Weather in Chicago
What's the weather like in Chicago?
Chicago has a wide swing between hot summers and cold winters and moderate rainfall spread across the year. Average daytime highs range from 0°C (31°F) in January to 26°C (79°F) in July, with overnight lows around -7°C (19°F) and 19°C (66°F) respectively.
For comfortable sightseeing temperatures (18–26°C daytime highs), the best months to visit Chicago are May through September.
Quick facts
- Country
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Region
- North America
- Time zone
- America/Chicago
- Coordinates
- 41.878, -87.630
Monthly climate
Long-run averages for each month of the year.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C / 31°F | -7°C / 19°F | 61 mm | 17 | — |
| February | 1°C / 33°F | -7°C / 19°F | 63 mm | 13 | — |
| March | 6°C / 43°F | -1°C / 30°F | 76 mm | 16 | — |
| April | 12°C / 54°F | 4°C / 39°F | 105 mm | 18 | — |
| May | 18°C / 65°F | 10°C / 50°F | 125 mm | 18 | — |
| June | 24°C / 76°F | 16°C / 61°F | 123 mm | 18 | — |
| July | 26°C / 79°F | 19°C / 66°F | 141 mm | 18 | — |
| August | 26°C / 79°F | 19°C / 66°F | 113 mm | 18 | — |
| September | 23°C / 73°F | 16°C / 61°F | 94 mm | 15 | — |
| October | 16°C / 60°F | 9°C / 48°F | 131 mm | 18 | — |
| November | 8°C / 47°F | 1°C / 34°F | 62 mm | 13 | — |
| December | 4°C / 38°F | -3°C / 27°F | 63 mm | 12 | — |
Chicago by month
Detailed weather for any specific month:
Seasonal patterns to know
Atlantic hurricane season runs June–November (peak August–October). Tropical storms and hurricanes are possible — peak risk is August–October.
Cities with a similar climate to Chicago
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
The most comfortable months in Chicago are usually May, June, September, when average highs sit near 18–26°C (64–79°F) with relatively little rain. See the full month-by-month breakdown for the exact figures.
What is the hottest month in Chicago?
July is typically the hottest month in Chicago, averaging a high of 26°C (79°F).
What is the coldest month in Chicago?
February is usually the coldest, with average lows around -7°C (19°F).
Does it snow in Chicago?
Snow is rare in Chicago; the climate data shows essentially no snowfall across the year.
Live forecast, sunrise/sunset, and more.