Last updated: February 24, 2025
Experience the vibrant August weather in Chicago, where temperatures can soar to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), while the average rests comfortably at 23°C (73°F). With a minimum plunge to 11°C (53°F), the city's climate offers a warm embrace, coupled with an average humidity of 81% that adds a hint of tropical flair. Expect occasional summer showers, as 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation accumulates over 11 days, making for a mix of sunny adventures and refreshing rain. Whether you're exploring the lakeside or enjoying the city's cultural festivals, Chicago in August promises a dynamic and engaging summer experience.
In August, Chicago basks in warm summer temperatures, with average highs reaching 33°C (92°F) and lows around 11°C (53°F). This month marks a peak in warmth, continuing the trend set in July, where residents enjoy long, sunny days perfect for outdoor activities. With an average temperature of 23°C (73°F), the summer feels lively and inviting, contrasting sharply with the frigid winter months like January and February, which can plunge to around -30°C (-22°F). As summer starts to wane, the heat in August lays a solid groundwork for the cooler temperatures of fall, transitioning steadily into September’s milder and crisp conditions. Overall, August embodies Chicago's vibrant summer spirit, making it a cherished time for locals and visitors alike.
In August, Chicago experiences an average precipitation of 84 mm (3.3 in), falling over approximately 11 days, marking a slight decrease from the 104 mm received in July. This period typically signals the tail end of the summer season, as the city transitions to cooler months. The overall trend shows that while rainfall is still significant, it lessens as the summer progresses, creating a balance between warm days and refreshing showers. With August's precipitation being lower than the peak levels in May (156 mm) and April (125 mm), residents can enjoy the summer warmth while still benefiting from the occasional cooling rain, setting the stage for the upcoming fall season.
In August, Chicago experiences a humidity level of 81%, which is slightly lower than the peak of 85% seen in April. As summer reaches its crescendo, the humidity begins to taper off, with August offering a modest respite before autumn sets in. Comparing it to its warm predecessors, June and July, which recorded 82% and 80% respectively, August maintains a relatively consistent trend in humidity, reflecting the city’s humid continental climate. Interestingly, this suggests that although the city experiences warm temperatures, the overall discomfort from humidity starts to wane, paving the way for the milder conditions of September, which sees a decrease to 80%.
August in Chicago sees a UV Index of 9, indicating a very high level of solar radiation. This summer month is part of a trend that peaks in intensity from June through August, where the UV Index consistently hovers between 9 and 10. With a burn time of just 15 minutes, residents and visitors alike must take precautions to protect their skin during outdoor activities. As the summer sun continues to blaze, awareness of UV exposure remains critical, especially as the Index begins to gradually decline in September. For more detailed information, visit Chicago UV Index.
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August in Chicago enjoys a robust 340 hours of sunshine, maintaining the momentum established in the peak summer months. Following a record 362 hours in July, the slight dip is hardly noticeable, showcasing the city's enduring warmth and brightness as summer begins to transition into fall. The sunshine hours in August remain significantly elevated compared to earlier months; for instance, January's mere 116 hours feels worlds apart from the vibrant energy of late summer. With 285 hours from May to September, this period clearly stands out as the sunniest stretch, inviting locals and visitors alike to bask in the pleasant weather before autumn sets in. Overall, August serves as a beautiful farewell to summer, inviting outdoor gatherings and sun-soaked adventures against the backdrop of the dynamic Chicago skyline.
In Chicago, the likelihood of sunny weather peaks in August, reaching 47%, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. This trend of increasing sunshine begins in the early months, with a gradual rise from 23% in January to nearly 44% by July. The sunny disposition continues into September, where the chance of sun climbs even higher to 56%. This upward trajectory highlights not only August's sunny allure but also the transition from the typically dreary winter months to the vibrant summer and early autumn, offering Chicagoans and visitors alike an inviting glimpse of summer's final days.
As summer wanes, August in Chicago sees the daylight duration start to decline, with around 13 hours of daylight—a slight decrease from the sun-soaked days of July. This month marks a transitional phase, following the peak of 15 hours in June, as the city begins to prepare for the creeping shadows of fall. The steady drop in daylight from August to October illustrates the inevitable shift in seasons, with each month bringing a gradual reduction in sunlight, leading down to 11 hours in October. Chicagoans relish the lingering warmth of summer while anticipating the beauty of autumn's hues, making August a month of both reflection and transition.
In August, Chicago experiences its calmest winds of the year, with an average speed dropping to 3.0 m/s (7 mph). This gentle breeze follows a slow decline from the spring months, where wind speeds peak during March at 4.9 m/s (11 mph). As summer progresses, the wind mellows, providing a tranquil backdrop to the city's vibrant outdoor activities. Interestingly, this lull contrasts sharply with the gustier months of early spring and autumn, where winds tend to pick up again. The notable reduction in August serves as a reminder of the city's transitional climate, blending the warmth of summer with the impending shifts of fall.
The weather in Chicago changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of August's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Chicago and find detailed weather information for every month.
August and January present strikingly different weather conditions. In August, temperatures range from a mild 11°C (53°F) at night to a scorching 33°C (92°F) during the day, accompanied by high humidity averaging 81% and 84 mm of precipitation over 11 days. In contrast, January experiences frigid temperatures, with lows plunging to -29°C (-21°F) and highs only reaching up to 14°C (57°F). Although January has less precipitation at 68 mm over 9 days, the extreme cold is a stark reminder of winter's grip. For a more detailed look at the chill of January in the Windy City, check out Chicago weather in January.
