Climate Chart of Chicago, USA

Monthly data: Temperature °C, Rain (mm), Sunshine (h) · 2013–2023

Climate overview

Temperature

Monthly mean temperatures range from a low of -3.6 °C in January to a high of 22.9 °C in July. These are averages for each month, not daytime highs, so they describe the broad temperature pattern rather than the conditions visitors should expect at a particular hour. The unweighted mean of the monthly means is 10.1 °C; it summarizes the calendar-month averages and is not day-weighted.

Rain

Mean daily rainfall reaches its highest monthly level in May / July at 4.28 mm/day; both tied months share that recorded high. The lowest monthly mean is 1.15 mm/day in January, which can help visitors prioritising lower average rainfall compare timing options. Neither figure indicates how often rain falls or guarantees dry weather. The unweighted mean across monthly means is 2.87 mm/day, and these are daily averages rather than monthly totals.

Snow

Mean daily snowfall reaches its highest monthly level in February at 7.67 mm/day. The unweighted mean of monthly snowfall means is 2.08 mm/day. These are daily average amounts, not monthly totals; they do not reveal how many days have snow, how deep it becomes, whether snow cover persists, or whether conditions suit skiing.

Sunshine

Mean daily sunshine is highest in July at 11.75 hours/day and lowest in December at 4.66 hours/day. The unweighted mean of the monthly sunshine means is 8.15 hours/day. These figures can inform expectations for outdoor daylight planning, but sunshine duration is not the same as day length and does not ensure uninterrupted sunshine on any given day.

Best Travel Time Guide for Chicago, USA: Ideal Seasons and Weather Insights

For visitors prioritising cooler monthly averages, January is the relevant comparison point, with a monthly mean temperature of -3.6 °C. This can guide broad timing choices, but it is not a forecast of daytime conditions, so check date-specific forecasts and prepare for variability. If lower average rainfall is a priority, January is the conditional option, with mean daily rainfall of 1.15 mm/day. Visitors planning around the wetter average should note that May / July records 4.28 mm/day; packing rain protection is sensible, though averages do not say how frequently rain occurs or guarantee rain on a particular day. For outdoor sightseeing that benefits from more average daily sunshine, July records 11.75 hours/day; December, at 4.66 hours/day, is the lower-sunshine comparison. These are sunshine-duration averages rather than day length or a promise of clear skies, so use them as one planning consideration, not a combined best-time ranking. Winter visitors should also account for the recorded snowfall high: February has mean daily snowfall of 7.67 mm/day. That average alone cannot establish snowy-day frequency, snow depth, snow cover, or skiing conditions, so it is not a substitute for a current forecast or local conditions.

Climate Data Overview for Chicago, USA

Explore the comprehensive climate data for Chicago, USA. This detailed table provides valuable insights into temperature variations, precipitation levels, and seasonal changes, helping you understand the unique weather patterns of this region.

• See also climate change in Chicago
• Explore the climate in USA