Chicago in October
In October, Chicago averages 16°C (60°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (131 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
It's peak hurricane season in Chicago during October. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.
How October compares to the rest of the year in Chicago
October is in the middle of the year for warmth in Chicago (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (14°C). October runs 7°C cooler than September (23°C) and cools 8°C in November (8°C).
October sunrise & sunset in Chicago
Times shown for Chicago local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of October. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Chicago — October
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of October, in Chicago's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Chicago in October
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 October's tier (Off-peak) and Chicago's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — October 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: peak hazard season (1 active)
Sun & mosquito risk — October 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 October weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Chicago in October →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Chicago in October?
In October, Chicago averages a high of 16°C (60°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in October?
October is quite rainy in Chicago, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is October a good time to visit Chicago?
October is cool but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Chicago in October?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full October packing list for Chicago for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.