Chicago in May
In May, Chicago averages 18°C (65°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (125 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Chicago, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Chicago
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Chicago (5th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (14°C). May runs 6°C warmer than April (12°C) and warms a further 6°C into June (24°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Chicago
Times shown for Chicago local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Chicago — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Chicago's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Chicago in May
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 May's tier (Shoulder) and Chicago's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May 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.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Chicago in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Chicago in May?
In May, Chicago averages a high of 18°C (65°F) and a low of 10°C (50°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in May?
May is quite rainy in Chicago, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Chicago?
May is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Chicago in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Chicago for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.