Chicago

Illinois, United States

Local time23:43 Sunrise07:02 Sunset18:10 Elevation179 m

Photo: Raymon Sutedjo-The · CC BY-SA 3.0

Weather

When is the best time to visit Chicago?

Average high and low for every month, with rainfall below. The current month is highlighted.

Cold (high ≤ 8 °C) Cool Mild Warm Rain (mm)

Warmest month 30° July

Coldest month -7° January

Wettest month 104mm May

Rain per year 875mm

Rainy days per year 92

Averages for 1991–2020 measured at the Chicago Midway Ap weather station, 15 km away. Source: World Meteorological Organization climate normals.

Month	High	Low	Rain	Rainy days	Daylight
January	0.5 °C	-6.9 °C	38 mm	5.5	9.5 h
February	2.8 °C	-5.1 °C	37 mm	6.1	10.6 h
March	8.8 °C	-0.1 °C	48 mm	7.3	11.9 h
April	15.6 °C	5.3 °C	91 mm	9.2	13.4 h
May	21.8 °C	11.2 °C	104 mm	10.3	14.6 h
June	27.3 °C	16.9 °C	102 mm	9.6	15.2 h
July	29.5 °C	19.9 °C	90 mm	7.1	14.9 h
August	28.3 °C	19.2 °C	101 mm	8.2	13.9 h
September	24.7 °C	15.0 °C	70 mm	6.7	12.5 h
October	17.6 °C	8.1 °C	88 mm	8.6	11.1 h
November	9.6 °C	1.8 °C	60 mm	6.5	9.8 h
December	3.2 °C	-3.8 °C	46 mm	6.7	9.2 h

What to pack

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Day18 °C Night8 °C Rain88 mm

October in Chicago: cool, with highs of 18 °C and lows of 8 °C. Bring something warm for the evening.

Base layer T-shirt and a long-sleeve shirt

Warm layer Light sweater for the evening

Jacket Light windbreaker

Shoes Closed, water-resistant shoes

Folding umbrella

Based on each month's average weather. Pack your everyday basics too.

Typical souvenirs

Researched in October 2026

Neighborhood spice blendsSpice blends named after Chicago neighborhoods and streets come in gift boxes.

WhereSpice shops in Old Town

No reliable price data

Sources: choosechicago.com · choosechicago.com
Take-home deep dish pizzaDeep dish is the dish most tied to Chicago. It is sold frozen or half-baked to take home.

WhereClassic pizzerias, shipped or to go

No reliable price data

Sources: choosechicago.com · choosechicago.com
Local team gearThe city's teams have a long tradition and their jerseys and caps are a common keepsake.

WhereSports stores on Michigan Avenue and at stadiums

No reliable price data

Sources: choosechicago.com · choosechicago.com
Classic Chicago chocolatesLocal chocolatier boxes are a typical gift, even sold at the airports.

WhereChocolate shops and airport stores

No reliable price data

Sources: choosechicago.com · choosechicago.com

We don't recommend specific shops: we tell you what to look for and in what kind of place. Prices change often; use them as a rough guide.

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