.
• Joliet - December »
  In Joliet, in December, snow falls for 8 days, with typically accumulated 2.4" (61mm) of snow. In Joliet in December, it is raining for 8.1 days, with typically 1.69" (43mm) of accumulated precipitation.
• Naperville - December »
  In Naperville in December, snow falls for 8.1 days, with typically accumulated 1.02" (26mm) of snow. In Naperville in December, snow falls for 8.1 days, with typically accumulated 1.02" (26mm) of snow.
• Springfield - December »
  The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 24min of daylight. In Springfield, in December, snow falls for 5.4 days, with typically accumulated 0.98" (25mm) of snow.
• Peoria - December »
  In Peoria, in December, during 5.9 snowfall days, 1.18" (30mm) of snow is typically accumulated. As November shifts into December in Peoria a slight alteration in temperatures is observed, with average highs reducing from a frosty 48.4°F (9.1°C) to a cold 36.5°F (2.5°C).
• Elgin - December »
  The month with the least rainfall in Elgin is December, when the rain falls for 8.1 days and typically collects 1.1" (28mm) of precipitation. In Elgin in December, during 8.1 rainfall days, 1.1" (28mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Waukegan - December »
  In Waukegan during December, snow falls for 9.7 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.77" (45mm) of snow. The month with the least rainfall in Waukegan is December, when the rain falls for 8.1 days and typically collects 0.91" (23mm) of precipitation.
• Champaign - December »
  In Champaign, in December, snow falls for 5.9 days, with typically accumulated 1.1" (28mm) of snow. December has the shortest days of the year in Champaign, with an average of 9h and 24min of daylight.
• Cicero - December »
  The month with the least rainfall in Cicero is December, when the rain falls for 6 days and typically collects 0.47" (12mm) of precipitation. December has the shortest days of the year in Cicero with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.
• Bloomington - December »
  In Bloomington during December, the rain falls for 7.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.22" (31mm) of precipitation. In Bloomington, Illinois, in December, during 8 snowfall days, 1.65" (42mm) of snow is typically accumulated.