Chicago in April
In April, Chicago averages 12°C (54°F) during the day and 4°C (39°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (105 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
April is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Chicago. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How April compares to the rest of the year in Chicago
April is in the middle of the year for warmth in Chicago (7th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (14°C). April runs 6°C warmer than March (6°C) and warms a further 6°C into May (18°C).
April sunrise & sunset in Chicago
Times shown for Chicago local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of April. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Chicago — April
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of April, in Chicago's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Chicago in April
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on April's tier (Shoulder) and Chicago's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — April in Chicago
Chicago is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — April in Chicago
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Chicago in other months
| 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 | — |
Other cities with similar April weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Chicago in April →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Chicago in April?
In April, Chicago averages a high of 12°C (54°F) and a low of 4°C (39°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in April?
April is quite rainy in Chicago, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is April a good time to visit Chicago?
April is cool but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Chicago in April?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full April packing list for Chicago for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.