Weather in Chicago in April
April in Chicago is cool outdoor weather: usable if you dress for it, not a beach brief.
In United States, this is how Chicago actually wears April, not how a country centroid would. Compared with August and January, April sits in the middle of Chicago's year.
Pack for Chicago in April, not for a brochure that was photographed in another season.
- Average temp
- 10°C
5–15°C
- Rainfall
- 105 mm
Showers likely
- Sunshine
- —
- Wind
- 18 km/h
What to expect
Daytime
Cool days in Chicago: a jumper you can take off, a shell in the bag. Walking is fine. Lingering outside without a layer is optimism.
Mornings and evenings are colder than the postcard. Pack for both, especially if you leave the built-up centre.
Rain
April is a wetter month in Chicago. Showers are part of the deal, not a spoiled surprise.
Waterproof shoes matter more than a rain plan for a beach, especially if a beach is not why you came. Build indoor hours into the afternoon.
Evening
Evenings are cooler. A layer helps after sunset.
What to pack
Rain jacket
A layer for cooler evenings
Where to stay in Chicago
Dates are a starting point for April.
Travel guides for Chicago
What to read before you book.
Average weather in Chicago
TemperatureRainfall
Similar weather in April
Other destinations whose April averages sit close to this one.
Check another month
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FAQs about Chicago
Climate averages for Chicago, 1991–2020.
The best time to visit Chicago is between May and October, the most comfortable stretch of the year on these averages.
July is the hottest month, with an average around 25°C.
May is the wettest month, with about 121 mm of rain.
No. These are 1991–2020 climate normals from Meteostat, not a live forecast. Actual weather in any given week can differ.
