Chicago is a city known for its extreme weather conditions, from freezing winters to hot and humid summers. The city's climate is classified as a humid continental climate, which means that it experiences four distinct seasons with widely varying temperatures.
If you're planning a trip to Chicago, it's important to know what kind of weather to expect. This article will provide you with an overview of Chicago's average temperatures by month, so you can pack accordingly and make the most of your visit.
While Chicago's weather can be unpredictable, there are some general trends that you can expect throughout the year. Let's take a closer look at the average temperature in Chicago by month.
chicago average temp by month
Chicago's weather varies greatly throughout the year, with hot summers and cold winters. Here are 8 important points about Chicago's average temperature by month:
- January: Coldest month, average temperature 29°F
- February: Still cold, average temperature 32°F
- March: Warming up, average temperature 41°F
- April: Spring arrives, average temperature 52°F
- May: Pleasant weather, average temperature 63°F
- June: Start of summer, average temperature 75°F
- July: Hottest month, average temperature 79°F
- August: Still hot, average temperature 77°F
These are just averages, of course, and the actual temperature can vary depending on the year and weather conditions. But this information can give you a general idea of what to expect when you visit Chicago.
January: Coldest month, average temperature 29°F
January is the coldest month in Chicago, with an average temperature of 29°F (-1.7°C). This means that the average high temperature is around 34°F (1°C) and the average low temperature is around 24°F (-4°C). However, it is not uncommon for temperatures to drop below 0°F (-18°C) during January, especially at night. Snowfall is also common in January, with an average of 9.9 inches (25.1 cm) falling throughout the month.
If you are visiting Chicago in January, be sure to pack warm clothes, including a heavy coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. You should also be prepared for snow and icy conditions. However, there are still plenty of things to do in Chicago in January, such as visiting the Field Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, or Millennium Park. You can also enjoy ice skating at Millennium Park or Maggie Daley Park.
January is also a great time to visit Chicago for its many winter festivals and events. The Chicago Winter Fest features ice sculptures, live music, and family-friendly activities. The Chinese New Year Parade is also held in January, and it is one of the largest parades in the United States.
Overall, January is a cold month in Chicago, but it is still a great time to visit the city and experience its unique winter charm.
While January may be the coldest month in Chicago, it is also a beautiful time to visit the city. The snow-covered streets and buildings create a magical atmosphere, and there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy. If you are prepared for the cold weather, you will be able to experience all that Chicago has to offer in January.
February: Still cold, average temperature 32°F
February is the second coldest month in Chicago, with an average temperature of 32°F (0°C). This means that the average high temperature is around 37°F (3°C) and the average low temperature is around 27°F (-3°C). However, it is not uncommon for temperatures to drop below 0°F (-18°C) during February, especially at night. Snowfall is also common in February, with an average of 9.3 inches (23.6 cm) falling throughout the month.
- Similar to January:
February's weather is very similar to January's, with cold temperatures and frequent snowfall. However, there is slightly more daylight in February, and the days start to get a little longer.
- Valentine's Day:
February is also the month of Valentine's Day, and Chicago has many romantic things to offer couples. You can take a walk through Millennium Park, visit the Field Museum, or see a show at the Chicago Theatre.
- Chicago Auto Show:
February is also the month of the Chicago Auto Show, one of the largest auto shows in North America. If you are a car enthusiast, this is a great time to visit Chicago and see the latest and greatest cars from around the world.
- Presidents' Day:
Presidents' Day is a federal holiday that is celebrated in February. Many businesses and schools are closed on this day, so it is a good time to take a day trip or explore the city without the crowds.
Overall, February is a cold month in Chicago, but there are still plenty of things to see and do. If you are prepared for the cold weather, you will be able to enjoy all that Chicago has to offer in February.
March: Warming up, average temperature 41°F
March is a transitional month in Chicago, as the weather starts to warm up and the city begins to shake off its winter coat. The average temperature in March is 41°F (5°C), with an average high of 49°F (9°C) and an average low of 33°F (1°C). Snowfall is still possible in March, but it is less common than in January and February.
- Signs of spring:
As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, you will start to see signs of spring all around Chicago. The trees start to bud, the flowers start to bloom, and the birds start to sing. This is a great time to take a walk through one of Chicago's many parks or gardens.
- St. Patrick's Day:
March is also the month of St. Patrick's Day, and Chicago celebrates in a big way. The city hosts a huge parade and festival, and many bars and restaurants offer special Irish food and drinks. Even if you're not Irish, you can still enjoy the festive atmosphere and have a great time.
- Spring training:
Baseball fans will be excited to know that spring training begins in March. The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox both have their spring training facilities in Arizona, and you can catch a game and see some of your favorite players in action.
