2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Chicago — December

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

December is a good time to visit Chicago. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 4°C during the day. Wind can be noticeable, especially in exposed areas—bring a windbreaker. With only around 9 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

5.5
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

4°C

Avg Low

-2°C

Rainy days

9days

Daylight

9.2h

Feels like -1°C / -8°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

66mm

Sunshine

4.9h/day

Humidity

73%

Humid
Sun Strength

2.2

Moderate
Wind

25 km/h (gusts 44)

Is December a good time to visit Chicago?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

07:11

Sunset

16:21

9.2h daylight

Visiting Chicago in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Very cold temperatures require heavy winter gear

Things to Do in December

Events & Festivals

🎉
Christkindlmarket
November–December Festival

Recommended for This Weather

☕ Cozy cafes & local food scene
🏛️ Indoor attractions & shopping
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Chicago Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 0°C -5°C 10d (71mm) 5.1h
74% Humid
2.6 Moderate
Good
Feb 2°C -5°C 7d (45mm) 7.4h
69% Humid
4.4 Moderate
Good
Mar 8°C 1°C 12d (90mm) 8h
69% Humid
5.7 High
Good
Apr 12°C 5°C 12d (92mm) 9.4h
67% Humid
7.5 Very High
Good
May 18°C 10°C 11d (106mm) 10.6h
70% Humid
8.8 Very High
Excellent
Jun 25°C 17°C 9d (100mm) 12.3h
69% Humid
9.9 Very High
Excellent
Jul 26°C 19°C 11d (93mm) 12h
74% Humid
9.4 Very High
Good
Aug 26°C 19°C 8d (60mm) 11.7h
73% Humid
8.6 Very High
Good
Sep 23°C 15°C 7d (62mm) 9.9h
71% Humid
6.8 High
Excellent
Oct 17°C 9°C 10d (87mm) 7.9h
68% Humid
4.6 Moderate
Excellent
Nov 10°C 3°C 8d (53mm) 6.4h
68% Humid
3.1 Moderate
Good
Dec Current 4°C -2°C 9d (66mm) 4.9h
73% Humid
2.2 Moderate
Good

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3.4

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Chicago – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Chicago

Architectural marvels with Cloud Gate (The Bean) and Architecture boat tour, deep-dish pizza, lakefront, and world-class museums.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for December

Full winter gear is a must — insulated coat, thermal base layers, warm hat, gloves, and waterproof boots. Protect exposed skin from the cold. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional showers.

Moderate Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Chicago?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Chicago?
December is typically good for visiting Chicago, with average highs of 4°C and around 9 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Chicago in December?
Yes, nights in Chicago during December are cold, averaging -2°C. Pack warm layers, a coat, and consider thermal underwear for extended outdoor evenings. Restaurants and cafés have indoor seating, and many museums stay open late.
What should I pack for Chicago in December?
With highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C in December, we recommend: Warm winter coat, Thermal base layers, Scarf and gloves, Compact umbrella. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in December?
Chicago typically sees around 9 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Chicago in December?
In December, Chicago gets approximately 9.2 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Chicago?
No, December is not peak season in Chicago. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: America/Chicago)

Last Updated: February 2026

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