Chicago in November
In November, Chicago averages 8°C (47°F) during the day and 1°C (34°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (62 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
November 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 November compares to the rest of the year in Chicago
November is in the middle of the year for warmth in Chicago (8th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C below the annual average (14°C). November runs 8°C cooler than October (16°C) and cools 4°C in December (4°C).
November sunrise & sunset in Chicago
Times shown for Chicago local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of November. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Chicago — November
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of November, in Chicago's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Chicago in November
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 November's tier (Shoulder) and Chicago's popularity.
November 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.
Busiest domestic travel week of the year in the US. Airports run at capacity, flight prices spike, many restaurants close on Thursday.
Plan: Book flights 2+ months out, fly on the day OF Thanksgiving for cheaper fares, or just avoid the week.
Crowds & pricing — November 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.
Sun & mosquito risk — November 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 November weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Chicago in November →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Chicago in November?
In November, Chicago averages a high of 8°C (47°F) and a low of 1°C (34°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in November?
November can be fairly wet in Chicago, with about 13 rainy days on average.
Is November a good time to visit Chicago?
November 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 November?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full November packing list for Chicago for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.