- March Madness:
March is also the month of March Madness, the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. If you're a basketball fan, you can catch all the games on TV or at one of Chicago's many sports bars.
Overall, March is a great time to visit Chicago. The weather is starting to warm up, and there are plenty of things to see and do. Whether you're interested in sports, culture, or just enjoying the outdoors, you're sure to find something to your liking in Chicago in March.
April: Spring arrives, average temperature 52°F
April is the month when spring truly arrives in Chicago. The weather is mild and pleasant, with an average temperature of 52°F (11°C). The average high temperature is around 60°F (16°C), and the average low temperature is around 44°F (7°C). Rain is common in April, but it is usually light and intermittent.
- Cherry blossoms:
One of the best things about April in Chicago is the cherry blossoms. The city has over 30,000 cherry blossom trees, and they all bloom in April. The most popular place to see cherry blossoms is in Grant Park, where you can stroll along the lakefront and enjoy the beautiful flowers.
- Outdoor activities:
April is a great time to enjoy the outdoors in Chicago. The weather is perfect for walking, biking, and running. You can also take a boat tour of the Chicago River or Lake Michigan. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
- Cultural events:
April is also a great time to experience Chicago's cultural offerings. The city hosts a number of festivals and events in April, including the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and the Chicago International Film Festival.
- Baseball season:
Baseball fans will be excited to know that the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox both start their regular season in April. You can catch a game at Wrigley Field or Guaranteed Rate Field and cheer on your favorite team.
Overall, April is a great time to visit Chicago. The weather is mild and pleasant, there are plenty of things to see and do, and the city is buzzing with activity. Whether you're interested in culture, sports, or just enjoying the outdoors, you're sure to find something to your liking in Chicago in April.
May: Pleasant weather, average temperature 63°F
May is a beautiful month in Chicago, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The average temperature in May is 63°F (17°C), with an average high of 72°F (22°C) and an average low of 54°F (12°C). Rain is still common in May, but it is usually light and intermittent.
May is a great time to visit Chicago for a number of reasons. The weather is perfect for walking, biking, and running. You can also enjoy the many outdoor activities that Chicago has to offer, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boat tours. May is also a great time to visit Chicago's many parks and gardens, which are all in full bloom.
If you're a fan of culture, May is a great time to visit Chicago. The city hosts a number of festivals and events in May, including the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and the Chicago International Film Festival. May is also a great time to visit Chicago's many museums, art galleries, and theaters.
Overall, May is a great time to visit Chicago. The weather is mild and pleasant, there are plenty of things to see and do, and the city is buzzing with activity. Whether you're interested in culture, sports, or just enjoying the outdoors, you're sure to find something to your liking in Chicago in May.
One of the best things about May in Chicago is the Memorial Day Parade. This parade is held on the last Monday of May and it is a great way to celebrate the men and women who have served our country. The parade features marching bands, floats, and military vehicles. It is a great event for people of all ages.
June: Start of summer, average temperature 75°F
June is the official start of summer in Chicago, and the weather is typically warm and humid. The average temperature in June is 75°F (24°C), with an average high of 83°F (28°C) and an average low of 67°F (19°C). Rain is common in June, but it is usually light and intermittent.
June is a great time to enjoy the outdoors in Chicago. The city's many parks and beaches are all open and bustling with activity. You can go for a swim, sunbathe, play volleyball, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. June is also a great time to take a boat tour of the Chicago River or Lake Michigan.
If you're a fan of culture, June is a great time to visit Chicago. The city hosts a number of festivals and events in June, including the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and the Chicago International Film Festival. June is also a great time to visit Chicago's many museums, art galleries, and theaters.
Overall, June is a great time to visit Chicago. The weather is warm and pleasant, there are plenty of things to see and do, and the city is buzzing with activity. Whether you're interested in culture, sports, or just enjoying the outdoors, you're sure to find something to your liking in Chicago in June.
One of the best things about June in Chicago is the Taste of Chicago festival. This festival is held every year in Grant Park and it features food from over 100 Chicago restaurants. It is a great way to sample some of the city's best food and enjoy live music and entertainment.
July: Hottest month, average temperature 79°F
July is the hottest month in Chicago, with an average temperature of 79°F (26°C). The average high temperature is around 87°F (31°C), and the average low temperature is around 71°F (22°C). However, it is not uncommon for temperatures to reach into the 90s or even 100s during July, especially during heat waves.
If you are visiting Chicago in July, be sure to pack light and airy clothing. You should also drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially if you are spending time outdoors. There are a number of things to do in Chicago in July to beat the heat, such as visiting the city's many museums, art galleries, and theaters. You can also take a boat tour of the Chicago River or Lake Michigan, or relax in one of the city's many parks.
