People check Chicago's temperature and miss the lake. Wind off Lake Michigan cuts through the Loop and along the lakefront, so a 32°F (0°C) day in January feels far worse, and even summer evenings by the water cool off. Pack for wind first and temperature second.
Chicago weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 32°F0°C | 39°F4°C | 48°F9°C | 59°F15°C | 66°F19°C | 79°F26°C | 81°F27°C | 79°F26°C | 75°F24°C | 64°F18°C | 50°F10°C | 37°F3°C |
| Low | 21°F-6°C | 25°F-4°C | 32°F0°C | 41°F5°C | 50°F10°C | 63°F17°C | 66°F19°C | 66°F19°C | 61°F16°C | 50°F10°C | 37°F3°C | 27°F-3°C |
| Rain days | 11 | 5 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 11 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs are 32–39°F (0–4°C) and lows drop to 21°F (-6°C) in January. Bring a real insulated coat, a hat that covers your ears, gloves and waterproof boots. The wind between the towers on Michigan Avenue is the part that hurts.
Spring
March–MayMarch is 48°F (9°C) with lows of 32°F (0°C), April reaches 59°F (15°C) and May 66°F (19°C). March and April each have 12 rain days. Pack a warm layer, a rain shell and shoes that can handle puddles.
Summer
June–AugustHighs sit at 79–81°F (26–27°C) with lows of 63–66°F (17–19°C), and July has 13 rain days, mostly short storms. Shorts, light shirts and a bottle for the Lakefront Trail. Bring one light layer for evenings on Navy Pier or a boat tour.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is still 75°F (24°C), October cools to 64°F (18°C) and November drops to 50°F (10°C) with lows of 37°F (3°C). Pack a mid-weight jacket and layers, and a warmer coat for November.
What to bring to Chicago
0 of 22 packedSpring brings 12 rain days in March and April, and a hood beats an umbrella in Chicago wind. It packs into its own pocket. Easy call.
The men's shell. Throw it over a sweater on a breezy Architecture River Cruise and you're set.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Cushioned and grippy for the Lakefront Trail, the Riverwalk and all the L station stairs. Machine washable when the city leaves its mark.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The men's pair, same cushioned crash pad. The knit soaks through in rain, so they're for dry days, with boots for winter. Chicago is a big walking city and these are what we'd wear for it.
- A warm wrapClothing
Wool or cashmere, about 70 by 30 inches. A scarf for the lake wind and a blanket on the flight home. Pack it October to April.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Keeps water cold for 24 hours on a 81°F (27°C) July day in Millennium Park. Refill it at a fountain and keep walking.
Sliding US plug plus one AC outlet and five USB ports, for visitors coming from abroad. It's not a voltage converter, so check your devices handle 120V.
Clothing
- Insulated winter coat · 1January averages a 0°C high, -6°C low
- Hat, scarf and gloves · 1 setLake wind Nov–Mar
- Sweaters or fleece · 2
- Thermal base layer · 1Dec–Feb
- T-shirts and shorts · 3Jun–Aug highs of 26–27°C
- Light layer for lakefront evenings · 1
Footwear
- Insulated waterproof boots · 1Winter snow and slush
Gear
- Sunglasses · 1
- Compact umbrella · 1July has 13 rain days
- Small daypack · 1
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1
- Lip balm and hand cream · 1Wind dries skin in winter
Documents and money
- ID or passport
- Transit card or appThe L runs to both airports
Tech
- Phone charger and cable
What shoes should you pack for Chicago?
Comfortable sneakers for long walks along the Riverwalk, through Millennium Park and up to Lincoln Park. In winter, waterproof boots with grip for slush and salted sidewalks. The L has plenty of stairs, so skip anything you can't walk in all day.
What do people wear in Chicago?
Casual and practical. Jeans, sneakers and a good jacket work almost everywhere, and the Loop leans business casual on weekdays. In winter, most people are in a long puffer, and you'll want one too.
What plugs does Chicago use?
The US uses Type A and B plugs at 120V. Visitors from outside North America need an adapter with the US plug, and anything not rated for 120V needs a converter.
Tours and things to do in Chicago
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Chicago.
What should you leave at home for Chicago?
Leave the umbrella in winter, lake wind turns it inside out. Skip heavy formal wear unless you've got a specific event. And don't pack a fashion coat for January, it won't hold up.
Packing for Chicago: questions people ask
What should I wear in Chicago in January?
An insulated coat, hat, gloves and waterproof boots. Highs are around 32°F (0°C) with lows of 21°F (-6°C), and the wind off the lake makes it feel colder.
Is Chicago windy?
Yes, especially near Lake Michigan and between the Loop's tall buildings. Pack a layer that blocks wind in every season but summer.
What is the weather like in Chicago in October?
October highs are 64°F (18°C) with lows of 50°F (10°C), and 10 rain days. A mid-weight jacket and layers cover it.
Do I need an umbrella in Chicago?
A hooded rain jacket works better. Wind makes umbrellas tough to use, and spring brings 12 rain days in both March and April.
What plug does Chicago use?
Type A and B at 120V, the standard US plug.
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