2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Chicago — September

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

September is an excellent time to visit Chicago. Warm weather with highs of 23°C—great for outdoor activities. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

7.3
GoTripzi Score Great

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

Avg High

23°C

Avg Low

15°C

Rainy days

7days

Daylight

12.6h

Rainfall

62mm

Sunshine

9.9h/day

Humidity

71%

Humid
Sun Strength

6.8

High
Wind

19 km/h (gusts 36)

Is September a good time to visit Chicago?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:30

Sunset

19:04

12.6h daylight

Visiting Chicago in September: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices

Things to Do in September

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 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 Current 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 September

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional showers. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

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

Planning a trip to Chicago?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is September a good time to visit Chicago?
September is typically excellent for visiting Chicago, with average highs of 23°C and around 7 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 September?
Evenings in Chicago during September are mild at 15°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 September?
With highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C in September, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Sunscreen SPF 30+, Sunglasses, Comfortable walking shoes. 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 September?
Chicago typically sees around 7 rainy days in September. 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 September?
In September, Chicago gets approximately 12.6 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 September peak season in Chicago?
Yes, September is peak season in Chicago. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

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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