Chicago (IL) Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
On this page, we’ll explore Chicago’s temperature statistics in detail, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in the United States of America.
Monthly Temperature Averages
In Chicago, temperatures can shift dramatically between warm in summer and very cold in winter. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 29°C in July, the warmest time of the year, to a very cold -1°C during cooler months like January. At night, minimum temperatures typically average around -9°C during these months.
The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in Chicago by month:
The minimum temperature is often recorded between 4 AM and 6 AM, while the highest temperature is usually reached at 3 PM. During this time the sun's heating effect is the strongest. July, the city’s warmest month receives 319 hours of sunshine.
The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:
January, the city’s coldest month, receives about 50 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 10 days. For more information, please visit our Chicago Precipitation page.
Annual Temperatures in the United States of America Compared
The map below shows the annual temperature across the United States of America. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
very warm
warm
pleasant
moderate
cold
very cold
Chicago Temperatures Compared World Wide
Chicago’s average annual maximum temperature is 15°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:
In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual temperature is around 21°C, resulting in warm summers and mild winters throughout the year.
In contrast, in ReykjavÃk, Iceland, the average annual temperature is significantly lower at 9°C, with mild summers and cold winters.
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with an average annual temperature of 23°C, featuring hot summers and mild winters.
Perth, Australia, experiences a Mediterranean climate, with a pleasant average temperature of 25°C.
How does the temperature feel?
Humidity is an essential factor in how you experience temperature. When a warm period is accompanied by high humidity, it results in a higher perceived temperature. This is especially true when temperatures exceed 25°C, as it can cause greater discomfort.
On the other hand, in cooler months, especially when temperatures dip below 10°C, high humidity can intensify the cold. This makes the air feel much colder than it really is.
In Chicago, during the coolest month, January, you will experience 72% humidity, which is considered high. This is accompanied by an average maximum temperature of -1°C. In the warmest month, July, the humidity is 68% combined with an average maximum temperature of 29°C, which creates a high-feel temperature. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
How are these Temperatures Measured?
Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.
This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.
Global Warming and Its Effects
Climate change is affecting worldwide temperatures, including in Chicago. It has massive impacts on both local and global levels:
- Global Temperature Rise: The average global land and sea temperatures have risen by about 1.2°C since pre-industrial times.
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Local Impacts: Most regions of the world are witnessing warmer winters with fewer frost and snowfall days. The global frequency and severity of heatwaves have increased. For example, Europe's summers of 2018, 2019, and 2020 all broke records. Summers are also becoming drier; however, during winter, inland regions have experienced increased rainfall. This has caused elevated river levels and more cases of flooding.
Many countries are experiencing earlier springs and later autumns. This is why some bird species have shifted their migration dates.
For more detailed information about Chicago’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our Chicago climate page.
Current temperature in Chicago (IL)
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