August and February present strikingly contrasting weather conditions. In August, temperatures typically range from a minimum of 11°C (53°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). Humidity is high at 81%, and the month sees about 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 11 days. In stark contrast, February experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F), averaging at -2°C (29°F). Despite the chill, February has a slightly lower precipitation total at 70 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days, with humidity at 83%. For more detailed insights into February weather, visit Chicago weather in February.
August and March present contrasting weather patterns. In August, temperatures range from a pleasant 11°C (53°F) at night to a warm 33°C (92°F) during the day, with an average of 23°C (73°F). The month experiences 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 11 days, with a humidity level of 81%. In sharp contrast, March is much colder, featuring a minimum temperature of -18°C (-1°F) and a maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average temperature of only 4°C (39°F). While March sees slightly more precipitation at 95 mm (3.7 in) over the same number of days, the humidity is slightly higher at 84%. For a detailed overview of specific conditions, refer to Chicago weather in March.
When comparing the weather in August and April, notable differences emerge. August tends to be much warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (53°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), whereas April sees cooler conditions, with temperatures ranging from -6°C (22°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F). Additionally, April experiences more precipitation, totaling 125 mm (4.9 in) over 13 days, compared to August's 84 mm (3.3 in) across 11 days. Humidity levels are relatively similar, with April at 85% and August at 81%. For more detailed insights on the weather in April, visit Chicago weather in April.
August and May present contrasting weather conditions. In August, temperatures range from a pleasant 11°C (53°F) at night to a warm average of 23°C (73°F) during the day, peaking at 33°C (92°F). However, it also sees about 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by high humidity levels averaging 81%. In comparison, May experiences cooler weather with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and averaging 15°C (59°F), with maximums reaching 32°C (90°F). Although May is typically wetter, receiving 156 mm (6.1 in) of precipitation over 15 days, humidity remains slightly lower at 79%. For more detailed insights, check out Chicago weather in May.
When comparing the weather in June and August, both months experience similar maximum temperatures, with August averaging 23°C (73°F) and June averaging 21°C (70°F). However, June tends to be slightly wetter, receiving 144 mm (5.7 in) of precipitation over 13 days compared to August's 84 mm (3.3 in) across 11 days. Humidity levels are relatively close, with June at 82% and August slightly higher at 81%. For more specific details on June weather, you can check out this link: Chicago weather in June.
In comparing the weather between July and August, both months experience similar maximum temperatures, with highs reaching up to 33°C (92°F). However, July is slightly warmer on average, with a mean temperature of 24°C (75°F) compared to August's 23°C (73°F). Precipitation levels also differ, as July sees more rainfall at 104 mm (4.1 in) over 12 days, while August receives 84 mm (3.3 in) across 11 days. Humidity remains quite consistent between the two months, with August at 81% and July at 80%. For more detailed insights, you can visit Chicago weather in July.
August tends to be warmer and more humid than September, with average temperatures reaching 23°C (73°F) compared to September's 20°C (68°F). While August can peak at 33°C (92°F), September's maximum temperature is slightly lower at 32°C (90°F). Both months see a similar level of precipitation, with August receiving 84 mm (3.3 in) over 11 days and September totaling 78 mm (3.1 in) over 9 days. In terms of humidity, August is marginally higher at 81%, while September maintains a comfortable 80%. For more detailed insights, check out Chicago weather in September.
In August, temperatures range from a mild 11°C (53°F) at night to a warm 33°C (92°F) during the day, with an average of 23°C (73°F). The month sees approximately 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 11 days and maintains a high humidity level of 81%. In contrast, October experiences much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), peaking at 29°C (85°F). Precipitation increases to 142 mm (5.6 in) over 13 days, and humidity remains slightly elevated at 82%. For those interested in more details about Chicago weather in October, the stark shift in conditions is noteworthy.
August and November present strikingly different weather patterns. In August, temperatures range from a mild 11°C (53°F) to a hot 33°C (92°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). Humidity is high at 81%, and the month experiences substantial rainfall, totaling 84 mm (3.3 in) over 11 days. In contrast, November brings a much chillier climate, with temperatures dipping as low as -14°C (6°F) and averaging only 4°C (40°F). While the maximum temperature can reach 22°C (73°F), the overall conditions feel much colder. Precipitation decreases to 65 mm (2.6 in) over 8 days, and humidity rises slightly to 88%. For more specific details on this month, see Chicago weather in November.
In August, the weather is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from a cool 11°C (53°F) to a high of 33°C (92°F) and an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 84 mm (3.3 in) over approximately 11 days, contributing to a humid environment with 81% humidity. In contrast, December brings a dramatic shift, as temperatures plummet to a low of -19°C (-2°F) and an average of 1°C (34°F), peaking at a mild 18°C (64°F). Although it receives less precipitation at 63 mm (2.5 in) over 8 days, the humidity remains high at 84%. For more detailed insights, you can check Chicago weather in December.
August in Chicago offers a unique blend of summer warmth and humidity that sets it apart from other months. With average temperatures hovering around 23°C (73°F) and occasional peaks reaching a maximum of 33°C (92°F), it's one of the hottest times of the year. However, this heat comes with a touch of increased humidity at 81%, making the air feel heavier and prompting a refreshing dip in nearby lakes or a visit to air-conditioned spaces. While rain makes its presence felt with 11 days of precipitation, this month serves as a transition towards the milder fall season. For a deeper insight into how this fits into the broader climate pattern, visit Chicago Climate.