July is also a great time to visit Chicago for its many festivals and events. The Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and the Chicago International Film Festival are all held in July. There are also a number of outdoor concerts and events held throughout the city.
Overall, July is a great time to visit Chicago. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of things to see and do. However, it is important to be prepared for the heat and to take precautions to stay hydrated.
One of the best ways to cool off in Chicago in July is to visit one of the city's many beaches. Chicago has 26 miles of public beaches, so you're sure to find one that's perfect for you. You can swim, sunbathe, play volleyball, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
August: Still hot, average temperature 77°F
August is the second hottest month in Chicago, with an average temperature of 77°F (25°C). The average high temperature is around 85°F (29°C), and the average low temperature is around 69°F (21°C). However, it is not uncommon for temperatures to reach into the 90s or even 100s during August, especially during heat waves.
If you are visiting Chicago in August, be sure to pack light and airy clothing. You should also drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially if you are spending time outdoors. There are a number of things to do in Chicago in August to beat the heat, such as visiting the city's many museums, art galleries, and theaters. You can also take a boat tour of the Chicago River or Lake Michigan, or relax in one of the city's many parks.
August is also a great time to visit Chicago for its many festivals and events. The Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and the Chicago International Film Festival all continue into August. There are also a number of outdoor concerts and events held throughout the city.
Overall, August is a great time to visit Chicago. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of things to see and do. However, it is important to be prepared for the heat and to take precautions to stay hydrated.
One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors in Chicago in August is to take a walk or bike ride along the 18-mile Lakefront Trail. This trail offers stunning views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan. You can also stop at one of the many beaches along the trail to cool off with a swim.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicago's weather by month:
Question 1: What is the coldest month in Chicago?
Answer: January is the coldest month in Chicago, with an average temperature of 29°F (-1.7°C).
Question 2: What is the hottest month in Chicago?
Answer: July is the hottest month in Chicago, with an average temperature of 79°F (26°C).
Question 3: What is the average temperature in Chicago in the summer?
Answer: The average temperature in Chicago in the summer (June, July, and August) is 75°F (24°C).
Question 4: What is the average temperature in Chicago in the winter?
Answer: The average temperature in Chicago in the winter (December, January, and February) is 29°F (-1.7°C).
Question 5: How much snow does Chicago get?
Answer: Chicago receives an average of 37.7 inches of snow per year.
Question 6: When is the best time to visit Chicago?
Answer: The best time to visit Chicago is in the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October), when the weather is mild and there are plenty of things to do.
Question 7: What are some tips for staying safe in Chicago's weather?
Answer: In the summer, be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. In the winter, be sure to dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Chicago's weather. For more information, please visit the National Weather Service website.
Now that you know more about Chicago's weather by month, you can start planning your trip. Be sure to pack accordingly and take precautions to stay safe in the weather.
Tips
Here are a few tips for staying safe and comfortable in Chicago's weather, month by month:
Tip 1: Dress in layers.
Chicago's weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to dress in layers. This way, you can adjust your clothing as needed to stay comfortable.
Tip 2: Be prepared for rain.
Chicago receives an average of 37.7 inches of rain per year, so it's important to be prepared for rain, especially in the spring and summer months. Carry an umbrella or raincoat with you, and wear waterproof shoes.
Tip 3: Stay hydrated.
It's important to stay hydrated, especially in the hot and humid summer months. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice.
Tip 4: Be aware of the heat index.
The heat index is a measure of how hot it feels outside, taking into account the temperature and humidity. On hot and humid days, the heat index can make it feel much hotter than it actually is. Be aware of the heat index, and take precautions to stay cool, such as staying indoors or in air-conditioned spaces.
By following these tips, you can stay safe and comfortable in Chicago's weather, no matter what time of year you visit.
Now that you know more about Chicago's weather by month and have some tips for staying safe and comfortable, you can start planning your trip. Be sure to pack accordingly and enjoy all that Chicago has to offer.
Conclusion
Chicago's weather is known for its extremes, but it's also a city that can be enjoyed year-round. From the cold and snowy winters to the hot and humid summers, Chicago has something to offer everyone.
In the winter, you can enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. In the spring, you can see the city come to life as the flowers bloom and the trees start to bud. In the summer, you can enjoy the many outdoor activities that Chicago has to offer, such as swimming, biking, and boating. And in the fall, you can take a walk through one of Chicago's many parks and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage.
No matter what time of year you visit Chicago, you're sure to find something to enjoy. So pack your bags and start planning your trip today.
Chicago is a city that has something to offer everyone, no matter what the weather is like. So come and experience all that Chicago has to offer, no matter what time of year it is.