Best time to go to Chicago Average weather of Chicago, United States
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Chicago?
Third largest city in the United States, Chicago is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes of North America. The capital of Illinois has a humid climate throughout the year and very cold winters. Therefore, the best time to visit Chicago is quite limited. It is preferably in early fall, in September and October.
Indeed, summer is a hot season with temperatures ranging from 20 to 26°C (79°F) on average. However, it is also the rainiest period with rainfall exceeding 220mm per month between May and August.
Fortunately, these precipitations often occur in the form of thunderstorms in the late afternoon. You will therefore have the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities during the day, such as cruises on Lake Michigan or picnics in the city parks. It is also the period of the Lollapalooza music festival held annually in Grant Park in Chicago.
However, if you are wondering when to visit Chicago, the months of September and October have even more advantages. Indeed, the tourist influx is slightly lower than in summer. In addition, precipitations are less abundant in the fall and the warmth remains. In September, the average temperature is around 20°C (68°F) , and drops to around 15°C (59°F) in early October.
If you dream of discovering Chicago under the snow, you can choose a stay between November and March. Although some snowfalls may occur in October and April depending on the year, it is in the heart of winter and early spring that snow covers the city.
However, you will have to deal with a freezing cold. Indeed, from December to February, temperatures in Chicago are often negative. Moreover, a cold wind blows regularly over the city during this season.
Finally, spring is relatively cool and humid in Chicago. Fortunately, Chicago has at least 70 museums that can fill your rainy days during this period, including art museums (Art Institute of Chicago), history, and science museums.
So, when is the best time to go to Chicago? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Chicago are May, July, August, September and October
- On average, the warmest months are July and August
- The coldest months are January and February
- The rainiest months are May, June, July and August
Annual weather in Chicago
Weather details in Chicago month by month
Weather and climate in Chicago
The city of Chicago benefits from a humid continental climate, which is largely influenced by its proximity to Lake Michigan. Its weather is quite similar to that of Toronto, Canada. It experiences very cold and snowy winters, as well as hot and humid summers.
In the fall, visitors can enjoy beautiful sunny days and a less humid climate. As for spring, although slightly rainy, it allows for appreciating the rise in temperatures, especially from May onwards.
Moreover, the climate in Chicago is influenced by numerous factors: its proximity to the lakes and the winds. It is interesting to study it more closely, as each period has its own characteristics.
Spring Climate in Chicago
While in April, the weather conditions in New York are already suitable for outdoor activities, in Chicago, one must wait until May for a significant improvement in the weather. Indeed, it is possible to experience some snowfall in early April in the city. Heat and sunshine are more prevalent, especially from May, when average temperatures reach around 15°C (59°F) .
In reality, nights and mornings can still be very cool in spring in Chicago, but there may be heat spikes during the day. Additionally, a cool breeze from the lake can be felt at times, contributing to a rather heterogeneous climate throughout the day.
Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that humidity is omnipresent in Chicago, and during this period, rainy episodes are frequent. In spring, they tend to occur in the form of afternoon or evening thunderstorms. This is particularly the case in June when they can be significant.
Summer Climate in Chicago
The weather in Chicago in summer is characterized by mild heat, suitable for those seeking to escape extreme heat. The temperature ranges from 20 to 26°C (79°F) approximately in July and August. Once again, the influence of Lake Michigan comes into play, providing a pleasant cool breeze that helps moderate the climate.
However, it should be noted that periods of intense heat, with temperatures close to 40°C (104°F) , can occur occasionally.
Fortunately, the sun is regularly present during this period, allowing for enjoyable city exploration and sightseeing.
On the other hand, summer is also the rainiest period of the year in Chicago.
There are generally more than 10 rainy days per month between May and August. Nevertheless, these precipitations mainly occur in the form of thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening, making it easy to avoid them during your vacation!
Finally, it is possible to swim in Lake Michigan in summer. The lake temperature ranges from 20 to 21°C (70°F) from July to September, allowing for a refreshing experience on the hottest and sunniest days.
Autumn Climate in Chicago
The autumn weather conditions in Chicago bear some resemblance to those in Boston.
Firstly, one can expect beautiful days and relatively warm weather during September and October. Precipitation is less abundant than in summer, making this period very favorable for a visit. This is the time of the Indian summer, which is more pronounced in Canadian cities like Montreal or in New England.
On the other hand, temperatures drop rapidly in November and fall below 10°C (50°F) . Some years, snowfall may even begin during this month.
If you plan a trip to Chicago in the fall, be sure to pack warm clothing as nights and mornings can be chilly. The heat gradually builds up during the day.
Winter Climate in Chicago
Like in neighboring cities such as Minneapolis and Toronto, winter is a particularly cold season in Chicago. With average temperatures around 0°C (32°F) in December and often below freezing in January and February, snowfall is frequent. Sometimes, there are snowstorms or even freezing rain.
Moreover, it is not uncommon for the city to experience blizzards coming from the northern regions, significantly intensifying the cold sensation. Chicago is also known as the "Windy City" because of the regular winds blowing throughout the year.
Finally, winter is the driest period of the year, but during this season, precipitation mainly occurs in the form of snow.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Chicago
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Chicago: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Chicago
Find out when Chicago has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Chicago
- Very low season in Chicago
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January and February. - Low season in Chicago
The months with low numbers of tourists are: March, April and November. - High season in Chicago
The number of visitors to Chicago is high in: May, June and December. - Peak season in Chicago
The largest number of tourists visiting Chicago is during: July, August, September and October.
Figure: Visitor index for Chicago month by month
Best time for low prices in Chicago
Average prices of hotels in Chicago month by month
Generally, February is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Chicago. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, June is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Chicago
A return flight between London and Chicago is generally cheaper if you go in february ($ 569 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 431 more for your airline ticket to Chicago if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Chicago
Average price of hiring a car in Chicago
On average, it costs $ 87 per day to hire a car in Chicago. This price varies by $ 22 depending on the month. In may, hiring a car costs an average of $ 76 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in july is $ 98.
Other cities and places near Chicago
Best time to go to the United States (USA)
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