Chicago month by month

The best time to visit Chicago

For most travellers, the sweet spot in Chicago is September · June · May: 24° avg. high, prices close to the yearly average. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.

Climate through the year

Month	Temp	Crowds	Price	Verdict
January	-1° / -9°	Low	$	Quiet
February	2° / -7°	Low	$	Quiet
March	8° / -2°	Low	$	Fair
April	15° / 4°	Moderate	$$	Fair
May	21° / 9°	Moderate	$$	Great
June	27° / 15°	High	$$$	Ideal
July	29° / 18°	High	$$$	Great
August	28° / 17°	High	$$$	Great
September	24° / 12°	High	$$	Ideal
October	17° / 6°	Moderate	$$	Great
November	9° / 0°	Moderate	$$	Fair
December	2° / -6°	Moderate	$$	Fair

Best months September June May October

The year in Chicago

Four broad seasons, and what each one actually feels like on the ground in Chicago.

Spring Great

Mar–May · highs around 15°C · Mild days as the lakefront comes alive

Mar ·Apr ·May

Summer Ideal

Jun–Aug · highs around 28°C · Warm days and long evenings by the lake

Jun ·Jul ·Aug

Autumn Ideal

Sep–Nov · highs around 17°C · Warm, drier days with thinner crowds

Sep ·Oct ·Nov

Winter Fair

Dec–Feb · highs around 1°C · Freezing nights and holiday lights downtown

Dec ·Jan ·Feb

When to go, depending on what you want

Best weather

The months where climate comfort peaks, whatever else is happening.

June ·September

Best value

Still a good trip, at the lowest prices of the year.

January ·February

Fewest crowds

When you get the main sights closest to yourself.

January ·February

Biggest events

When the calendar gives you something the other months do not.

March ·July ·August

Practical basics

Region: North America
Local currency: USD
Hemisphere: Northern (summer in Jun–Aug)
Yearly range: -9° – 29°
Strongest months: September, June, May
Good for: city · culture · food · nightlife

Events in Chicago

Mar St. Patrick's Day River Dyeing — The Chicago River is dyed green on the Saturday on or before March 17, a tradition more than sixty years old.
Jul Lollapalooza — A four-day music festival in Grant Park that draws an estimated 400,000 people each summer.
Aug Chicago Air and Water Show — A free air show held since 1959 over the Lake Michigan shore each August.
Oct Chicago Marathon — One of the World Marathon Majors, run through the city each October.

Every month in Chicago

A dedicated breakdown for each month — weather, crowds, prices, events and a verdict.

Chicago in January -1° · $ Quiet Chicago in February 2° · $ Quiet Chicago in March 8° · $ Fair Chicago in April 15° · $$ Fair Chicago in May 21° · $$ Great Chicago in June 27° · $$$ Ideal Chicago in July 29° · $$$ Great Chicago in August 28° · $$$ Great Chicago in September 24° · $$ Ideal Chicago in October 17° · $$ Great Chicago in November 9° · $$ Fair Chicago in December 2° · $$ Fair

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Chicago?

What is the cheapest time to visit Chicago?

January — This month counts as low season: some of the best deals of the year. Save 69%.

What is the weather like in Chicago?

Average highs sit around 29°C with lows near -9°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.

Things to do in Chicago