Chicago is known for its rich history, art, and culture, and it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. The city of Chicago is accessible all year. Any time of the year is a good time to visit Chicago. However, based on various weather patterns and activities available while in Chicago, we have compiled a monthly list of the best times to visit Chicago to help you plan your trip. Hence, no matter what type of traveler you are, there is a suitable month for you below.
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When is the best month to visit Chicago?
The best months to visit Chicago are generally considered to be June through August. The summer season is at its peak around this time, and there are always enjoyable activities to partake in, such as boat cruises, outdoor dining, rooftop bars, and trips to the beach.
When is the cheapest month to visit Chicago?
If you don't mind the cold, January, February, or November are the cheapest months to visit Chicago. During this month, there are always fewer people and lower hotel and flight rates.
When is the rainiest month in Chicago?
With 4.0 inches of precipitation, June is the wettest month in Chicago.
What is the hottest month in Chicago?
Chicago is the busiest travel month. The number of tourists unavoidably increases during this time because of the numerous activities and festivals that occur in these months.
when is the coldest month in Chicago?
Chicago experiences its coldest month of the year in January, with an average low temperature of 22°F and an average high temperature of 33°F.
How many day is enough for Chicago?
To have enough time to explore the lovely tranquilly of Chicago without feeling rushed, it is recommended that you stay there for four to five days.
what is the busiest month in Chicago?
In Chicago, the busiest month is from mid-March to mid-April. Since there are more tourists during this time, hotels, restaurants, and airlines are always busy.
How much do I need for a week in Chicago?
The average cost of a 7-day trip to Chicago is $1,819 for a single traveler and $3,267 for a couple.
Is Chicago expensive?
On a national scale, Chicago is rated as the 11th most expensive city. It follows that Chicago has a high cost of living.
Chicago in January
January is the coldest month of the year in Chicago, with an average high temperature of 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degrees Celsius) and an average low temperature of 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 degrees Celsius). We recommend packing layers of clothing and bringing a winter coat, hat, gloves, and scarf because temperatures in January can range from comfortably warm (for winter) to bitterly cold. Nonetheless, now is an excellent time to immerse yourself in the vibrant city and participate in a variety of entertaining activities and events, like the Winter WonderFest, the Chicago Cubs Convention, Chicago Restaurant Week, SoxFest Chicago, and Black Creativity, all of which happen this time of the year.
Chicago in February
With an average high temperature of 33 degrees Fahrenheit (zero degrees Celsius) and an average low temperature of 17 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 8 degrees Celsius), February's weather is chilly, windy, and snowy. So pack layers of clothing, a warm winter hat, mittens or gloves, a scarf, and snow-ready footwear if you are traveling during this month. This month offers a ton of entertaining events and activities, such as Chicago Theatre Week, the Chicago Auto Show, and the Chinese New Year Parade.
Chicago in March
In February, despite the arrival of spring, it is still quite chilly, with an average high temperature of 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) and an average low temperature of 31 degrees Fahrenheit (-0.5 degrees C). If you have any travel plans this month, pack several pairs of warm socks, a few short-sleeved shirts in case of warmer weather, a scarf, hat, and gloves, as well as several layers of winter clothing (which is a must). Additionally, there will be a lot of exciting activities and events, including the Brewology Beer Fest, Chicago Restaurant Week, and many others, taking place during this month, bringing the city to life. Lastly, this month sees an increase in tourists.
Chicago in April
The gray blanket enveloping the city of Chicago for months begins to completely disappeared in April. The temperature ranges between an average high temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius) and an average low temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). If you have plans to visit Chicago this month, packing layers of clothes is your best bet for staying warm while exploring the city's attractions. Additionally, this month is jam-packed with exciting events and activities. Some of them are: The Black Women's EXPO Next, Chicago Latino Film Festival, Baconfest Chicago, ChiTeen Lit Fest, and International Tom Hanks Day.
Chicago in May
May's weather is much more bearable, in Chicago with an average high temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low temperature of 51 degrees (10 degrees Celsius). However, even If the weather is bearable this month, the weather can still be unpredictable which is why we recommend pack layers of clothing because the weather in Chicago can be unpredictable, so you don't want to be caught unprepared. Also, as the tourist season progresses, hotel rates rise. In all, this month is jam-packed with fun activities and events, including the Memorial Day Parade, Maifest, Chicago Kids and Kites Festival.
Chicago in June
The average high temperature in June is 79 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius), and the average low temperature is 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius). The weather in Chicago can be unpredictable, especially at night, so pack layers of clothing like a light jacket, a thin sweater, or a sweatshirt. There are tons of fun things to do and events this month, such as the Printers Row Lit Festival, Millennium Park's Chicago Blues Festival, Andersonville Midsommarfest, Pivot Arts Festival, and many more.
Chicago in July
In June, the average high temperature in Chicago is 79 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius), with a low temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius). Chicago weather during this month can be unpredictable, especially at night, so come prepared by packing a light jacket, a thin sweater, or a sweatshirt. This month is packed with exciting activities and events, from the Printers Row Lit Festival to the Chicago Blues Festival at Millennium Park, and then the Andersonville Midsommarfest, the Pivot Arts Festival, and many more.
Chicago in August
The summer heat of August begins to dissipate, with an average high temperature of 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) and an average low temperature of 63 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius). If you wish to visit Chicago this month, we recommend that you bring layers of clothing to account for sudden temperature drops or heavy downpours, as Chicago weather is unpredictable. This month's events include the Green City Market, the Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic, the Ravinia Festival, and Northalsted Market Days. Hence, you can be sure of having a blast!
Chicago in September
With an average high temperature of 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius) and an average low temperature of 62 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius), Chicago's climate toggles between summer warmth and autumnal chill. If you are traveling this month, it is advised that you pack summer and fall-appropriate attire. This month offers tons of enjoyable activities and events. This month features the Chicago Jazz Festival, the African Festival of the Arts, the North Coast Music Festival, and Chicago Gourmet. In addition, hotel rates are lower due to the end of the tourist season, but airfare is pretty much unchanged because many people still transit to the city for work.
Chicago in October
In October, Chicago has warm weather, with an average high temperature of 62 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) and a low temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Fun events such as the Chicago International Film Festival, Halloween in Chicago, the Chicago Marathon, and National Pizza Month all take place this month.
Chicago in November
With an average high temperature of 47°F and an average low temperature of 32°F, November sees a decline in temperature as well as a slight chill in the air and atmosphere. It is advised that you bring a lot of warm layers if you are traveling this month. This month offers a ton of enjoyable activities and events. This month features the lighting of the Chicago Christmas Tree, the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, Christkindlmarket Chicago, ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.
Chicago in December
With an average high temperature of 21°F (-6.1°C) and low temperature of 35°F (1.7°C), December is a chilly month. If you're traveling this month, it's advised that you bring layers of clothing to stay warm. There are a ton of fun things to do and events this month, including the festive season of Christmas.
Conclusion
All the best times to visit Chicago have now been determined above. Based on different weather patterns, what to wear, and activities to do, we hope you were able to select the best month to visit Chicago. Please share your thoughts in the comments section if you found this article insightful.