Chicago Weather in April
April in Chicago brings moderate temperatures, with daytime highs of 15°C (59°F) and nights around 4°C (39°F). Quite a bit of rainfall is expected, around 102 mm (4 in), so pack an umbrella.
Rainfall in Chicago in April
Historically, the month has about 13 days of rain, averaging 102 mm (4 in) in total. Individual showers can be quite heavy this month. A proper umbrella or rain jacket is worth having.
Temperature in Chicago in April
Temperatures in Chicago in April top out at 15°C (59°F) and drop to 4°C (39°F) overnight. A light jacket or extra layer can be useful, especially outside the warmest hours of the day. With overnight lows of 4°C (39°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets.
Sunshine in Chicago in April
The month enjoys around 217 hours of sunshine, creating mostly sunny days despite the cool temperatures.
Wind Speed in Chicago in April
Wind speeds average 6 m/s (12 knots) during April. At this speed, expect strong winds that make large branches move and create some resistance when walking. Since this is an average, some days have fresh winds while others have strong breezes that can make umbrellas tricky to control.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. September typically offers the best weather for Chicago.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Chicago's climate page.
Chicago Temperature in April
Min Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Max Temperature
15°C (59°F)
Chance of Rain
42%
Precipitation
102 mm (4 in)
Rainy days
13 days
Humidity
65%
Windspeed
6 m/s (12 knots)
Sunshine
217 hours
Percentage Sunshine
54%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Chicago typically rise from around 12°C (54°F) at the start of April to approximately 17°C (63°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 2°C (36°F) to 7°C (45°F).
Average temperatures in April
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in April
Historical weather for Chicago in April
Browse day-by-day weather records for Chicago spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Chicago historical weather extremes in April
Our historical data for Chicago spans 1976 to 2026, revealing these weather extremes.
- The hottest April day on record in Chicago reached 32°C (90°F) (April 26, 1986).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -13°C (9°F) on April 7, 1982, marking the coldest April night on record.
Best Places in the United States of America in April
Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in April →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Chicago in April
The weather can swing between comfortable and chilly in April, so flexibility is key. Pack a variety of tops, at least one warm layer, and both shorts and long pants. This gives you options no matter what the day brings. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.What To Do in Chicago in April
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Chicago's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Chicago climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
