United States · 30-year monthly climate averages
Based on 30 years of climate data, the most comfortable months to visit Chicago are May, June and September, when daytime temperatures are agreeable and rainfall is relatively low.
Chicago sees its warmest weather in July, when daytime highs average around 29°C, and its coolest in January (around 0°C).
Annual precipitation totals roughly 875mm — May is typically the wettest month (~104mm) and February the driest (~37mm).
🟧 avg daytime high · 🟦 dashed: avg nighttime low · bars: monthly rainfall
Daily forecast highs vs the 30-year normal — last 60 days
Each bar is one day: orange above normal, blue below.
| Month | High / Low | Rainfall | Travel rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / -7°C | 38mm | 🤔 Fair |
| February | 3° / -5°C | 37mm | 🤔 Fair |
| March | 9° / 0°C | 48mm | 🤔 Fair |
| April | 16° / 5°C | 91mm | 👍 Good |
| May | 22° / 11°C | 104mm | 🌟 Great |
| June | 27° / 17°C | 102mm | 👍 Good |
| July | 29° / 20°C | 90mm | 👍 Good |
| August | 28° / 19°C | 101mm | 👍 Good |
| September | 25° / 15°C | 70mm | 🌟 Great |
| October | 18° / 8°C | 88mm | 👍 Good |
| November | 10° / 2°C | 60mm | 🤔 Fair |
| December | 3° / -4°C | 46mm | 🤔 Fair |
January in Chicago is cold, with average daytime highs around 0°C (33°F) and nighttime lows near -7°C (19°F). Expect roughly 38mm of precipitation spread over about 6 rainy days, with little rainfall.
🎒 What to pack — warm coat · sweaters and layers · scarf
February in Chicago is cold, with average daytime highs around 3°C (37°F) and nighttime lows near -5°C (23°F). Expect roughly 37mm of precipitation spread over about 6 rainy days, with little rainfall.
🎒 What to pack — warm coat · sweaters and layers · scarf
March in Chicago is chilly, with average daytime highs around 9°C (48°F) and nighttime lows near 0°C (32°F). Expect roughly 48mm of precipitation spread over about 7 rainy days, with little rainfall.
🎒 What to pack — jacket or coat · long-sleeve layers
April in Chicago is mild, with average daytime highs around 16°C (60°F) and nighttime lows near 5°C (41°F). Expect roughly 91mm of precipitation spread over about 9 rainy days, with a moderate amount of rain.
🎒 What to pack — light jacket · layers for cool evenings
May in Chicago is pleasantly warm, with average daytime highs around 22°C (71°F) and nighttime lows near 11°C (52°F). Expect roughly 104mm of precipitation spread over about 10 rainy days, with a moderate amount of rain.
🎒 What to pack — light layers · comfortable walking shoes
June in Chicago is warm, with average daytime highs around 27°C (81°F) and nighttime lows near 17°C (62°F). Expect roughly 102mm of precipitation spread over about 10 rainy days, with a moderate amount of rain.
🎒 What to pack — light summer clothing · sunscreen and sunglasses
July in Chicago is warm, with average daytime highs around 29°C (85°F) and nighttime lows near 20°C (68°F). Expect roughly 90mm of precipitation spread over about 7 rainy days, with a moderate amount of rain.
🎒 What to pack — light summer clothing · sunscreen and sunglasses
August in Chicago is warm, with average daytime highs around 28°C (83°F) and nighttime lows near 19°C (66°F). Expect roughly 101mm of precipitation spread over about 8 rainy days, with a moderate amount of rain.
🎒 What to pack — light summer clothing · sunscreen and sunglasses
September in Chicago is pleasantly warm, with average daytime highs around 25°C (76°F) and nighttime lows near 15°C (59°F). Expect roughly 70mm of precipitation spread over about 7 rainy days, with a moderate amount of rain.
🎒 What to pack — light layers · comfortable walking shoes
October in Chicago is mild, with average daytime highs around 18°C (64°F) and nighttime lows near 8°C (46°F). Expect roughly 88mm of precipitation spread over about 9 rainy days, with a moderate amount of rain.
🎒 What to pack — light jacket · layers for cool evenings
November in Chicago is chilly, with average daytime highs around 10°C (49°F) and nighttime lows near 2°C (35°F). Expect roughly 60mm of precipitation spread over about 7 rainy days, with little rainfall.
🎒 What to pack — jacket or coat · long-sleeve layers
December in Chicago is cold, with average daytime highs around 3°C (38°F) and nighttime lows near -4°C (25°F). Expect roughly 46mm of precipitation spread over about 7 rainy days, with little rainfall.
🎒 What to pack — warm coat · sweaters and layers · scarf