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Chicago Climate and Weather

The weather in Chicago can be hot and humid in the summer and extremely cold in the winter. Don't underestimate Chicago's nickname, the Windy City - gusts off Lake Michigan are occasionally powerful enough to blow you off balance (the steel-and-glass canyons of downtown are especially treacherous). The best time to visit is May-September, when temperatures range 60-90 degrees F° / 16-32 degrees C°. If you plan to go to Chicago for Christmas shopping, be aware that the average temperature in December is 29 F° / -2 C°, though the wind will make you feel much colder.

Chicago weather year round

  Average High Average Low
Month F° C° F° C°
January 30 -1 15 -9
February 42 5 25 -4
March 55 12 34 1
April 58 14 37 3
May 72 22 52 11
June 77 25 58 14
July 80 26.5 62 16.5
August 82 28 63 17
Septrmber 75 23 55 12
October 64 17 42 5.5
November 56 13 35 1.5
December 38 3 22 -5.5