Weather & Best Time to Visit in Chicago

Best time to visit Chicago

April–May or September–October. Spring and early fall offer mild temperatures (50–70°F in spring; mid-60s°F in fall), fewer crowds than summer, lower hotel rates, and still-active festival and cultural programming. U.S. News Travel cites these shoulder seasons as optimal for balancing weather, cost, and crowd levels. Summer (June–August) is peak season with the most events but also peak prices, heat, humidity, and crowds

Chicago weather by month

MonthHigh (°F)Low (°F)Notes
Jan3220cold & changeable
Feb3320crisp & changeable
Mar4330crisp & changeable
Apr5440cool & changeable
May6652mild & changeable
Jun7763warm & changeable
Jul8168warm & changeable
Aug7968warm & changeable
Sep7462warm & changeable
Oct6150mild & changeable
Nov4837cool & mostly dry
Dec3727crisp & changeable