Chicago in Winter — Weather & What to Expect
Winter in Chicago (December, January, February) averages daytime highs of 2.3°C and lows of -5.0°C, with around 195.7mm of rain across the season (27 rainy days in total). It includes some of the best months of the year to visit (December, January, February).
In the northern hemisphere, winter in Chicago covers December, January, February.
Winter in Chicago month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rainy days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 4.8°C | -2.0°C | 65.3mm | 8 | 8/10 |
| January | 1.0°C | -5.8°C | 66.1mm | 9 | 8/10 |
| February | 1.2°C | -7.3°C | 64.3mm | 10 | 8/10 |
What to pack for Chicago in winter
- Warm winter coat
- Thermal underlayers
- Gloves, hat and scarf
- Waterproof boots
- Light waterproof layer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is winter a good time to visit Chicago?
Winter in Chicago rates around 8/10 — good time to visit. Average highs are 2.3°C with 195.7mm of rain across the season.
How hot is Chicago in winter?
Daytime highs average 2.3°C (36.1°F) across December, January, February, with nights around -5.0°C.
What months are winter in Chicago?
Chicago is in the northern hemisphere, so winter covers December, January, February.
See also: best time to visit Chicago · Chicago annual climate · Chicago in spring · Chicago in summer · Chicago in autumn
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Once you know what winter in Chicago looks like, find out exactly what to pack for Chicago at 247PackingList. For currency, language and country facts, see the United States guide at 247CountryInfo.
Winter in Chicago — what to pack
Thermal travel layers
Pack proper layers — winters are genuinely cold and evenings drop fast year-round.
Check Price →Check clothing sizes in United States at 247Sizing before you shop.
More winter travel essentials
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Climate data sourced from Open-Meteo (open source, open data licence). Monthly averages calculated from 2020–2023 historical data. Weather can be unpredictable — always check a live forecast before travelling.