Chicago, IL is generally considered to have a humid continental climate, which brings both cold winter temperatures and hot summer ones. In the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing and stay there for weeks at a time. During the summer months, temperatures in Chicago typically range from the mid 70s to low 80s with high humidity levels. The city receives an average of 37 inches of precipitation each year, most of which falls between April and September. Snowfall can also be common during the winter months in Chicago with an average total snowfall of 37 inches per year.
Chicago, Illinois gets 38 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year.
Chicago averages 35 inches of snow per year. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year.
On average, there are 189 sunny days per year in Chicago. The US average is 205 sunny days.
Chicago gets some kind of precipitation, on average, 125 days per year. Precipitation is rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground. In order for precipitation to be counted you have to get at least .01 inches on the ground to measure.
Weather Highlights
Summer High: the July high is around 84 degrees
Winter Low: the January low is 19
Rain: averages 38 inches of rain a year
Snow: averages 35 inches of snow a year
BESTPLACES COMFORT INDEX
The annual BestPlaces Comfort Index for Chicago is 7.0 (10=best), which means it is about average compared to other places in Illinois.
9 / 4.7
Summer / Winter
September, June and August are the most pleasant months in Chicago, while January and December are the least comfortable months.