Chicago is located in an exemplary continental climate zone. This is characterised by a marked change of seasons, with the differences between summer and winter temperatures often extreme.

The proximity of a large body of water results in slightly higher rainfall totals than we know from Europe, for example, but no extreme events such as torrential or monsoon rains occur here.

Winter temperatures generally fall below freezing, with the exception of values around -15 °C and below, but averaging around -7 °C.

In summer, on the other hand, the thermometer's mercury can easily climb above 35 °C, with the normal average being around 29 °C.

The weather is often characterised by strong winds blowing in from Lake Michigan or the flat prairies to the west. Hence the nickname "Windy City".

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During the winter, it tends to be slightly warmer on the shores of Lake Michigan than in the more inland parts of the city.

Chicago during the year

What temperatures and weather to expect in Chicago by month of the year?

Weather in January

January is the coldest month of the year with an average temperature of -7°C (-7°F). Temperatures below -15 °C are no exception, but on the other hand, the weather can often change significantly during the week and warm up to temperatures above freezing.

The heaviest snowfall during January is usually in the form of light but prolonged snowfall.

On average, it snows 12 days a month.

Weather in February

February is a very cold month with average temperatures of -5 °C and frequent swings deeper below freezing. However, there can also be long periods with temperatures above freezing.

It also snows frequently in February and snow can remain on the streets for weeks at a time.

Weather in March

March is still a cold winter month where you have to expect temperatures below freezing.

The average temperature is higher and stays at +4 °C, but frosts of -10 °C are not uncommon. By the end of March, however, there is already a good chance of stable temperatures above zero.

On average, it snows 11 days a month in March, but usually only very light snowfall.

Weather in April

April is the first month when temperatures below freezing are rather rare.

Expect temperatures of around 10°C (50°F) and partly cloudy weather with frequent rain showers and rapid weather changes.

Weather in May

May is a great month to visit Chicago. Temperatures are very pleasant, hovering around 18°C with mostly partly cloudy weather.

Although it rains relatively often, it is usually only short showers and rarely lasts all day.

Weather in June

The first month of summer arrives in Chicago with temperatures around 25 °C and mostly partly cloudy weather.

Heavy showers or thunderstorms occur, but usually last only a few dozen minutes.

Weather in July

July temperatures routinely soar above 30°C, but you'll always find a pleasant chill on the shores of Lake Michigan or in the shadow of Downtown's skyscrapers.

Rain in July mainly comes in the form of short thunderstorms or showers.

Weather in August

August is also a very warm summer month, with normal temperatures between 29°C and 32°C and often clear skies.

Rain occasionally comes in the form of showers and long-lasting showers are rare.

Weather in September

September is a very pleasant month to visit Chicago. During September, it rains the least of the year and most of the time there are partly cloudy skies.

Normal September temperatures range between 19°C and 26°C.

Weather in October

In the second half of October, the leaves on the trees begin to turn colour and temperatures slowly drop to an average of 12 °C to 17 °C.

It rains on average 10 days a month during October, but there may be periods of rain lasting more than one day.

Weather in November

November weather is often dry and windy with average temperatures around 5 °C.

It rains on average 10 days a month, but snow showers can occur towards the end of November.

Weather in December

December is a cold and, due to the short days and often cloudy skies, dark month.

Normal daytime temperatures drop to between 0 °C and -3 °C and showers fall almost exclusively as snow. Chicago in December, however, has a unique atmosphere of Christmas-decorated streets.