City in Illinois, United States
Chicago weather by month and the best time to visit
When to go to Chicago
Late May–June and Sep–Oct are warm and dry. Jul–Aug is humid with big festivals. Dec–Feb is very cold and windy; Jan lows reach -15°C.
Chicago weather by month
Average daily high, rainfall and conditions.
- Jan0°48 mm
- Feb0°54 mm
- Mar5°62 mm
- Apr10°94 mm
- May15°117 mm
- Jun21°102 mm
- Jul25°95 mm
- Aug25°105 mm
- Sep22°86 mm
- Oct15°99 mm
- Nov9°61 mm
- Dec3°58 mm
Monthly averages
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C32°F | -5°C23°F | 48 mm | 86% | Freezing |
| February | 0°C33°F | -5°C23°F | 54 mm | 84% | Freezing |
| March | 5°C41°F | -1°C31°F | 62 mm | 82% | Cold |
| April | 10°C50°F | 4°C39°F | 94 mm | 81% | Cold |
| May | 15°C59°F | 9°C47°F | 117 mm | 83% | Cool |
| June | 21°C70°F | 15°C59°F | 102 mm | 81% | Pleasant |
| July | 25°C77°F | 20°C68°F | 95 mm | 78% | Pleasant |
| August | 25°C77°F | 20°C68°F | 105 mm | 77% | Pleasant |
| September | 22°C71°F | 16°C62°F | 86 mm | 76% | Pleasant |
| October | 15°C59°F | 10°C49°F | 99 mm | 77% | Cool |
| November | 9°C47°F | 4°C38°F | 61 mm | 80% | Cold |
| December | 3°C37°F | -2°C29°F | 58 mm | 85% | Freezing |
Best months across United States
| Place | Best months | Warmest month |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Jul (26°C) |
| Las Vegas | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Jul (42°C) |
| Los Angeles | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | Aug (32°C) |
| Orlando | Feb–Apr, Nov | May (31°C) |
| Miami | Nov–Apr | Aug (30°C) |
| San Francisco | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | Sep (24°C) |
| Honolulu | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Sep (28°C) |
| Washington, D.C. | Mar–May, Sep–Oct | Jul (31°C) |
| Chicago | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | Jul (25°C) |
| Boston | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | Jul (28°C) |
| New Orleans | Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov | Jul (30°C) |
| San Diego | Apr–May, Sep–Nov | Aug (32°C) |
| Seattle | Jun–Sep | Aug (24°C) |
| Maui | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | Sep (22°C) |
| Nashville | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | Aug (32°C) |
| Austin | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (36°C) |
| Miami Beach | Nov–Apr | Aug (30°C) |
| Key West | Dec–Apr | Aug (30°C) |
| Denver | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | Jul (33°C) |
| Philadelphia | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | Jul (30°C) |
| Portland | Jun–Sep | Aug (29°C) |
| Atlanta | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Jul (32°C) |
| San Antonio | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (36°C) |
| Charleston | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Jul (32°C) |
| Savannah | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Jul (33°C) |
| Fort Lauderdale | Dec–Apr | Aug (30°C) |
| Kauai | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Sep (27°C) |
| Big Island | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Aug (26°C) |
| Sedona | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | Jul (35°C) |
| Scottsdale | Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov | Jul (42°C) |
Quick answers
What is the best month to visit Chicago?
May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Late May–June and Sep–Oct are warm and dry. Jul–Aug is humid with big festivals. Dec–Feb is very cold and windy; Jan lows reach -15°C.
When is the rainy season in Chicago?
Rain peaks in May with about 117 mm. No month averages 150 mm or more.
What is the hottest month in Chicago?
July, with average highs of 25°C (77°F).
How cold does Chicago get?
The coolest nights are in February, averaging -5°C (23°F).
More about Chicago
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Sources
- NASA POWER climatology (2001–2020)
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
- Chicago Department of Aviation (O'Hare and Midway)
- Choose Chicago (tourism)
- Chicago Department of Water Management
Climate averages are modelled from NASA POWER (MERRA-2) for 2001–2020 at about 50 km resolution, so coasts and valleys can differ a little. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.