Hottest (avg)
#12 / 12
Chicago in January
January weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 10h
What to expect
As winter continues, January brings, where temperatures are dropping quickly. Daytime highs average -1°C / 31°F, dropping to -8°C / 19°F at night.
Skies are often overcast, and you should be prepared for regular rainfall (approx. 12 wet days).
January in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Chicago.
Wettest (avg)
#3 / 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.