Weather in Chicago in January
Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.
Climate Overview
January is a good time to visit Chicago. Chicago has a Moderate climate with average yearly highs of 2°C, lows of -4°C, and approximately 8 rainy days per month.
2°C
-4°C
8days
9.4h
Is January a good time to visit Chicago?
Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.
Daylight
7:17 AM
4:43 PM
Live January Forecast
LIVEForecast for your trip dates
Up to 16 days ahead Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C | -4°C | 8 | Good |
| February | 1°C | -7°C | 9 | Good |
| March | 8°C | 0°C | 12 | Good |
| April | 11°C | 2°C | 16 | Wet |
| May | 17°C | 9°C | 14 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 25°C | 17°C | 14 | Excellent (best) |
| July | 28°C | 20°C | 14 | Wet |
| August | 27°C | 19°C | 9 | Good |
| September | 22°C | 14°C | 9 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 14°C | 6°C | 12 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 12°C | 3°C | 6 | Good |
| December | 3°C | -3°C | 5 | Good |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2025) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2025
What to Pack for January
Warm coat, scarf, gloves, thermal layers, and waterproof boots.
Planning a trip to Chicago?
Common Questions
Is January a good time to visit Chicago? +
January is typically Good for visiting Chicago, with average highs of 2°C and around 8 rainy days.
What should I pack for Chicago in January? +
With highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C in {month}, we recommend: Warm coat, scarf, gloves, thermal layers, and waterproof boots.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in January? +
Chicago typically sees around 8 rainy days in January.
How many hours of daylight are there in Chicago in January? +
In January, Chicago gets approximately 9.4 hours of daylight per day.
Is January peak season in Chicago? +
No, January is not peak season in Chicago. Expect better value on accommodation and fewer tourists.
What is the best month to visit Chicago? +
The best months to visit Chicago are May, June, September, October, when the weather is optimal for sightseeing.
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Chicago: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.