Weather in Chicago in May
The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.
Climate Overview
May is an excellent time to visit Chicago. Chicago has a Moderate climate with average yearly highs of 17°C, lows of 9°C, and approximately 14 rainy days per month.
17°C
9°C
14days
14.5h
Is May a good time to visit Chicago?
The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.
Daylight
5:32 AM
8:03 PM
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 May
Layers, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and an umbrella.
Planning a trip to Chicago?
Common Questions
Is May a good time to visit Chicago? +
May is typically Excellent for visiting Chicago, with average highs of 17°C and around 14 rainy days.
What should I pack for Chicago in May? +
With highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C in {month}, we recommend: Layers, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and an umbrella.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in May? +
Chicago typically sees around 14 rainy days in May.
How many hours of daylight are there in Chicago in May? +
In May, Chicago gets approximately 14.5 hours of daylight per day.
Is May peak season in Chicago? +
Yes, May is peak season in Chicago. Expect higher prices and more crowds, but also the best weather.
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.
More Chicago Guides
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Chicago: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.