Last updated: February 24, 2025
February in Chicago presents a dynamic weather palette, with temperatures ranging from a brisk maximum of 18°C (64°F) to as low as an icy minimum of -30°C (-22°F). The month averages a chilly -2°C (29°F), making it essential for residents to bundle up. Frequent snowfall and rain accumulate to about 70 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days, contributing to the city's notably high humidity of 83%. Embrace the winter charm and prepare for a month of unpredictability in the Windy City!
In February, Chicago experiences a slight chill as temperatures dip even further than in January, with minimums plummeting to -30°C (-22°F). However, hope glimmers in the form of a slight rise in the average temperature, which edges up to -2°C (29°F), and maximums reach a more bearable 18°C (64°F). This pattern signals a transition from the biting cold of winter, hinting at the arrival of spring in the following month. As February progresses, the promise of warmth begins to emerge, offering a reprieve from the harshness of the deepest winter months. The city's temperature trends thus encapsulate the stark contrasts of winter moving into a more temperate season, fostering a sense of anticipation in residents amidst the lingering chill.
In February, Chicago experiences an intriguing transition as precipitation levels rise slightly to 70 mm (2.7 in), mirroring January's totals but occurring over 12 days, slightly more than the previous month. This gradual increase sets the stage for the wetter spring months ahead. The city's winter weather is characterized by damp days that contribute to an overall moisture accumulation, preparing nature for the vibrant bloom of March and beyond, where precipitation significantly increases to 95 mm (3.7 in). Such trends signify that while February may not be the wettest month, it plays a crucial role in bridging the drier conditions of winter with the imminent spring showers.
February in Chicago ushers in a slight rise in humidity, reaching 83%, just a notch above January's 82%. This trend of increasing moisture continues into the spring months, as humidity levels gradually climb to 84% in March and 85% in April, signaling the approach of more humid weather. Interestingly, February serves as a bridge between the colder winter months and the warmer, often more humid, season ahead, allowing residents to experience a transition that feels refreshingly brisk yet slightly damp. As we look ahead to the upcoming months, the fluctuation of humidity levels indicates a dynamic climate, hinting at spring's arrival with each passing day.
In February, Chicago experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, maintaining the same burn time of 30 minutes as in January. This period marks the transition from winter towards spring, where sun exposure starts to increase. As we move into March, the UV Index jumps to 6, indicating a shift to high exposure and a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. With this upward trend continuing into April and May, residents should be particularly mindful of sun safety, especially as the index reaches its peak in the summer months. This progression underscores the importance of staying informed about UV levels, especially as February lays the groundwork for increasing sun intensity. For detailed information, visit Chicago UV Index.
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As February unfolds in Chicago, the city's inhabitants welcome a noticeable surge in sunshine, jumping to 175 hours compared to a mere 116 hours in January. This bright leap not only heralds the end of winter's grip but also sets a promising tone for the upcoming months. The lengthening days continue into March, where sunshine peaks at 232 hours, and further climbs reach 251 hours in April. This upward trend in daylight not only enhances the city’s vibrant atmosphere but also invigorates the spirit of its residents, who eagerly anticipate the full embrace of spring. The growing abundance of sunlight serves as a reminder of nature's renewal, brilliantly transitioning from winter's subtle chill to the sun-kissed warmth of the approaching season.
As winter begins to loosen its grip, February brings a notable increase in the likelihood of sunny weather in Chicago, with a 30% chance of sunshine, up from January's mere 23%. This trend signals a gradual transition towards spring, as the city sees a steady rise in sunny days throughout the upcoming months, peaking in September at 56%. While February still retains a prominent chill, the increased sunshine hints at the promise of warmer days ahead, setting the stage for March's even brighter 46%. As the days lengthen and temperatures slowly climb, residents can look forward to not just sunny spells, but the anticipation of a vibrant spring emerging from winter's shadow.
As February unfolds in Chicago, residents experience a delightful increase in daylight, with the sun gracing the city for 10 hours—an hour more than in January. This trend of lengthening days is a precursor to the vibrant spring ahead. By the end of February, daylight will continue to expand, reaching 11 hours in March and progressing to an impressive 14 hours by May. This gradual transition not only heralds the end of winter's chill but also ignites a renewed sense of energy and anticipation among Chicagoans, paving the way for the longer, sunnier days to come.
As February settles over Chicago, the city experiences a slight uptick in average wind speed, rising to 4.7 m/s (10 mph) from January's 4.3 m/s (10 mph). This subtle increase marks a trend where winter months often feature higher winds than the spring, contrasting sharply with April and May, when breezes mellow out to 4.0 m/s (9 mph) and 3.9 m/s (9 mph), respectively. Notably, February's winds also set the stage for the potential gusts of early spring, suggesting an invigorating transition as the chilly winter gradually yields to warmer days. The city's characteristic breezy charm remains a constant, keeping Chicagoans on their toes as they bundle up against the wind while yearning for the promise of spring.
The weather in Chicago changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of February'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.
In comparing the weather patterns of February and January, we see that February tends to be slightly milder, with an average temperature of -2°C (29°F) compared to January's average of -3°C (27°F). While February experiences a maximum temperature that can reach up to 18°C (64°F), January's peak is a cooler 14°C (57°F). However, both months see similar levels of precipitation, with February receiving 70 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days and January 68 mm (2.7 in) across 9 days. Interestingly, February's humidity levels are marginally higher at 83%, compared to January's 82%. For a more detailed look at January's weather, you can check Chicago weather in January.
