What is the weather like in Chicago throughout the year?

Chicago experiences varying weather throughout the year. The warmest month is July with average highs of 27°C. The coolest month is January.

What is the weather like in Chicago in September?

Chicago in September scores 66/100 based on 30 years of climate data. Recommended for planning your trip.

Who should visit Chicago in September?

September in Chicago is ideal for: Families with children, Elderly travelers, Outdoor enthusiasts, Photographers, Cultural tourists.

Best Time to Visit Chicago | 30-Year Weather Analysis

Why September is the Best Time to Visit Chicago

Is September a Good Time to Visit Chicago?

👍Recommended for planning your trip(66/100)

Short Answer

Popular September in Chicago offers 23°C and 22% rain chance - excellent conditions that attract maximum visitors. Book 3-6 months ahead for best rates.

Decision Factors

Peak tourist season

96% of annual peak - expect crowds and peak prices

Ideal temperature range

22.7°C - perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities

Plenty of sunshine

9.6h of sunshine daily

Exceptional dining scene

105 Michelin-listed restaurants

Good For

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Families with children
Comfortable 22.7°C temperatures and low 22% rain risk
👴
Elderly travelers
Comfortable 22.7°C temperature range with manageable humidity
🥾
Outdoor enthusiasts
Ideal hiking conditions: 22.7°C, 22% rain chance
📸
Photographers
9.6h sunshine, 53% clear skies for golden hour shots
🏛️
Cultural tourists
Comfortable conditions for exploring museums and sites

Who Should Avoid

💰
Budget travelers
Peak season means premium prices everywhere

Warmest

July

27°C avg

Coolest

January

-1°C avg

Driest

December

19% rain

Wettest

May

30% rain

Planning Your Trip to Chicago, United States

Wondering when is the best time to visit Chicago? Based on our analysis of 30 years of NASA satellite weather data, the ideal months to travel to Chicago are September, June, August. During these months, you'll experience optimal temperatures around 23°C with only 22% chance of rain.

The Chicago climate varies throughout the year. July is the hottest month with average highs of 27°C, while January is the coldest at -1°C. If you're planning outdoor activities or sightseeing in Chicago, avoid May when rainfall peaks at 30% probability.

For the best Chicago weather experience, we recommend visiting during December for the driest conditions or the shoulder months of September and June for a perfect balance of weather and fewer crowds.

Chicago Weather by Month: Climate Guide

Click any month to explore detailed daily forecasts for Chicago

🏆 85-100: Excellent👍 70-84: Great👌 55-69: Good🤔 40-54: Fair⚠️ 0-39: Challenging

When to Visit Chicago: Travel Style Guide

Personalized Chicago travel recommendations based on 30-year weather data

Beach Lovers

Warmest months with comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities

JulyAugust

Budget Travelers

Shoulder season with good weather and lower prices

MarchAprilOctober

Avoiding Crowds

Fewer tourists with acceptable weather conditions

JanuaryFebruaryMarch

Photography

Best light conditions with clear skies

SeptemberAugustOctober

Winter Escape

Escape the cold with warmest temperatures

JuneJulyAugust

Honeymoon

Perfect conditions for a romantic getaway

MayJuneJuly

Chicago Weather FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What is the best time to visit Chicago?

Based on 30 years of weather data, the best months to visit Chicago are September, June, August. These months offer the optimal combination of pleasant temperatures (23°C avg) and low rainfall (22% chance).

When is the hottest time of year in Chicago?

July is historically the warmest month in Chicago with average highs of 27°C. If you prefer cooler weather, consider visiting in January when temperatures average around -1°C.

When is the rainy season in Chicago?

May typically sees the most rainfall in Chicago with a 30% chance of rain. For the driest conditions, plan your visit in December when rain probability drops to just 19%.

How accurate is the Chicago weather forecast?

Our Chicago climate analysis is based on 30 years of NASA POWER satellite observations (1995-2024), providing highly accurate historical averages. While weather can vary year to year, these long-term patterns are excellent indicators for planning your trip to Chicago.

What should I pack for Chicago?

Packing depends on when you visit. In July (warmest month), pack light summer clothes for 27°C weather. In January (coolest month), bring layers for -1°C temperatures.

Is Chicago good for a destination wedding?

Yes! The best months for an outdoor wedding in Chicago are December (only 19% rain chance) and September for optimal weather conditions. Avoid May when rain probability peaks at 30%.