Avg High
Chicago in January
Verdict
In Chicago, January 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
10h
What to expect
- Daytime feel - Bitterly cold with a noticeable cool-down after sunset. It often feels a touch cooler in the shade.
- Wet weather - Showery bursts. You’ll get wet windows, then dry windows. Wet breaks can interrupt outdoor plans.
- Midday sun - A bright month overall. If you're out for hours, sunscreen is worth it. Shade breaks feel genuinely worthwhile.
- Wind feel - Refreshing breezes, and umbrellas and loose items can struggle on gustier days. A light outer layer helps when you’re in the shade.
January in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Chicago.
Hottest (avg)
#12 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#10 / 12
Daylight Hours
#11 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#2 / 12
Highest UV
#11 / 12
Most Humid
#1 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 9.5 hours
- UV index (max)
- 3
- Typical sun hours
- 07:13 – 16:45
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 12
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 75%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Chicago?
Typical January days in Chicago reach highs of -1°C (30°F) with nights around -8°C (18°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 January?
Daytime temperatures in January typically peak near -1°C (30°F), while nights drop to around -8°C (18°F). Expect cold afternoons and very cold evenings.
How much does it rain in January?
Rainfall in January averages 63 mm (2.5 in) across roughly 12 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 January?
You can expect about 10 hours of daylight in January. Sunrise is typically around 07:13 and sunset near 16:45. Days are on the shorter side, so plan activities around limited daylight.
How strong is the sun in January?
UV levels are moderate (around 3); sunscreen and sunglasses are still a good idea.
Is it windy in January?
In January, average wind speeds are around 17 km/h (11 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 57 km/h (35 mph). On the ground, it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.