Avg High
Chicago in February
Verdict
In Chicago, February has a distinct winter feel. As the season moves along, the weather is warming up. You can usually expect a cold month that feels manageable day to day. Breezes can be part of the character, especially in exposed spots.
Well suited to visitors who prefer a steady feel over dramatic shifts. Wind can make exposed areas feel cooler and more blustery.
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight
11h
What to expect
- Temperature feel - Cold days with evenings that feel distinctly cooler. Breezes and shade can make it feel cooler.
- Rain pattern - Regular showers. Showers tend to come in pulses rather than lingering. A rain layer is a smart default.
- Sun exposure - A bright month overall. You'll feel fine, but it's still easy to get caught out. It's the kind of sun you notice immediately.
- Breezes - Refreshing breezes, and gusts can make exposed walks feel cooler and more blustery. It’s the kind of wind you plan around for viewpoints and coastal walks.
February in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Chicago.
Hottest (avg)
#11 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#12 / 12
Daylight Hours
#9 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#4 / 12
Highest UV
#9 / 12
Most Humid
#3 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 10.6 hours
- UV index (max)
- 4
- Typical sun hours
- 06:45 – 17:22
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 10
- Cloud cover
- 65%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 74%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is February a good time to visit Chicago?
Typical February days in Chicago reach highs of 1°C (34°F) with nights around -7°C (19°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 February?
In February, you can usually expect highs of 1°C (34°F) and lows near -7°C (19°F). That means cold days and very cold nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in February?
Rainfall in February averages 57 mm (2.2 in) across roughly 10 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 February?
You can expect about 11 hours of daylight in February. Sunrise is typically around 06:45 and sunset near 17:22. Days are on the shorter side, so plan activities around limited daylight.
How strong is the sun in February?
UV levels are moderate (around 4); sunscreen and sunglasses are still a good idea.
Is it windy in February?
In February, average wind speeds are around 17 km/h (11 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 60 km/h (37 mph). On the ground, it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.