Hottest (avg)
#6 / 12
Chicago in October
October weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 11h
What to expect
As autumn continues, October brings, where temperatures are dropping quickly. Daytime highs average 16°C / 61°F, dropping to 9°C / 49°F at night.
The atmosphere is generally mild but frequently damp, typical of changeable seasons.
October in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Chicago.
Wettest (avg)
#6 / 12
Daylight Hours
#8 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#6 / 12
Highest UV
#8 / 12
Most Humid
#12 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 11.1 hours
- UV index (max)
- 5
- Typical sun hours
- 06:04 – 17:07
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 12
- Cloud cover
- 56%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 70%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is October a good time to visit Chicago?
Typical October days in Chicago reach highs of 16°C (61°F) with nights around 9°C (48°F). It usually feels mild by day and cool after dark. Overall, October sits in the middle of the Chicago climate range.
What are temperatures like in October?
Daytime temperatures in October typically peak near 16°C (61°F), while nights drop to around 9°C (48°F). Expect mild afternoons and cool evenings.
How much does it rain in October?
Rainfall in October averages 91 mm (3.6 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 October?
You can expect about 11 hours of daylight in October. Sunrise is typically around 06:04 and sunset near 17:07. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing.
Does the weather change during October?
October usually begins milder and cools down as the month goes on, so late-October can feel more like the next month.
How strong is the sun in October?
UV levels are moderate (around 5); sunscreen and sunglasses are still a good idea.
Is it windy in October?
In October, 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.