Waukegan (IL) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Waukegan.

Climate overview of Waukegan

Waukegan, Illinois, United States of America, experiences significant temperature variation throughout the year. Summers bring daytime highs of 27°C (81°F) in July, while winters cool to -1°C (30°F) in January.

Annual rain/snowfall is moderate at around 951 mm (37 in), with April being the wettest month. The city also has warm summers and very cold winters. The sunniest month is July, with 10.6 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Waukegan Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Waukegan - and find the best time to visit.

Monthly Temperature in Waukegan

Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from comfortable to very cold in Waukegan. Average daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 27°C (81°F) in July. In January, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a very cold -1°C (30°F).

At night, temperatures range from around 18°C (64°F) in July to -9°C (16°F) in January.

Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.

Temperature ranges by month

Rainfall in Waukegan

Generally, Waukegan has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 951 mm (37 in) of rain/snowfall annually. Waukegan can be quite wet during April, receiving approximately 104 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation over 12 rainy days.

In contrast, during the driest month (January), you will experience much drier conditions, with 42 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation spread across 10 snowy days. For more details, please visit our Waukegan Precipitation page.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow

Sunshine Hours in Waukegan

Waukegan can be enjoyed more throughout the sunniest month of July under a blue sky, with approximately 10.6 hours of sunshine daily. In contrast, the city experiences much darker days in December, with only 3.6 hours of sunlight per day.

Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Data from: Chicago, the United States of America (42 KM, 26 Miles).

Daily hours of sunshine

Data from: Chicago, the United States of America (42 KM, 26 Miles).

Humidity in Waukegan by Month

Best Time to Visit Waukegan

The most comfortable overall weather for exploring Waukegan is usually found in July, August and September. Conditions are generally least comfortable in January, February, March, April, November and December.

Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.

  • Best overall: July, August and September
  • Warmest weather: July and August
  • Most sunshine: June and July
  • Fewer rainy days: January, February, March, September and November
  • Seasonal pattern: Warm summers and very cold winters
  • Coldest conditions: January, with freezing nights around -9°C (16°F).

Frequently asked questions about the climate in Waukegan

What is the best time to visit Waukegan?

July, August and September typically offer the most optimal weather in Waukegan. In contrast, January, February, March, April, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Waukegan has warm summers and very cold winters.

What temperatures can I expect in Waukegan?

Daytime highs range from -1°C (30°F) in January to 27°C (81°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from -9°C (16°F) to 18°C (64°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.

How much rain does Waukegan get?

Annual rainfall is around 951 mm (37 in). April is the wettest month with 104 mm (4.1 in), while January is the driest with 42 mm (1.7 in).

How sunny is Waukegan?

Waukegan receives around 2,509 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 319 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 107 hours. Overall, Waukegan enjoys abundant sunshine.

Waukegan 3-Day Forecast

Waukegan (IL) 3-Day Forecast

Waukegan on the map

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