Chicago in February
In February, Chicago averages 1°C (33°F) during the day and -7°C (19°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (63 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
February 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 February compares to the rest of the year in Chicago
February is one of the coolest months in Chicago (11th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 13°C below the annual average (14°C). February runs 1°C warmer than January (0°C) and warms a further 6°C into March (6°C).
February sunrise & sunset in Chicago
Times shown for Chicago local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of February. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Chicago — February
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of February, in Chicago's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Chicago in February
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 February's tier (Off-peak) and Chicago's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — February 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
Sun & mosquito risk — February 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 February
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 February weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Chicago in February →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Chicago in February?
In February, Chicago averages a high of 1°C (33°F) and a low of -7°C (19°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in February?
February can be fairly wet in Chicago, with about 13 rainy days on average.
Is February a good time to visit Chicago?
February 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 February?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full February packing list for Chicago for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.