Chicago, IL: When to Go and Weather

Chicago Weather: Chicago's location on the southwestern coast of Lake Michigan means cold winters, mild summers, and fresh winds blowing in off the water. The climate is classified as humid continental, though spring and fall are fairly dry. Chicago weather is notoriously freezing and snowy in winter, a fact that deters many tourists (though perhaps it shouldn't - Chicago is fascinating in the off season if you're properly outfitted in snow boots and a heavy coat.)

Summer: Chicago weather brings warm, humid summers and steady rainfall. The temperature usually hovers in the 80s on summer afternoons, when Lake Michigan tempts children to jump in and cool off. The average temperature is 72 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 4 inches.

Fall: Early October is prime time for Chicago's changing foliage. Humidity is low and the afternoons are usually sunny during September and October, but by November, the city is making a quick transition into the long, cold winter. The average temperature is 52 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 3 inches.

Winter: Snow is frequent but usually not heavy in Chicago. Light snow showers are practically a daily event, and the city usually experiences a couple of bigger storms each season. Warm spells offer relief to the city's residents once in a while, but the temperatures often remain below freezing for a week at a time. The average temperature is 22 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 2 inches.

Spring: Lake breezes keep Chicago cool in spring. The city is slow to enter summer, so tourists should pack warm clothes, even for trips planned in May. The average temperature is 50 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 3.7 inches.

Chicago When to Go: Peak Season
Summertime is peak season in Chicago. The weather is warm, if occasionally rainy, and the city hosts an impressive line-up of music festivals, outdoor art exhibits, and ethnic celebrations. Hotel rates are consistently high throughout the year, an especially so in summertime, when traveling families, students, music lovers, and international tourists descend on the Windy City. But you won't feel the crush of overwhelming crowds, except for on public transportation: every visitor seems to be heading in different directions to the Field Museum, the blues festival, the Taste of Chicago food fair, Millennium Park, the list goes on.

Chicago When to Go: Off Season
Travelers from southern California or Florida can't imagine why anyone would want to go to Chicago in winter. True, the months of December through March can be brutal - high winds, freezing temperatures, constant snow and icy precipitation - but those brave enough to make the trip will be rewarded with inexpensive hotel rates (except around Christmas) and a roster of cultural activities. The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and productions of the Nutcracker are just a few of the draws. Ask your travel agent about bargain-priced package deals to Chicago during these chilly months: the local tourist board is eager to win travelers over.

Chicago When to Go: Shoulder Season
Spring and fall are lovely in Chicago. Temperatures are chilly in April and into May, and again in October and November, but that doesn't stop major events like the opening days of the season for the Cubs and the White Sox in spring and the Chicago Marathon in fall. September features the excellent World Music Festival and Celtic Fest Chicago while the temperatures are still fairly warm. Chicago weather doesn't always cooperate, true, though the thousands of visitors in town for conventions and leisure still fill the downtown hotels and keep the city moving, rain or shine.

• Mon

   

  Partly Cloudy

  54  43

• Tue

   

  Scattered Showers

  53  45

• Wed

   

  Showers

  49  37

• Thu

   

  Rain and Snow

  41  37

• Fri

   

  Cloudy

  41  34

• Sat

   

  Mostly Sunny

  45  36

• Sun

   

  Cloudy

  42  35

Get more information on Chicago weather.