Best time to visit Chicago
The best months to visit Chicago are September, May and June, based on month-by-month temperature and rainfall data. The full year of weather, daylight, holidays, and festival timing is below.
September, May and June score best for Chicago weather:
- May22° / 12°CMay is a strong month for river cruises, Millennium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Pilsen walks before summer crowds peak.
- June27° / 17°CJune starts festival and beach season, with long lakefront evenings and thunderstorms that interrupt outdoor plans.
- September25° / 15°CSeptember is prime shoulder weather for architecture cruises, Wrigley Field, Hyde Park, and neighborhood food routes.
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By TripSapien Research · Updated May 20, 2026
Chicago weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain (mm) | Rainy days | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1° | -7° | 50 | 11 | 9h |
| February | 3° | -5° | 50 | 9 | 10h |
| March | 9° | 0° | 60 | 11 | 12h |
| April | 16° | 6° | 95 | 12 | 13h |
| MayBest weather | 22° | 12° | 115 | 12 | 14h |
| JuneBest weather | 27° | 17° | 105 | 11 | 15h |
| July | 30° | 20° | 95 | 10 | 15h |
| August | 28° | 19° | 110 | 9 | 14h |
| SeptemberBest weather | 25° | 15° | 80 | 8 | 12h |
| October | 18° | 9° | 85 | 10 | 11h |
| November | 10° | 2° | 60 | 10 | 10h |
| December | 3° | -3° | 55 | 11 | 9h |
Temperatures in °C. Long-term monthly averages.
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Chicago month by month
January
Chicago in January: 0.7°C high, -6.7°C low, 50mm rain over 11 days, 9.3h daylight. Cold and clearer — short daylight but skies open.
February
Chicago in February: 2.9°C high, -4.8°C low, 50mm rain over 9 days, 10.4h daylight. Cold and clearer — short daylight but skies open.
March
Chicago in March: 9°C high, 0.1°C low, 60mm rain over 11 days, 11.7h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
April
Chicago in April: 15.9°C high, 5.5°C low, 95mm rain over 12 days, 13.1h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
MayBest weather
Chicago in May: 22.3°C high, 11.5°C low, 115mm rain over 12 days, 14.4h daylight. Mild but rainy — flexible plans pay off.
JuneBest weather
Chicago in June: 27.3°C high, 17.1°C low, 105mm rain over 11 days, 15h daylight. Mild but rainy — flexible plans pay off.
July
Chicago in July: 29.5°C high, 20.1°C low, 95mm rain over 10 days, 14.8h daylight. Hot and dry — outdoor friendly, hydrate.
August
Chicago in August: 28.2°C high, 19.4°C low, 110mm rain over 9 days, 13.7h daylight. Hot and rainy — afternoon storms, plan indoor afternoons.
SeptemberBest weather
Chicago in September: 24.7°C high, 15.2°C low, 80mm rain over 8 days, 12.3h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
October
Chicago in October: 17.8°C high, 8.5°C low, 85mm rain over 10 days, 10.8h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
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November
Chicago in November: 9.8°C high, 2°C low, 60mm rain over 10 days, 9.6h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
December
Chicago in December: 3.4°C high, -3.4°C low, 55mm rain over 11 days, 9h daylight. Cold and clearer — short daylight but skies open.
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