Climate Overview
The climate in Evanston is cool. The average annual temperature is 7°C and approximately 526mm of precipitation falls per year. May is the wettest month, receiving around 98mm of rainfall. Evanston is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are December, January, February, when temperatures can drop to -10°C. Evanston experiences heavy snowfall, typically from January through December.
Temperature
Evanston has a wide annual temperature range, spanning 38°C from the coldest to warmest months. The warmest month is July, when average highs reach 28°C and the mean temperature sits around 21°C. The coldest month is December, when overnight lows fall to -10°C and the daily average is -7°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 12°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between May and June, with a 10°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Evanston is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 526mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 44mm per month. The wettest month is May, averaging 98mm of rainfall. December and April also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is August, with just 7mm. That's 91mm less than May, 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. Evanston receives heavy snowfall, accumulating around 264cm annually from January through December. The snowiest month is December, with approximately 61cm. Winter travel should account for significant snow cover.
Wind
Evanston is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 3km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is October, averaging 3km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in November, with average winds dropping to 2km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 1km/h between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
51 days until Autumn
It is currently summer in Evanston, which began on June 21, 2026. Evanston is in the Northern Hemisphere, where spring begins in March, summer in June, autumn in September, and winter in December. The warmest period peaks in July at around 28°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in December near -10°C. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 51 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from -3 to 15°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 234mm for the season, averaging 78mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 3km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 10 to 28°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 35mm for the entire season. Winds are generally light, averaging 3km/h. Comfortable clothing with a light layer for cooler evenings is all you need.
Autumn
Temperatures range from -3 to 22°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 115mm over the season and a monthly average of 38mm. Expect around 35cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 3km/h. Layered clothing works best as temperatures gradually cool — enjoy the crisp air and changing scenery.
Winter
Temperatures range from -10 to 2°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 142mm over the season and a monthly average of 47mm. Expect around 127cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 3km/h. Heavy layering and insulated outerwear are essential — exposed skin should be minimised outdoors.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Evanston is during June, July and August, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 19°C with modest rainfall averaging 12mm per month. By contrast, December can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to -10°C. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Evanston 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.