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Contents
- The climate of Chicago
- The best time to visit Chicago
- The worst time to visit Chicago
- Spring weather in Chicago
- Summer weather in Chicago
- Autumn weather in Chicago
- Winter weather in Chicago
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The city of Chicago in Illinois on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a superb view of the sandy beach of Oak Street
The climate of Chicago
Dominated by the Köppen climate classification Dfa, which depicts a humid continental climate, Chicago of Illinois, United States, sits in the realm of geographical diversity. With a lack of a dry season and the presence of hot summers, the city's climatological parameters sway over the span of a year, presenting a dynamic weather profile.
A closer look at weather constituents of Chicago unveils the city's temperature range. Here, from 29.7°F (-1.3°C) to 77.5°F (25.3°C), the upper temperatures circuit measuring high usually in summer, descends back by the end of the year. Correspondingly, the city shivers in the clutches of low temperatures, falling to as much as 20.7°F (-6.3°C) in the colder months from moderately chilly conditions in summer.
Rainfall exhibits considerable variability across months with a peak of 4.88" (124mm) while dipping to a low point of 1.65" (42mm). The city also experiences perceptible dropping and rising in humidity amid 73% and 82%. In winter, Chicago transforms its exterior to a snowy wonderland as much as 3.54" (90mm) thick, the snowfall persists steadily only to vanish by the end of spring.
The mariner's compass would dwell on the sea temperature, fluctuating in a range of 36.9°F (2.7°C) to 73.9°F (23.3°C). Accounting for sunlight, Chicago, in longer summer days, basks in as much as 15.2 hours of daylight with extended sunshine hours of up to 10.6. Conversely, winters, restrict daylight to a meager 9.2 hours followed by a comparatively brief sunshine.
A closer look at weather constituents of Chicago unveils the city's temperature range. Here, from 29.7°F (-1.3°C) to 77.5°F (25.3°C), the upper temperatures circuit measuring high usually in summer, descends back by the end of the year. Correspondingly, the city shivers in the clutches of low temperatures, falling to as much as 20.7°F (-6.3°C) in the colder months from moderately chilly conditions in summer.
Rainfall exhibits considerable variability across months with a peak of 4.88" (124mm) while dipping to a low point of 1.65" (42mm). The city also experiences perceptible dropping and rising in humidity amid 73% and 82%. In winter, Chicago transforms its exterior to a snowy wonderland as much as 3.54" (90mm) thick, the snowfall persists steadily only to vanish by the end of spring.
The mariner's compass would dwell on the sea temperature, fluctuating in a range of 36.9°F (2.7°C) to 73.9°F (23.3°C). Accounting for sunlight, Chicago, in longer summer days, basks in as much as 15.2 hours of daylight with extended sunshine hours of up to 10.6. Conversely, winters, restrict daylight to a meager 9.2 hours followed by a comparatively brief sunshine.
The best time to visit Chicago
A visit to Chicago is most delightful during late spring to early summer between May and June. During these months, the city rejoices under ample warmth with upper temperatures averaging between 61°F (16.1°C) and 70.5°F (21.4°C) and cooler nights seeing temperatures from 50.4°F (10.2°C) to 60.3°F (15.7°C). Humidity remains fairly comfortable ranging from 79% to 80%. Moreover, the city promises plenty of daylight up to 15.2 hours, paired with plentiful hours of sunshine peaking at 10 hours. Rainfall persists, however, it is balanced with considerable amounts of clear and cloudy days, offering ample dose of both wet and dry weather.
The worst time to visit Chicago
The harsh winters from late November to January make for a challenging time to visit Chicago. During these months, temperatures plunge severely between lows of 20.7°F (-6.3°C) to highs of 32°F (0°C). Snowfall makes its appearance quite regularly, making mobility around the city quite demanding. Daylight hours are also constricted to 9.8 hours to 9.2 hours with limited sunshine ranging from 5.1 hours to 4 hours. The testing conditions also come with enhanced cloud cover escalating up to 62%.
Spring weather in Chicago
Spring in Chicago unfolds from March to May with a rise in temperatures from a chilly 32°F (0°C) to a pleasant 61°F (16.1°C). The cooler nights witness a similar warm-up from 32.2°F (0.1°C) to 50.4°F (10.2°C). An upward shift also marks the daylight hours, growing from 12 hours to a delightful 14.6 hours. The city witnesses a surge in rainfall during this season, culminating at 4.61" (117mm) in May. Moreover, spring also marks the end of the snowy spell that winter casts upon the city.
Summer weather in Chicago
Summer engulfs Chicago from June to August with a stride in temperatures observed, stabilizing around 77.4°F (25.2°C) to 77.5°F (25.3°C). The city spins a warm night climate as well with temperatures hovering between 60.3°F (15.7°C) and 67.6°F (19.8°C). Luxurious daylight of up to 15.2 hours, complemented by bountiful sunshine hours reaching 10.6, signifies an inviting summer. Chicago also grasps towards the peak of humidity during this time, wrapping the city in an 80% humid curtain.
Autumn weather in Chicago
Autumn flutters across Chicago from September to November with temperatures receding from 71.1°F (21.7°C) to a cooler 46°F (7.8°C). A crisping air engulfs the city's nights seeing temperatures slide from 61.2°F (16.2°C) to 36.5°F (2.5°C). Daylight hours shrink in autumn, dwindling down from 12.5 hours to a lesser 9.8 hours. Furthermore, rainfall sees a downward curve, settling at 1.81" (46mm) by the end of autumn.
Winter weather in Chicago
Winter in Chicago stretches from December to February, marking significant dips in temperatures sinking from 35.8°F (2.1°C) to a freezing 29.7°F (-1.3°C). Freezing nights see temperatures plummeting from 27.9°F (-2.3°C) to 20.7°F (-6.3°C). Daylight hours are further trimmed to 9.5 hours in December and 10.6 hours by the end of winter, combined with a limited sunshine duration of 3.7 hours to 4 hours. Layering itself in snow, the city garners snowfall of about 3.39" (86mm) in winter.
Weather in January
The beginning of the year brings brisk conditions to Chicago, Illinois, with an increased chance of snowfall. Marked by chilly days, this month is the epitome of a Midwestern winter, promising a snowy, frosted landscape. Visitors and locals see a noticeable drop in temperatures from December. Weather in January »
Weather in February
February continues the winter season in Chicago, offering snowy landscapes and chilly winds. Coming on the heels of January, the weather remains cold, although there is a minor increase in average maximum and minimum temperatures. Weather in February »
Weather in March
The windy city of Chicago ushers in March with an increase in temperature and longer daylight hours. While winter is still holding its grip, March introduces the first signs of spring. Progreess is apparent compared to February, including a drop in snowfall to 1.34" (34mm) over 6.1 days. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April witnesses a considerable shift in Chicago's weather landscape with enhanced warmth and increased daylight. This month is a relief to the residents, marking the true beginning of spring and a departure from the colder temperatures of March. Weather in April »
Weather in May
Chicago enjoys mild and pleasurable May with the definitive arrival of spring that transforms the city. Compared to April, the overall climatic conditions improve significantly. This month proves to be city's rainiest with rainfall recorded at 4.61" (117mm). Weather in May »
Weather in June
A significant leap in temperature characterizes June in Chicago, signifying the beginning of summer. This month is a drastic variation from May with longer daylight hours and minimal cloud cover. With an average 10 hours of sunshine per day, it is among the sunniest periods of the year. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in Chicago is marked by warm, long days and is one of the city's peak summer months. There is minimal variation in weather conditions from June, making it comfortably predictable for locals and tourists alike. The highest average temperatures of the year, up to 77.5°F (25.3°C), are experienced this month. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August maintains the summer momentum in Chicago, providing locals and visitors with ample sunshine and heat. The weather conditions are similar to July, maintaining high temperatures and favorable conditions for outdoor activities or sightseeing. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September is a transitional month in Chicago with a shift from warm summer days to the mild and pleasant days of fall. The significant decrease in temperature from August makes this month a comfortable time with ample daylight hours and robust sunshine. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in Chicago is a newfound favorite among locals and tourists, boasting a comfortable climate with the fall colors in full display. This month marks a clear departure from the warmth of September. A reduction in daylight hours is noticeable, replaced with cooler and longer nights. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November witnesses a further drop in temperatures, marking the advent of winter in Chicago. The transformation from October is apparent as the fall colors begin to fade. With an increase in rainfall to 1.81" (46mm) from the previous month, Chicago experiences a rather wet November. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December in Chicago sees the full arrival of winter, and the annual traditions begin with festive decorations adorning the city. A marked drop in temperature from November is clear, promise of snowfall brings a holiday feel to the city landscape. Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 12, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What time of the year is the coldest?
Chicago's January weather, with an average high temperature of 29.7°F (-1.3°C) and an average low temperature of 20.7°F (-6.3°C), tends to be the coldest of the year.
What is the most humid month?
With an average relative humidity of 82%, January is the most humid month.
How much does it rain?
In Chicago, Illinois, during the entire year, the rain falls for 160.2 days and collects up to 36.97" (939mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow?
January through May, November and December are months with snowfall.
How many days does it snow?
Throughout the year, there are 40.9 snowfall days, and 13.9" (353mm) of snow is accumulated.
What is the month with the least sunshine?
With an average of 3.7h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year.
When is the lowest UV index?
January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.
When does it snow the most?
