2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Chicago — July

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

👍 Climate Overview

July is a good time to visit Chicago. Warm weather with highs of 26°C—great for outdoor activities. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

7.9
GoTripzi Score Great

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

Avg High

26°C

Avg Low

19°C

Rainy days

11days

Daylight

15h

Feels like 29°C / 20°C — humidity makes it feel warmer

Rainfall

93mm

Sunshine

12h/day

Humidity

74%

Humid
Sun Strength

9.4

Very High
Wind

18 km/h (gusts 33)

Is July 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
    Moderate
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

05:28

Sunset

20:26

15h daylight

Visiting Chicago in July: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals
  • Long daylight hours maximize sightseeing time

Cons

  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in July

Events & Festivals

🍽️
Taste of Chicago
July Food & Drink
🎊
Fourth of July Fireworks at Navy Pier
July 4 Holiday

Recommended for This Weather

🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 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 Current 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 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 July

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Moderate Moderate

🎒Personalized Packing List

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Your Packing List

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

Planning a trip to Chicago?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is July a good time to visit Chicago?
July is typically good for visiting Chicago, with average highs of 26°C and around 11 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 July?
Evenings in Chicago during July are mild at 19°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Chicago in July?
With highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C in July, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Lightweight breathable clothes, Sunscreen SPF 30+. 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 July?
Chicago typically sees around 11 rainy days in July. 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 July?
In July, Chicago gets approximately 15 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 July peak season in Chicago?
No, July 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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