What to expect in Chicago in December
December is a mixed month in Chicago. You get 2° / -6°, but manageable crowds at the big attractions. Worth it for the right traveller.
Chicago weather in December
Typical conditions in Chicago during December, based on long-run climate normals rather than any single year. Treat it as a planning guide, not a forecast.
| Average high | 2°C 36°F |
|---|---|
| Average low | -6°C 21°F |
| Rainfall | Moderate 41/100 |
| Total rainfall | 57 mm2.3 in |
| Rainy days | 11 |
| Daylight | 9 h 10 min |
| How it feels | Cold |
Average highs sit around 2°C with lows near -6°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.
Crowds & demand
Crowd levels are Moderate for Chicago — manageable crowds at the big attractions.
Prices & value
This month counts as shoulder season: prices close to the yearly average.
What to pack
Proper cold-weather kit — a warm mid-layer, windproof outer, hat and gloves. Days peak near 2°C and nights fall to about -6°C.
What it costs
Costs in December sit around the yearly average for Chicago — neither a bargain nor a squeeze. Booking a few weeks out is usually enough. Compared with the most expensive month of the year, you are looking at roughly 42% less.
Who this month suits
- Anyone travelling on a budget
- People who would rather have space than perfect conditions
Events & what’s on
No major festivals fall in December, so the destination feels like its everyday self.
Chicago in December compared with nearby months
If your dates are flexible by a few weeks, this is what shifting them actually buys you.
| Month | Temp | Crowds | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | 17° / 6° | Moderate | $$ | 53 |
| November | 9° / 0° | Moderate | $$ | 51 |
| December · This month | 2° / -6° | Moderate | $$ | 40 |
| January | -1° / -9° | Low | $ | 50 |
| February | 2° / -7° | Low | $ | 54 |
These months score higher for Chicago on the same blend of weather, crowds and price. Same destination, better odds.
Or go somewhere else in December
If the destination is negotiable but the month is not, these places are at their best in December.
Figures are climate normals and modelled estimates — a planning guide, not a forecast. We separate fact, estimate and recommendation. Updated October 2026
