Chicago Weather in May
May in Chicago sees daytime temperatures around 21°C (70°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F) at night. With around 118 mm (4.6 in) of rainfall expected, it's worth packing a rain jacket.
Rainfall in Chicago in May
Expect around 12 days of rain based on historical data, with 118 mm (4.6 in) average. When showers do arrive, they tend to be on the heavier side. Worth being prepared even if rain days are not that numerous.
Temperature in Chicago in May
Chicago in May gets highs of 21°C (70°F) during the day and drops to 11°C (52°F) at night. Even when the weather is stable, mornings and evenings can still feel distinctly cool. With lows of 11°C (52°F), nights are cool. If you're out after dark, an extra layer will keep you comfortable. The cooler air at night is also great for getting a good rest.
Sunshine in Chicago in May
The month enjoys around 282 hours of sunshine, creating mostly sunny days with good weather conditions.
Wind Speed in Chicago in May
Wind speeds average 5 m/s (10 knots) during May. At this speed, gentle to moderate breezes make small trees sway and the wind creates whitecaps on water bodies. Daily variations range from moderate winds to stronger breezes, creating excellent conditions for sailing, kite flying and wind sports.For Chicago itself, September generally stands out with the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
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 May
Min Temperature
11°C (52°F)
Max Temperature
21°C (70°F)
Chance of Rain
41%
Precipitation
118 mm (4.6 in)
Rainy days
12 days
Humidity
64%
Windspeed
5 m/s (10 knots)
Sunshine
282 hours
Percentage Sunshine
62%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Chicago typically rise from around 18°C (64°F) at the start of May to approximately 24°C (75°F) by the end. Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 7°C (45°F) to 14°C (57°F).
Average temperatures in May
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 May
Historical weather for Chicago in May
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 May
Based on weather observations in Chicago between 1976 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes during May.
- The hottest May day on record in Chicago reached 36°C (97°F) (May 27, 2018).
- Chicago registered its coldest May night on May 9, 1983, with temperatures dropping to -3°C (27°F).
Best Places in the United States of America in May
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 May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
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What to Wear in Chicago in May
For Chicago in May, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.What To Do in Chicago in May
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.
