Hottest (avg)
#10 / 12
Chicago in December
December weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 9h
What to expect
As winter continues, December brings, where temperatures are dropping quickly. Daytime highs average 3°C / 37°F, dropping to -4°C / 26°F at night.
Skies are often overcast, and you should be prepared for regular rainfall (approx. 11 wet days). With only around 9.2 hours of daylight, the sun sets early, so plan outdoor activities for the morning or midday.
December in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Chicago.
Wettest (avg)
#2 / 12
Daylight Hours
#12 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#5 / 12
Highest UV
#12 / 12
Most Humid
#2 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 9.2 hours
- UV index (max)
- 2
- Typical sun hours
- 07:10 – 16:21
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 11
- Cloud cover
- 70%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 75%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Chicago?
Typical December days in Chicago reach highs of 3°C (37°F) with nights around -3°C (27°F). It usually feels cold by day and very cold after dark. It is one of the drier months, which suits outdoor exploring and sightseeing.
What are temperatures like in December?
In December, you can usually expect highs of 3°C (37°F) and lows near -3°C (27°F). That means cold days and very cold nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in December?
Rainfall in December averages 61 mm (2.4 in) across roughly 11 days. Overall it is a quite rainy time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in December?
You can expect about 9 hours of daylight in December. Sunrise is typically around 07:10 and sunset near 16:21. Days are on the shorter side, so plan activities around limited daylight.
Does the weather change during December?
December usually begins milder and cools down as the month goes on, so late-December can feel more like the next month.
How strong is the sun in December?
UV levels are usually low (around 2), so standard sun protection is enough.
Is it windy in December?
In December, average wind speeds are around 17 km/h (11 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 58 km/h (36 mph). On the ground, it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.