The month with the most snowfall is February, when snow falls for 9.9 days and typically aggregates up to 3.54" (90mm) of snow.
What is the month with the coldest ocean?
With an average ocean temperature of 36.9°F (2.7°C), February is the month with the coldest seawater.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Chicago?
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.
What is the wettest month?
June is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 17.5 days and accumulates 4.88" (124mm) of precipitation.
When it does not snow?
In Chicago, snow does not fall in June through October.
When are the longest days?
With an average of 15h and 12min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.
What are the months with the most sunshine?
July and August, with an average of 10.6h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine in Chicago.
What is the month with the highest UV index?
The months with the highest UV index are July and August, with an average maximum UV index of 6.
What month is the hottest?
August, recording an average high temperature of 77.5°F (25.3°C) and a low temperature of 67.6°F (19.8°C), is Chicago's warmest month.
What month is the ocean warmest?
With an average ocean temperature of 73.9°F (23.3°C), August is the month with the warmest seawater.
What is the least humid month?
October is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 73%.
What is the driest month?
December is the month with the least rainfall in Chicago, Illinois. Rain falls for 8.8 days and accumulates 1.65" (42mm) of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days in Chicago?
December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.
Average temperature
Chicago, IL
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (77.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (29.7°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (67.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (20.7°F).
Average pressure
Chicago, IL
- Average pressure in January:
30.11"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.95"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.92"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.09"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.11"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.92"Hg).
Average wind speed
Chicago, IL
- Average wind speed in January:
12.5mph - Average wind speed in February:
11.9mph - Average wind speed in March:
11mph - Average wind speed in April:
11.1mph - Average wind speed in May:
9.4mph - Average wind speed in June:
8.4mph
- Average wind speed in July:
7.7mph - Average wind speed in August:
7.8mph - Average wind speed in September:
9.3mph - Average wind speed in October:
11.3mph - Average wind speed in November:
12.2mph - Average wind speed in December:
11.7mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (12.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.7mph).
Average humidity
Chicago, IL
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (82%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (73%).
Average rainfall
Chicago, IL
- Average rainfall in January:
1.77" - Average rainfall in February:
1.81" - Average rainfall in March:
2.13" - Average rainfall in April:
3.7" - Average rainfall in May:
4.61" - Average rainfall in June:
4.88"
- Average rainfall in July:
4.21" - Average rainfall in August:
4.06" - Average rainfall in September:
3.23" - Average rainfall in October:
3.11" - Average rainfall in November:
1.81" - Average rainfall in December:
1.65"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (4.88").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is December (1.65").
Average rainfall days
Chicago, IL
- Average rainfall days in January:
6.6 days - Average rainfall days in February:
5.5 days - Average rainfall days in March:
11.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
16.6 days - Average rainfall days in May:
18.3 days - Average rainfall days in June:
17.5 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
18.5 days - Average rainfall days in August:
17.3 days - Average rainfall days in September:
14.5 days - Average rainfall days in October:
14.2 days - Average rainfall days in November:
10.6 days - Average rainfall days in December:
8.8 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (18.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (5.5 days).
Average snowfall
Chicago, IL
- Average snowfall in January:
3.39" - Average snowfall in February:
3.54" - Average snowfall in March:
1.34" - Average snowfall in April:
1.61" - Average snowfall in May:
0.08" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is February (3.54").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August, September and October (0").
Average snowfall days
Chicago, IL
- Average snowfall days in January:
10.6 days - Average snowfall days in February:
9.9 days - Average snowfall days in March:
6.1 days - Average snowfall days in April:
2.4 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in November:
4 days - Average snowfall days in December:
7.5 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (10.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average sea temperature
Chicago, IL
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (73.9°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (36.9°F).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Chicago, IL
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 3min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 4min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 1min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 5min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 3min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 1min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 1min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 4min - Average sunshine in February:
3h and 5min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 1min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 5min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 5min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 0min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 4min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 4min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 1min - Average sunshine in October:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 1min - Average sunshine in December:
4h and 0min
The months with the most sunshine are July and August (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 42min).
Average sunshine days
Chicago, IL
- Average sunshine days in January:
13.6 days - Average sunshine days in February:
11.6 days - Average sunshine days in March:
13.9 days - Average sunshine days in April:
10.8 days - Average sunshine days in May:
10.6 days - Average sunshine days in June:
9.7 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
9.3 days - Average sunshine days in August:
9.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
12.1 days - Average sunshine days in October:
14.2 days - Average sunshine days in November:
14.5 days - Average sunshine days in December:
15.5 days
The month with the most sunshine days is December (15.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (9.3 days).
Average UV index
Chicago, IL
The months with the highest UV index are July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Chicago, IL
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 62).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 27).
Average visibility
Chicago, IL
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
Chicago, Illinois, USA
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