When to go
The Best Time to Visit Chicago
Month-by-month climate data for Chicago, United States — daily highs and lows, rain days, and an honest verdict for every month of the year.
Timing is the first real decision when planning Chicago— it drives crowds, prices and what's actually open. Here's how the year breaks down so you can pick dates that fit the trip you're building, not just the weather.
Warmest in Chicago: Jul (27°C / 81°F) · Coolest: Jan (1°C / 34°F) · Wettest: Apr (~15 rain days)
Daily highs / lows in °C · bars show rain days per month · ERA5 climate normals (2020–2024)
Chicago climate, month by month
January
1° / -6°C
~11 rain days
Tough
February
3° / -6°C
~9 rain days
Tough
March
9° / 0°C
~12 rain days
Fair
April
14° / 4°C
~15 rain days
Good
May
19° / 10°C
~11 rain days
Excellent
June
26° / 17°C
~10 rain days
Excellent
July
27° / 19°C
~12 rain days
Excellent
August
27° / 19°C
~11 rain days
Excellent
September
24° / 16°C
~8 rain days
Excellent
October
17° / 9°C
~12 rain days
Good
November
10° / 3°C
~7 rain days
Good
December
4° / -2°C
~9 rain days
Tough
Plan around it
Dates locked in? Start from the Chicago travel guide or jump straight to a 3-day, 5-day or 7-day itinerary.