Chicago Monthly Climate
Don't forget to check WhereWeather Website for weather statistics on your exact travel dates, for any city in the world. You can also compare different cities and dates side-by-side.
Temperature Overview
- Average Daytime Temperature: 17°C (63°F)
- Average Nighttime Temperature: 8°C (46°F)
Rainfall Statistics
- Annual average daily rainfall: 2.8 mm (0.11 inches) per day
- Rainiest month: August with around 3.6 mm (0.14 inches) per day
- Driest month: February with around 1.8 mm (0.07 inches) per day
- Average number of rainy days per year: 122 days
- Average annual snowfall: 937 mm (37 inches)
Monthly Weather Conditions
Temperature
Precipitation
Seasonal Breakdown
December-February (Winter)
- Highs: 0-3°C (32-37°F)
- Lows: -8 to -5°C (18-23°F)
- Rainy Days: 9-11 days per month
- Average Precipitation: 2.0 mm/day
- Snowfall: Average of 250-300 mm per month
March-May (Spring)
- Highs: 8-22°C (46-72°F)
- Lows: -1 to 11°C (30-52°F)
- Rainy Days: 10-11 days per month
- Average Precipitation: 3.0 mm/day
- Late season snowfall possible in March
June-August (Summer)
- Highs: 27-29°C (81-84°F)
- Lows: 16-19°C (61-66°F)
- Rainy Days: 9-10 days per month
- Average Precipitation: 3.5 mm/day
- Frequent heat waves with high humidity
September-November (Fall)
- Highs: 10-24°C (50-75°F)
- Lows: 1-14°C (34-57°F)
- Rainy Days: 8-11 days per month
- Average Precipitation: 2.8 mm/day
- First snowfall possible by late November
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Chicago is from May to September, when the weather is warm and outdoor activities are plentiful. However, each season offers unique experiences:
Spring (March-May) brings gradually warming temperatures but can be unpredictable with occasional late snowfalls. May offers pleasant conditions for exploring the city's parks and lakefront, with fewer tourists than summer.
Summer (June-August) is peak tourist season with warm temperatures perfect for beaches, outdoor festivals, and enjoying Millennium Park. While humidity can be high and afternoon thunderstorms common, this is the best time for outdoor activities and lake cruises.
Fall (September-October) offers comfortable temperatures and beautiful fall colors in the city's parks. This shoulder season has fewer crowds and generally pleasant weather, perfect for architecture tours and outdoor dining.
Winter (December-February) brings cold temperatures and snow, perfect for visiting Chicago's world-class museums, enjoying indoor performances, and experiencing the city's vibrant culinary scene.
Other Cities in the United States
Want to explore more of the United States? Check out our weather guides for other American cities:
New York
Northeast metropolis with four distinct seasons
San Francisco
Coastal city with mild Mediterranean climate
Miami
Tropical paradise with warm weather year-round
Los Angeles
Southern California with endless summer
Las Vegas
Desert city with hot, dry climate
Orlando
Theme park capital with subtropical weather
Boston
Historic city with New England seasons
San Diego
Perfect weather year-round
Washington DC
Capital city with four seasons
Before you go ahead and plan your next visit, make sure to check the weather forecast for your exact travel dates on WhereWeather Website. You can also compare different cities and dates side-by-side.