February and March exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In February, temperatures range from a chilling minimum of -30°C (-22°F) to a maximum of 18°C (64°F), with an average of -2°C (29°F). The month experiences 70 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 12 days, alongside a humidity level of 83%. By contrast, March brings milder conditions, with minimum temperatures of -18°C (-1°F) and a higher average temperature of 4°C (39°F). The maximum temperature can reach up to 23°C (74°F), indicating a significant warming trend. March sees increased precipitation at 95 mm (3.7 in) over 11 days, accompanied by a similar humidity level of 84%. For a more detailed view of March weather, you can visit Chicago weather in March.
February in Chicago is characterized by extreme cold, with temperatures dipping as low as -30°C (-22°F) and averaging around -2°C (29°F). The month sees about 70 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 12 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 83%. In contrast, April experiences a more temperate climate, with minimum temperatures of -6°C (22°F) and average highs climbing to 8°C (47°F). The month is notably wetter, with precipitation reaching 125 mm (4.9 in) across 13 days and a slightly higher humidity of 85%. For more detailed insights about April weather, check out Chicago weather in April.
February and May present drastically different weather conditions. In February, temperatures can drop as low as -30°C (-22°F) with an average of -2°C (29°F), while May warms up significantly, featuring an average temperature of 15°C (59°F) and highs reaching 32°C (90°F). Additionally, February experiences 70 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 12 days, whereas May sees a substantial increase in rainfall, totaling 156 mm (6.1 in) over 15 days. Although February has higher humidity at 83%, May's humidity is still notable at 79%. For a more detailed look at the weather in Chicago during May, check out Chicago weather in May.
February and June present stark contrasts in weather, reflecting the shift from winter to summer. In February, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -30°C (-22°F), with an average temperature around -2°C (29°F) and a maximum reaching just 18°C (64°F). The month sees about 70 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 12 days, accompanied by high humidity at 83%. In contrast, June enjoys much milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F). Although June has more precipitation, totaling 144 mm (5.7 in) over 13 days, the humidity is slightly lower at 82%. For more details about the weather in June, you can check Chicago weather in June.
February and July present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In February, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -30°C (-22°F), with an average temperature around -2°C (29°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F), coupled with a high humidity level of 83%. The month sees approximately 70 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 12 days. Conversely, July features much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 14°C (58°F), an average of 24°C (75°F), and a maximum reaching 33°C (92°F). The month also has a slightly lower humidity of 80%, along with increased precipitation of 104 mm (4.1 in) across the same 12 days. For a detailed look at weather trends, check out Chicago weather in July.
February and August present strikingly different weather patterns. In February, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -30°C (-22°F), with an average temperature around -2°C (29°F) and the occasional warm day reaching up to 18°C (64°F). The month experiences significant humidity at 83% and around 70 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation, spread over approximately 12 days. In contrast, August is considerably warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (53°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F) and an average of 23°C (73°F). The humidity is slightly lower at 81%, and precipitation levels increase slightly to 84 mm (3.3 in) over about 11 days. For more detailed insights into the climate, check out Chicago weather in August.
February and September present stark contrasts in weather conditions. February experiences extreme cold, with temperatures ranging from a brisk -30°C (-22°F) to a milder max of 18°C (64°F), leading to an average of -2°C (29°F). In contrast, September brings a more temperate climate with minimum temperatures at 6°C (42°F) and highs reaching up to 32°C (90°F), resulting in an average of 20°C (68°F). While February is marked by 70 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 12 days and high humidity at 83%, September sees slightly higher precipitation levels at 78 mm (3.1 in) but fewer rainy days at just 9, with a humidity of 80%. For more detailed information, check out Chicago weather in September.
February and October present stark contrasts in weather conditions. February experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) and an average of -2°C (29°F), while October has milder temperatures ranging from -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F). Precipitation is also notably different; February sees around 70 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days, whereas October has higher rainfall at 142 mm (5.6 in) across 13 days. Despite the increased precipitation in October, both months maintain similar humidity levels, hovering around 82-83%. For more details on October's climate, you can refer to Chicago weather in October.
February and November showcase distinct weather patterns, with February generally experiencing colder temperatures. In February, temperatures range from a chilling minimum of -30°C (-22°F) to an average of -2°C (29°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F), highlighting its wintery nature. Precipitation occurs over about 12 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 83%. In contrast, November's temperatures are milder, with a minimum of -14°C (6°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F), rising up to a maximum of 22°C (73°F). Precipitation during November is slightly less, falling over 8 days with a humidity of 88%. For more detailed weather insights, check out Chicago weather in November.
February and December exhibit notable differences in weather conditions, despite their proximity in the winter season. February experiences colder minimum temperatures, plunging to -30°C (-22°F), while December's lowest temperature is slightly milder at -19°C (-2°F). The average temperature in February is slightly cooler at -2°C (29°F), compared to December’s average of 1°C (34°F). Both months share a maximum temperature of 18°C (64°F), but February sees more precipitation at 70 mm (2.7 in) across 12 days, compared to December's 63 mm (2.5 in) over 8 days. Humidity levels are quite similar, with February at 83% and December at 84%. For more detailed insights on December weather, you can explore Chicago weather in December.
February in Chicago presents a striking contrast to the rest of the year, as the city grapples with its coldest month characterized by bitter temperatures and frequent precipitation. A maximum of 18°C (64°F) is a rare occurrence, while the average hovers around a chilling -2°C (29°F), reminding residents that winter is still in full swing. With approximately 12 days of precipitation and humidity levels peaking at 83%, February is a month where the city experiences an obvious draw towards cozy indoors. As the days gradually lengthen, this transitional period feels notably different from the warmer, sunnier months ahead. For more insights on what to expect throughout the year, explore Chicago Climate.