Verdict: Tough month
Chicago Weather in January
January is deep-winter territory in Chicago — daily highs around 1°C (34°F) and lows near -6°C (21°F). Expect showers on roughly 11 days of the month — rarely trip-ruining, worth planning around. If your dates are flexible, most travelers will have a better time in Chicago outside January.
Average high
1°C / 34°F
Average low
-6°C / 21°F
Rain days
~11
Precipitation
75 mm
What to pack for Chicago in January
- Full winter kit — insulated coat, gloves, warm hat
- A packable rain shell or compact umbrella earns its space
- Comfortable walking shoes — every guide on this site assumes you'll use them
January against the rest of the year
Warmest in Chicago: Jul (27°C / 81°F) · Coolest: Jan (1°C / 34°F) · Wettest: Apr (~15 rain days)
1°
-6°
Jan
3°
-6°
Feb
9°
0°
Mar
14°
4°
Apr
19°
10°
May
26°
17°
Jun
27°
19°
Jul
27°
19°
Aug
24°
16°
Sep
17°
9°
Oct
10°
3°
Nov
4°
-2°
Dec
Daily highs / lows in °C · bars show rain days per month · ERA5 climate normals (2020–2024)