While there is plenty to do in Chicago year-round, visitors are advised to check the Chicago weather forecast before planning their trip to the Windy City. Winter months are characterized by bitterly cold winds and snow flurries, while the summer months can see humidity reaching moderately high levels. Many travelers choose to visit Chicago during the more mellow Spring and Fall months where a trip to one of Chicago's beaches, or a neighborhood walking tour might be more appealing.
Average Chicago Temperatures
| |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUN |
JUL |
AUG |
SEP |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
| F° HIGH |
32 |
38 |
47 |
59 |
70 |
80 |
84 |
83 |
76 |
64 |
49 |
37 |
| LOW |
18 |
24 |
32 |
42 |
51 |
61 |
66 |
65 |
57 |
46 |
35 |
24 |
| C° HIGH |
0 |
3 |
8 |
15 |
21 |
27 |
29 |
28 |
24 |
18 |
9 |
3 |
| LOW |
-8 |
-4 |
0 |
6 |
11 |
16 |
19 |
18 |
14 |
8 |
2 |
-4 |
Indoor Activities - Just in Case
Plan for the Weather During your Chicago Stay
There are plenty of outdoor activities in Chicago that rely on the weather, so take into account the average monthly temperatures when planning a trip. While many of Chicago's parks are open year-round, a walk in the pouring rain might not be how you envisioned your Chicago vacation.
Fortunately, there are many indoor activities that can be enjoyed no matter what the weather in Chicago is like. Indulge in some top Chicago shopping at one of the many indoor malls. Gurnee Mills Mall, Woodfield Mall, and Water Tower Place are all cozy places to spend a wintry afternoon.
Another great indoor activity perfect for bad Chicago weather is to visit one of the many Chicago museums. Make sure to check out the wonderful exhibits at the David & Alfred Smart Museum of Art, the Chicago History Museum, and the Museum of Science and Industry - the largest science museum in the western hemisphere! If you weren't planning on going to a museum in Chicago (or maybe just didn't budget for one more on your trip) or even if you did, be sure to take advantage of the Chicago Museum Pass so that you can save 25% on four museums in Chicago! If it rains all day, your time will not be wasted here.
Weather-Proof Kid Activities
When it rains, it pours! A little rain can put a damper on any vacation, especially one with the kids. But don't despair! There are plenty of indoor kid-friendly Chicago activities to entertain. The Chicago Children's Museum has a great selection of interactive exhibits and educational programs to make learning fun! And a trip to the American Girl Place is a dream come true for any little girl!
| Chicago Weather Humor
Compared to other cities, Chicago weather reactions ....... |
| 60 degrees |
Floridians wear coats, gloves, woolly hats & put the car heater on. Chicago people sunbathe. |
| 50 degrees |
New Yorkers try to turn on the heat.
Chicago people plant gardens. |
| 40 degrees |
Italian cars won't start.
Chicago people drive with the windows down. |
| 32 degrees |
CHICAGO--NO PLACE LIKE IT! Distilled water freezes.
Lake Michigan's water gets thicker. |
| 20 degrees |
Californians shiver uncontrollably.
Chicago people have the last cookout before it gets cold. |
| 15 degrees |
New York landlords finally turn up the heat.
Chicago people throw on a sweatshirt. |
| 0 degrees |
Californians fly away to Mexico.
Chicago people lick the flagpole and throw on a light jacket over the sweatshirt. |
| 20 below |
People in Miami cease to exist.
Chicago people get out their winter coats. |
| 40 below |
Hollywood disintegrates.
Chicago's Girl Scouts begin selling cookies door to door. |
| 50 below |
Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.
Chicago people get frustrated when they can't thaw the keg. |
| 60 below |
Microbial life survives on dairy products.
Illinois cows complain of farmers with cold hands. |
| 460 below - (Absolute Zero) |
ALL atomic motion stops.
Chicago People start saying... "Cold 'nuff for ya??" |
| 500 below |
Hell freezes over.
The Chicago Cubs win the World Series. |
Global Warming & Chicago
Weather Conditions in Chicago, IL
Like the rest of the world, Chicago is still working on a game plan to combat the effects of global warming. Chicago weather has been affected by global warming, and the city's average temperature has increased by more than 2.5 degrees since 1980. The city has implemented the Chicago Climate Action Plan which addresses the numerous climate concerns facing Chicago. The plan's main goal is to lay out ideas to reduce the city's carbon emissions, and outline concrete goals for all Chicago citizens to achieve in order to combat the effects of global warming. These goals include providing more public transportation options, using energy smart light bulbs in public places, and teaching people about the many low-cost home improvement optionsthat can help make homes more energy-efficient. It is hoped that these changes will help improve Chicago's environmental forecast.
A City For All Seasons
With so much to see and do in the Windy City, it's important to make sure that you are appropriately dressed for the weather in Chicago. Below are some tips on what type of clothes to pack for your visit.
Get Up-To-Date Weather Information, Chicago Illinois
Spring
The best advice when packing for a Spring vacation to Chicago is to bring plenty of layers. Chicago weather forecast temperatures are notoriously unpredictable and can vary wildly between freezing cold and sweltering hot days. There are plenty of great Chicago spring-time activities, including a picnic among the blooming flowers in Chicago's Morton Arboretum.
Summer
While summer weather in Chicago is filled with sunshine, it is also prone to rapid bouts of rain-showers. Thunderstorms occur regularly during the summer months, but often stop as quickly as they start. Humidity levels can get quite high, so a pair of shorts or a summer dress will be your best friend. And don't forget the sunscreen! A sightseeing boat cruise on Lake Michigan is a lot more fun without the sunburn!
Chicago's Various Weather Conditions Throughout the Year
Fall
Probably one of the best times to visit Chicago, the fall months are ideal for their cooler temperatures, and smaller crowds of tourists. A trip to Navy Pier would be perfect during the Fall months. As with springtime in Chicago, when packing for Fall, make sure to bring plenty of layers as Chicago weather is quite changeable. And don't forget to bring a sweater or coat as the evenings can get a little chilly.
Winter
Chicago winters are not for the faint of heart. The average winter gets up to 38 inches of snow. Winter temperatures can vary greatly and temperatures dropping below 0 degrees are not uncommon. Make sure to pack your winter coats and boots because temperatures rarely get above 40 degrees. Despite the cold temperatures, a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of downtown Chicago is a memorable wintry activity!
Current Chicago Weather Satellite
