Climate Insights for Chicago

The climate in Chicago is hot. The average annual temperature is 27°C and approximately 1,605 mm of precipitation falls per year. Chicago receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Chicago is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: May, September, August. The coldest months are January, December, February, when temperatures can drop to 22°C.The climate in Chicago is hot. The average annual temperature is 81°F and approximately 63.2 in of precipitation falls per year. Chicago receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Chicago is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: May, September, August. The coldest months are January, December, February, when temperatures can drop to 72°F.

Chicago has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 9°C range. The warmest month is May, when average highs reach 31°C and the mean temperature sits around 29°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 22°C and an average of 25°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 5°C between highs and lows.Chicago has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 16°F range. The warmest month is May, when average highs reach 88°F and the mean temperature sits around 83°F. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 72°F and an average of 76°F. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 9°F between highs and lows.

Chicago is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1,605 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 134 mm per month. The wettest month is June, averaging 234 mm of rainfall. October and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is April, with just 43 mm. That's 191 mm less than June, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.Chicago is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 63.2 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 5.3 in per month. The wettest month is June, averaging 9.2 in of rainfall. October and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is April, with just 1.7 in. That's 7.5 in less than June, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.

Chicago is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 13km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is April, averaging 16km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in October, with average winds dropping to 10km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 6km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.Chicago is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 8mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is April, averaging 10mph, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in October, with average winds dropping to 6mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 4mph gap between the calmest and windiest months.

The best time to visit Chicago is during January, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 25°C with modest rainfall averaging 83 mm per month. By contrast, May can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 31°C. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.The best time to visit Chicago is during January, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 76°F with modest rainfall averaging 3.3 in per month. By contrast, May can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 88°F. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.

The table below shows monthly climate averages for Chicago based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Chicago based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.