Chicago in July
In July, 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 (141 mm total).
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
July offers comfortable temperatures in Chicago, with some rain to plan around.
How July compares to the rest of the year in Chicago
July is one of the warmest months in Chicago (1st of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 13°C above the annual average (14°C). July runs 2°C warmer than June (24°C) and stays flat into August.
July sunrise & sunset in Chicago
Times shown for Chicago local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of July. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Chicago — July
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of July, in Chicago's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Chicago in July
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 July's tier (High season) and Chicago's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — July 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: Northern Hemisphere summer holidays
Sun & mosquito risk — July 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 July weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Chicago in July →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Chicago in July?
In July, 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 July?
July is quite rainy in Chicago, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is July a good time to visit Chicago?
July 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 July?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full July packing list for Chicago for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.