Climate Insights for Chicago

The climate in Chicago is cool. The average annual temperature is 10°C and approximately 1,066 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: August, July, September. The coldest months are January, February, December, when temperatures can drop to -4°C. Snowfall occurs from January to December, with around 100cm accumulating over the season.The climate in Chicago is cool. The average annual temperature is 50°F and approximately 42 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: August, July, September. The coldest months are January, February, December, when temperatures can drop to 25°F. Snowfall occurs from January to December, with around 39in accumulating over the season.

Temperatures in Chicago vary considerably across the year, with a 29°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. August is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 25°C with a mean of 22°C. The coldest month is January, when overnight lows fall to -4°C and the daily average is -2°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 4°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 7°C shift in average temperatures.Temperatures in Chicago vary considerably across the year, with a 51°F difference between the coldest and warmest months. August is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 76°F with a mean of 72°F. The coldest month is January, when overnight lows fall to 25°F and the daily average is 29°F. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 7°F between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 13°F shift in average temperatures.

Chicago is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 1,066 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 89 mm per month. The wettest month is October, averaging 123 mm of rainfall. May and April also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is September, with just 63 mm. That's 61 mm less than October, the wettest month. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, so there is no pronounced dry or wet season to plan around. Snowfall is a regular feature from January to December, with around 100cm accumulating over the season. January typically sees the most snow at around 33cm.Chicago is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 42 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 3.5 in per month. The wettest month is October, averaging 4.8 in of rainfall. May and April also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is September, with just 2.5 in. That's 2.4 in less than October, the wettest month. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, so there is no pronounced dry or wet season to plan around. Snowfall is a regular feature from January to December, with around 39in accumulating over the season. January typically sees the most snow at around 13in.

Chicago is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 20km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is November, averaging 24km/h, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in July, with average winds dropping to 15km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 9km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 24km/h in winter, 20km/h in spring, 16km/h in summer, 21km/h in autumn.Chicago is very windy, with an average annual wind speed of 13mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is November, averaging 15mph, which can feel quite blustery and may affect outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in July, with average winds dropping to 9mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 6mph gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 15mph in winter, 13mph in spring, 10mph in summer, 13mph in autumn.

The best time to visit Chicago is during June, July, August and September, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 20°C with modest rainfall averaging 76 mm per month. By contrast, January can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to -4°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 June, July, August and September, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 69°F with modest rainfall averaging 3 in per month. By contrast, January can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 25°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. Snow is measured in centimetres (cm) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. 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. Snow is measured in inches (in) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. 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.