Best time to visit Chicago

April to May and September to October. Month by month below, with the weather, what's on and what it costs to fly there from your city.

April to May and September to October

Spring (April to May) and early fall (September to October) get the best weather, fewer crowds and calmer prices; September is often named the single best month.

“Ideal weather can be found from April to June and September to October” getdirecto.com
“Best Time: April to May, September to October” holidify.com
“If you can pick any month for a first trip to Chicago, pick September.” chicagologue.com

4 of the 6 travel guides we read name these months.

Chicago month by month

Average high and low in Chicago, and days with rain

January33°F / 20°F · 12 rainy daysChecking fares…January is the coldest month on average.Chicago slows down after the holidays, though it is the heart of the winter concert season.Tomorrow Never Knows
February37°F / 23°F · 9 rainy daysChecking fares…February is cold and can feel bleak once the holidays are long gone.
March48°F / 32°F · 11 rainy daysChecking fares…March is dominated by St. Patrick's Day, including the dyed-green river.Chicago Restaurant Week runs in March.
Best timeApril60°F / 42°F · 12 rainy daysChecking fares…April is the real start of spring and one of the best times to visit.Cubs opening day at Wrigley Field falls in spring.
Best timeMay72°F / 52°F · 12 rainy daysChecking fares…May has fewer crowds than June to August, and flight and hotel prices are often lower.The weather in May is delightful apart from a few cold stretches; Memorial Day weekend kicks off the season.Tulip Time Festival
June81°F / 63°F · 11 rainy daysChecking fares…June is summer before the worst heat and humidity of July and August.June starts street festival season; Pride Fest and Parade is in June.Chicago Blues Festival
July85°F / 68°F · 10 rainy daysChecking fares…July is peak tourist season, with a street festival almost every weekend including Taste of Chicago.Taste of Chicago is held in July.Gen Con · MLB All-Star Game
August83°F / 67°F · 9 rainy daysChecking fares…August is typically hot, sticky and crowded, and one of the peak tourism months along with July.Lollapalooza and the Air and Water Show are in August.
Best timeSeptember77°F / 59°F · 8 rainy daysChecking fares…Humidity breaks and the lake is still warm enough to wade in.September is ranked the best month; the air turns crisp by month end and city beaches close on Labor Day.September rarely sees wet showers, which suits outdoor plans.Riot Fest Chicago
Best timeOctober64°F / 47°F · 11 rainy daysChecking fares…October is one of the best months, though the weather can be unpredictable.The Chicago Marathon is in October.Days get shorter and evenings colder, with possible light snow.Chicago Marathon
November50°F / 35°F · 10 rainy daysChecking fares…The first three weeks are gray, quiet and cheaper, with museums nearly empty on weekdays.Christkindlmarket opens and outdoor ice rinks reopen.Christkindlmarket Chicago · Carmel Christkindlmarkt
December38°F / 25°F · 11 rainy daysChecking fares…December is the one winter month people visit on purpose: Christmas market in Daley Plaza and a lit tree in Millennium Park.ZooLights runs from late November to early January.

Weather: Chicago averages from NOAA (1991 to 2020 averages), as listed in its climate table on Wikipedia.

Every date to Chicago from your city

Live fares from your airport. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.

What's on in Chicago

Festivals and seasons through the year

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

May to SeptemberPleasant temperatures and festivals; accommodation and flight prices peak.
June to AugustPeak tourist season with the most to see and do.

Quietest

November to MarchCold winters, fewer tourists and the most budget-friendly flights and stays.
WinterWinter is off-season in Chicago because of the cold.

Watch for

December to FebruaryExtremely cold with heavy snowfall.
July to AugustHot and humid, making outdoor exploring less comfortable.
WinterDaytime highs of 30 to 40F with 6 to 8 snow days a month in December and January.

Questions people ask

What's the coldest month in Chicago?: January is the coldest month in Chicago based on overall monthly averages.

Best time to visit Chicago

April to May and September to October

Chicago month by month

Every date to Chicago from your city

What's on in Chicago

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places

Best time to visit Chicago

April to May and September to October

Chicago month by month

Every date to Chicago from your city

What's on in Chicago

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places