Chicago, Illinois Weather in January
United States · January climate averages and travel tips
Avg high0°C (32°F)
Avg low-5°C (23°F)
Rainfall53 mm (2.1 in)
RatingPoor 2.4/10
In January, Chicago has average highs of 0°C (32°F) and lows of -5°C (23°F). January is winter in United States. The month is fairly dry, with about 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain spread over 9 days, one of the driest months of the year. You get roughly 9.3 hours of daylight and frequently cloudy skies.
Is January a good time to visit Chicago?
January is not the best time to visit Chicago (2.4/10) mainly because of the cold. The weather is much better in September.
January weather at a glance
| Average high | 0°C (32°F) |
|---|---|
| Average low | -5°C (23°F) |
| Daily mean | -2°C (28°F) |
| Rainfall | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Rainy days (1 mm+) | 9 |
| Humidity | 86% |
| Cloud cover | 72% |
| Daylight | 9.3 hours |
| Est. sunshine | 2.9 hours/day |
| Wind | 20.4 km/h |
| vs December | 3°C cooler than December, with similar rainfall. |
What to pack for Chicago in January
- a heavy winter coat, gloves and a hat
- waterproof boots for snow and ice
Chicago weather in other months
Jan0°C / -5°C53 mmPoorFeb0°C / -5°C56 mmPoorMar5°C / 0°C66 mmFairApr10°C / 4°C93 mmFairMay16°C / 9°C105 mmGoodJun22°C / 16°C105 mmGoodJul25°C / 20°C101 mmGoodAug25°C / 20°C98 mmGoodSep22°C / 17°C86 mmExcellentOct16°C / 10°C99 mmGoodNov9°C / 4°C53 mmFairDec3°C / -2°C62 mmPoor
← DecemberBest time to visit ChicagoFebruary →
Better weather in January nearby
- Mexico City22°C · 8 mm · Excellent
- Orlando, Florida22°C · 58 mm · Excellent
- Oaxaca26°C · 8 mm · Excellent
- Nassau24°C · 37 mm · Excellent
- Cabo San Lucas25°C · 7 mm · Excellent
- Key West, Florida23°C · 38 mm · Excellent
Nearby in January
- Nashville, Tennessee8°C · 112 mm
- Toronto0°C · 56 mm
- Washington, D.C., District of Columbia5°C · 71 mm
- Ottawa-6°C · 64 mm
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania4°C · 85 mm
- New York4°C · 114 mm
Where else is good in January? See where to go in January.