The climate of Oak Park
Oak Park, a suburban community in Cook County,
Illinois, USA, experiences a Dfa Köppen climate classification, commonly known as a humid continental climate with hot summer months and no dry season. Geographically positioned at a latitude of 41.8850°N, its weather is characterized by the interaction between polar and tropical air masses, leading to contrasting conditions throughout the year.
Temperature fluctuations are significant in Oak Park. High temperatures range from 28.9°F (-1.7°C) in
January to 79.7°F (26.5°C) in
July, while low temperatures shift from 19.4°F (-7°C) in January to 67.5°F (19.7°C) in July. Humidity is relatively constant year-round, with slight variations from the lowest level of 72% in
October to the highest level of 82% in January.
Precipitation in Oak Park is well distributed throughout the year, with rainfall inch values ranging from a low of 1.57in in
December to a high of 4.49in in
May. The number of rainy days, however, peaks sharply in May, with 18.8 rainy days, compared to the minimum of 5.1 days in
February. Notably, snow covers Oak Park from October to
April, reaching a maximum inch value of 4.69in in February.
In terms of sunlight, Oak Park benefits from daylight hours that span from 9.5h in January to a maximum of 15.2h in
June. Sunshine hours follow a similar pattern, with a low of 3.7h in January to a high of 10.6h in
August. The UV Index fluctuates throughout the year, reaching its peak in the summer months of June, July, and August with a rating of 6, and dropping to 1 in January and December.
The best time to visit Oak Park
The best time to visit
Oak Park largely depends on personal preferences, but generally, late spring and early fall provide optimal conditions.
May and
June offer a balance of pleasant temperatures, moderate humidity, and abundant sunlight. During these months, the average temperature ranges from 53.2°F (11.8°C) to 73.9°F (23.3°C), humidity hovers around 77% and sunshine extends to 9.9h per day on average. The UV Index in these months is 5 and 6 respectively, making it suitable for all activities, with the caveat of good sun protection during peak hours.
The worst time to visit Oak Park
Visiting
Oak Park in winter is less advisable due to considerably lower temperatures and shorter daylight hours. Between
December and
February, high temperatures barely rise above freezing, with lows dipping to 19.4°F (-7°C) in
January. Daylight hours in January are the shortest in the year, with only 9.5h. These conditions are further compounded by significant snowfall - February sees an average of 4.69in of snow, making outdoor activities challenging.
Spring weather in Oak Park
Spring in
Oak Park is characterized by gradually warming temperatures and increasing precipitation. From
March to
May, high temperatures climb from 43.2°F (6.2°C) to 64.4°F (18°C), while low temperatures rise from 32.2°F (0.1°C) to 51.4°F (10.8°C). Rainfall escalates notably during this season, culminating with the year's highest rainfall measurement of 4.49in in May.
Summer weather in Oak Park
Summer in
Oak Park, spanning
June through
August, sees the highest temperatures, with highs ranging from 73.9°F (23.3°C) in June to 79.7°F (26.5°C) in
July. Nights are also warm with the lowest temperatures staying above 61.2°F (16.2°C). Despite being the sunniest period with over 10h of sunlight per day, it sees modest rainfall, with rainfall inches fluctuating between 3.74in and 4.29in and a corresponding slight increase in the relative humidity.
Autumn weather in Oak Park
Autumn in
Oak Park brings lower temperatures, shorter days, and less rainfall. From
September to
November, high temperatures fall from 72.1°F (22.3°C) to 45.9°F (7.7°C), while low temperatures drop from 60.4°F (15.8°C) to 35.4°F (1.9°C). Rainfall inches recede as well, from 2.72in in September to 1.65in in November. Sunshine duration reduces to 5.1h by November.
Winter weather in Oak Park
Winter in
Oak Park is defined by cold temperatures, snowfall, and limited sunshine. Between
December and
February, high temperatures range from 35.1°F (1.7°C) to 28.9°F (-1.7°C) and low temperatures fluctuate between 26.6°F (-3°C) and 19.4°F (-7°C). Snowfall is prevalent during this time, peaking at 4.69in in February, while sunshine hours drop to their lowest point of 3.7h in
January.
Weather in January
January is the coldest month in
Oak Park,
Illinois, with average high and low temperatures hanging between 19.4°F (-7°C) and 28.9°F (-1.7°C). With the biting chill, one can also expect occasional precipitation, mostly manifesting as snowfall.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Oak Park begins to experience slight warming in
February, a subtle reprieve from
January's frosty days. The rise in temperature mildly alleviates the cold, yet parka-clad pedestrians are still a common sight. Snowfall continues, although less frequently than the preceding month, and road conditions may often prove challenging due to occasional snowstorms.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March ushers in noticeable weather changes in
Oak Park as winter transitions into spring. With ice beginning to thaw, the emergence of a warmer climate comes as a welcome break from winter's freezing temperatures. Rainfall takes over from snowfall, signaling a shift in the precipitation pattern.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is known for the substantial amount of rain in
Oak Park, with monthly precipitation reaching its highest point at 3.62" (92mm). As it restores the verdant, blossoming landscape, rain brings the distinct refreshment characteristic of spring to the city.
Weather in April » Weather in May
By
May,
Oak Park sheds the last vestiges of winter, and temperatures begin to reflect the arrival of summer. Parks and recreational areas teem with life as the weather permits more outdoor activities. Fine days are dominant, with the radiant sun illuminating the city for a generous amount of time.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is a delightful period in
Oak Park, marking the onset of summer in all its glory. It is accompanied by ascending temperatures and an extended duration of daylight. Sunbathing enthusiasts enjoy long, sunny days perfect for outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July witnesses the peak of summer heat in
Oak Park, with the highest average temperature registering at 79.7°F (26.5°C). The hot summer in
Illinois is often balmy and bright, punctuated only by occasional thunderstorms. The city hums with lively summer activities and the atmosphere pulsates with high energy.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Oak Park continues the summer trend, only marginally cooler than
July. The sweltering heat continues unabated with evenings offering a gentle relief from the day's temperature. Despite sporadic rains, the city savors abundant sunshine.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Oak Park brings a cooling trend as summer surrenders to autumn. Changes in the landscape become visible as trees begin to shed leaves in hues of red, orange, and yellow. While occasional drizzles may occur, the majority of the month is marked by pleasant, mild weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is fully cloaked in autumn colors in
Oak Park, painting a beautiful canvas with its falling leaves. The cool October breezes bring relief from the residual summer heat. Overcast skies and misty mornings are common, adding to the mystical ambiance that autumn injects into the cityscape.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November rolls in,
Oak Park prepares for the onset of winter. Temperatures see a significant decline from the previous month, making warm attire a norm again. Despite the chilly weather, the sun shines for a good duration of the day, but daylight hours gradually decrease.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Oak Park,
Illinois, experiences the return of winter in full swing, featuring increased snowfall of up to 2.52" (64mm). The city is covered in a pristine layer of snow, making for picturesque winterscapes. Daylight hours are the shortest of the year, causing early evenings and long nights.
Weather in December »