Chicago in December
In December, Chicago averages 4°C (38°F) during the day and -3°C (27°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (63 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December in Chicago is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Chicago
December is one of the coolest months in Chicago (10th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (14°C). December runs 4°C cooler than November (8°C) and cools 4°C in January (0°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Chicago
Times shown for Chicago local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Chicago — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Chicago's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Chicago in December
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 December's tier (Off-peak) and Chicago's popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in Chicago
This is off-peak for Chicago — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December 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.
🥶 Bitter cold — Chicago in December
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
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 December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Chicago in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Chicago in December?
In December, Chicago averages a high of 4°C (38°F) and a low of -3°C (27°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in December?
December can be fairly wet in Chicago, with about 12 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Chicago?
December is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Chicago in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Chicago for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.