Experience the dynamic weather in Chicago, where summers sizzle with highs averaging 82°F (28°C), while winters chill with lows dipping to 19°F (-7°C). Surprisingly, Chicago receives less annual rainfall than New York City. To truly immerse in the city's vibrant atmosphere, visit Millennium Park during the summer and enjoy a free concert amidst the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture.
Today's Forecast
5-Day Forecast
Chicago Climate & Weather Averages
Chicago records its highest temperatures in July — typically 80°F by day — and its lowest in January, around 32°F. Most rain falls in July; February stays driest. These averages are computed from ten years of daily records (2015–2024).
Few cities change character with the calendar like Chicago. Summer is genuinely warm (80°F average highs in July); winter is genuinely cold (32°F by day in January, 20°F at night), and white: expect snowfall on roughly 39 days a year, mostly from November to April. Pack for the season, not the destination.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Sunshine (h/day) | Wind (mph) | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32° | 20° | 2.6 in | 4.9 | 16 | 12 |
| Feb | 36° | 20° | 2.4 in | 6.8 | 17 | 8 |
| Mar | 45° | 31° | 3.5 in | 7.9 | 17 | 5 |
| Apr | 55° | 39° | 4.2 in | 8.8 | 17 | 3 |
| May | 66° | 50° | 5.3 in | 10.1 | 15 | — |
| Jun | 77° | 61° | 4.5 in | 11.6 | 14 | — |
| Jul | 80° | 67° | 6 in | 11.8 | 13 | — |
| Aug | 80° | 66° | 4.2 in | 11.5 | 13 | — |
| Sep | 75° | 61° | 3.8 in | 9.6 | 14 | — |
| Oct | 62° | 49° | 4.8 in | 7.5 | 16 | 1 |
| Nov | 48° | 36° | 2.5 in | 6 | 16 | 3 |
| Dec | 39° | 27° | 2.6 in | 5 | 16 | 6 |
Expect around 11.8 hours of sun a day at the July peak, against about 4.9 hours in January. Wind stays moderate most of the year, strongest in February with daily peaks near 17 mph.
Best time to visit: Aim for June–September if you can: highs hover near 77°F and rain is lighter than the July peak. Pack strictly by season: summer calls for light layers, winter for a serious coat, hat, and gloves.
Chicago weather — frequently asked questions
Does it snow in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago averages about 39 days with snowfall per year, falling mostly between November and April.
How cold are winters in Chicago?
January is the coldest month in Chicago: daytime highs average just 32°F and nights drop to around 20°F.
What is the sunniest month in Chicago?
July, with roughly 11.8 hours of sunshine a day on average over 2015–2024. The dimmest month is January, at about 4.9 hours.
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
Weather-wise, June–September is the sweet spot in Chicago: average daytime highs around 77°F with less rain than the July peak. Data from 2015–2024.
What is the rainiest month in Chicago?
July is on average the wettest month in Chicago, with about 6 in of rainfall. The driest month is typically February, at around 2.4 in.
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive. Averages computed from daily records.