HOTTEST (AVG)
in United States
#8 / 8
Chicago, United States
Chicago has a cold climate with average temperatures ranging from -1°C / 31°F in January to 27°C / 81°F in July.
Rainfall averages about 85 mm / 3.3 inches per month, with the wettest conditions in May (117 mm / 4.6 inches) and the driest in February (57 mm / 2.2 inches).
Sun intensity varies throughout the year, with UV levels reaching 8 in June and falling to 2 in December; strong sun protection is essential during summer months.
The longest days occur in June with around 15.2 hours of daylight, while December has the shortest days at about 9.2 hours.
Whether you prefer warm summers or milder winters, Chicago provides varied conditions throughout the year.
Today's Forecast
Plan your trip
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Climate at a glance
The big-picture stats that matter for planning your visit to Chicago.
Typical range
High / low
Average highs up to 27.4°C and lows down to -7.5°C.
Rain pattern
Wettest month
May averages 117 mm.
UV
Typical peak band
Typical peak UV is Moderate.
Daylight
Seasonal range
Roughly 9 hrs to 15 hrs.
Wind
Typical strength
Average around 16 km/h, peaking in November.
When should I go?
Our top-rated months for visiting Chicago, based on long-term weather comfort and conditions
Best time to visit
See all months ranked Typical weather by month
Compare all monthsTip: click on a card to see detailed daily weather averages for that month.
How Chicago compares
See how it ranks against the rest of United States for key metrics.
COOLEST (AVG)
in United States
#1 / 8
WETTEST (TOTAL)
in United States
#4 / 8
WINDIEST (AVG)
in United States
#1 / 8
HIGHEST UV
in United States
#7 / 8
MOST HUMID
in United States
#5 / 8
Short term outlook
Visiting soon? Here's the next 7 days of weather for Chicago, or see an hourly breakdown for the next 14 days.
Frequently asked questions
How does the weather in Chicago feel over the year?
Across the year, daytime highs average about 14°C (57°F), with nights near 7°C (45°F). Overall it feels cool by day and cold after dark. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing. Expect a mix of sun and cloud across the year.
When is the best time to visit Chicago for dry weather?
When is sun exposure strongest in Chicago?
UV tends to peak in June, when UV levels are often high (around 8). Regular sunscreen and a hat are recommended.
Does it snow in Chicago?
Yes. Snowfall is possible, and it peaks in January, when averages reach around 0.6 cm. Winters are when you're most likely to see snow on the ground.
Is Chicago a windy place?
Across the year, average winds sit around 16 km/h (10 mph), with gusts on windier days up to about 64 km/h (40 mph). Overall it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.
How much daylight does Chicago get?
On average, days offer about 12 hours of daylight. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing.