Avg High
Chicago in December
Verdict
In Chicago, December has a distinct winter feel. As the season moves along, temperatures are dropping quickly. You can usually expect a cold month that feels variable day to day. Breezes can be part of the character, especially in exposed spots.
It suits travellers who want straightforward weather for sightseeing and day trips. Lookouts and coastal walks can feel sharper when the wind is up.
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight
9h
What to expect
- Temperature feel - Wintry air with a gentle drop-off once the sun goes down. It often feels a touch cooler in the shade.
- Showers & dry spells - Showery bursts. You’ll get wet windows, then dry windows. Wet breaks can interrupt outdoor plans.
- Midday sun - Gentle sun. UV isn't typically the limiting factor for outdoor plans. This is a 'don't forget the hat' month.
- Exposure - Refreshing breezes, and expect sharp gusts that can change plans in exposed areas. It’s the kind of wind you plan around for viewpoints and coastal walks.
December in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Chicago.
Hottest (avg)
#10 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#11 / 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.
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.