Chicago in August
In August, Chicago averages 26°C (79°F) during the day and 19°C (66°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (113 mm total).
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
It's peak hurricane season in Chicago during August. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.
How August compares to the rest of the year in Chicago
August is one of the warmest months in Chicago (2nd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 12°C above the annual average (14°C). August runs roughly the same as July (26°C) and cools 3°C in September (23°C).
August sunrise & sunset in Chicago
Times shown for Chicago local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Chicago — August
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in Chicago's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Chicago in August
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 August's tier (High season) and Chicago's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — August in Chicago
This is a busy month in Chicago — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Northern Hemisphere summer holidays peak hazard season (1 active)
Sun & mosquito risk — August 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 August weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Chicago in August →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Chicago in August?
In August, Chicago averages a high of 26°C (79°F) and a low of 19°C (66°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in August?
August is quite rainy in Chicago, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is August a good time to visit Chicago?
August is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Chicago in August?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full August packing list for Chicago for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.