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Chicago, USA · Temperate

Chicago in February: go or not?

Tough period. Chicago in February only reaches 4.0/10.

📅 Data updated: October 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 41.88°N · 87.63°W
⚡ This month's verdict
Avoid
Chicago · February
4.0
-5–2°
Temperature
22%
Rain
5h
Sun
🏛️ Heritage🌦️ Moderate rain
Photo : Ricky Beron via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in February

Winter in Chicago is cool (2°C during the day). Days are short (4.8h of sunshine) but the city reveals a different side. Rain risk remains low (22% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities.

February ranks 10 out of 12 months in Chicago.

This month's conditions

What it's like in February

UV index
3 · moderate
protect during midday hours
Feels like
dry air
-7°
Daylight
10.4h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 27
Compare

Is February the right month?

The best month in Chicago is July (8.7/10), 4.7 pts higher than February.

See July →See all 12 months →
Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

🎟️ Activities & tours · Chicago

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

See all →
Affiliate link · GetYourGuide
Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a city break.

Country · USA

🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTemperate
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 27°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 1°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘApril · 32%

🏛️ City break

📅Tourist peak seasonJune → August
☔Indoor sights ⓘYear-round
🚇Public transportGood
Location

Where is Chicago ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
USA
Temperate climate with a 8.7 → 1.1 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
41.88°N · 87.63°W
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Chicago?
July is the best month with 27.0°C highs, 19.0°C lows, 10.3h of sunshine and 31.0% rainy days. The months of July & June offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Chicago get in July?
Chicago averages 10.3 sunshine hours per day in July. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 8.2/10.
What is the rainiest month in Chicago?
December is the most unfavourable month with December has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Chicago in July?
In July, overnight lows reach 19.0°C, while afternoon highs average 27.0°C.
Is Chicago good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Chicago scores 3.0/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains July with a score of 8.2/10.
When should you avoid Chicago?
December is the most difficult month to visit Chicago, with December has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Do you need sun protection in Chicago in February?
The average UV index reaches 3 in February in Chicago (moderate), with about 10.4h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.