Weather in Chicago in January
January in Chicago is deep winter. Days are short. The outdoor plan is a window in the middle of the day or not at all.
In United States, this is how Chicago actually wears January, not how a country centroid would. January is the cold side of the year in Chicago. Pack for that, not for a leftover summer photo.
- Average temp
- -3°C
-7–0°C
- Rainfall
- 58 mm
Showers likely
- Sunshine
- —
- Wind
- 18 km/h
What to expect
Daytime
Days in Chicago in January are about getting between indoor places. The cold is the story. Gloves are not a fashion choice.
A clear spell is for a short walk, then back in. Do not plan a long outdoor day as the default. Night falls early and the cold deepens with it.
Rain
January is on the drier side of the year in Chicago. Showers are possible. They do not define the month.
A shell that lives in the bag is enough. This is not May, and it should not be packed as if it were.
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 January.
Travel guides for Chicago
What to read before you book.
Average weather in Chicago
TemperatureRainfall
Similar weather in January
Other destinations whose January averages sit close to this one.
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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.
