Last updated: February 24, 2025
January in Chicago is characterized by its chilly demeanor, with average temperatures hovering around -3°C (27°F) and extremes that can plummet to a striking minimum of -29°C (-21°F). The month enjoys a brief respite from the cold, seeing maximum highs reach 14°C (57°F). Despite the frigid conditions, residents experience a whopping 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over nine days, adding to the city's winter charm. With an 82% humidity level, the atmosphere feels particularly brisk, making January in Chicago a month of stark beauty and resilience.
In January, Chicago experiences a chilly embrace, with temperatures often dipping dramatically, showcasing a minimum of -29°C (-21°F) and an average hovering around -3°C (27°F). While the city grapples with these frosty conditions, it also sees rare moments of respite, as maximum temperatures can reach 14°C (57°F). This month acts as a precursor to the slow warming trend that begins in February, where temperatures plummet slightly lower, signaling the grip of winter. As the season progresses into March, the thaw begins with a noticeable uplift in daily averages, indicating the city's gradual transition towards spring. Such fluctuations underscore Chicago's dynamic climate, where the extremes of winter eventually give way to milder temperatures, inviting the promise of warmer months ahead.
In January, Chicago experiences relatively low precipitation, averaging 68 mm (2.7 inches) over 9 days of rainfall. This amount is slightly lighter than February's 70 mm, as the city transitions from the quieter winter months into a period of increased moisture leading into spring. Despite the chill, January serves as a precursor to the wetter months ahead, with precipitation steadily rising throughout the year, peaking in April with 125 mm. As the seasons shift, the frequency of rainy days often correlates with the increase in total precipitation, illustrating how winter gradually gives way to a more dynamic spring climate.
In January, Chicago experiences a humidity level of 82%, setting the tone for a winter characterized by relatively moist air. This percentage slightly increases to 83% in February and continues to rise, peaking at 88% in November, suggesting a trend toward higher humidity during the colder months. Interestingly, while summer months like July and August hover around 80%, the humidity dips in May to 79%, indicating a brief respite before the sultry season begins. Overall, the gradual ascent from mid-winter to late autumn highlights an ongoing pattern of rising humidity that plays a significant role in the city’s weather dynamics.
In January, Chicago experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, with a burn time of 30 minutes. This level of exposure signals that while the sun's rays are not at their most intense, it's still wise to protect your skin during outdoor activities. As the months progress, the UV Index steadily rises, reaching significant peaks in the summer. For instance, June and July see exceptionally high values of 10, where just 15 minutes of exposure can lead to skin damage. Meanwhile, as winter deepens, the UV Index drops again, falling to 2 in December, emphasizing the importance of adjusting sun protection measures throughout the year. The overall trend illustrates a clear seasonal pattern reflected in the varying UV levels, reminding Chicagoans to stay vigilant in protecting their skin year-round. For more detailed information, you can visit Chicago UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
January in Chicago brings just 116 hours of sunshine, a modest start to the year that often leaves residents yearning for brighter days. As February rolls in, sunshine increases significantly to 175 hours, hinting at the promise of spring. By March, the city basks in 232 hours of sunlight, and April continues this upward trend with 251 hours, as anticipation for warmer weather mounts. The sun shines most brilliantly in July, reaching its peak at 362 hours, embodying the Chicago summer spirit. As fall approaches, however, the daylight dwindles, descending to 288 hours in September and trailing off to 177 hours by December. This pattern reveals a clear trajectory: the longer days of summer are cherished, while the shorter, grayer winter months serve as a reminder of the city’s seasonal rhythms.
In Chicago, the likelihood of sunny weather in January stands at a modest 23%, making it one of the city's cloudier months. As we transition into February, that chance increases slightly to 30%, indicating a gradual but welcome shift towards sunnier days. The trend continues to climb through the spring, with March seeing a significant leap to 46% and April not far behind at 39%. The pattern reveals a clear progression: as winter gives way to spring, the probability of sunshine rises steadily, peaking in the summer months, where the chance soars to around 44% in July and 47% in August. This highlights the importance of patience for those waiting for the sun to break through Chicago's chilly winter skies, as brighter days are just around the corner.
In Chicago, January starts the year with a brisk 9 hours of daylight, a stark contrast to the 10 hours in February as the days gradually stretch. By March, the sun reveals itself for 11 hours, heralding the arrival of spring, which brings an exuberant leap to 13 hours in April. This trend continues, peaking in June with a wonderful 15 hours of daylight that invigorates the city during the summer months. As summer fades into fall, daylight begins to wane, dropping to 14 hours in July and gradually decreasing to 12 hours by September. By November, the days shrink back to 9 hours, mirroring the start of the year. December, similarly, concludes the year with the same 9 hours, creating a full circle of seasonal light in the Windy City.
In January, the winds of Chicago sweep through at an average speed of 4.3 m/s (10 mph), setting the stage for a chill that resonates throughout the winter months. As February rolls in, these brisk breezes pick up slightly to 4.7 m/s (10 mph), while March brings the winds to their peak for this season, reaching 4.9 m/s (11 mph). Interestingly, the wind begins to settle down in April to 4.0 m/s (9 mph), and this softer trend continues into May with 3.9 m/s (9 mph). The summer months witness a gradual lull, with July and August showing their calmest winds at 3.3 m/s (7 mph) and 3.0 m/s (7 mph), respectively. However, as autumn approaches, the winds regain some vigor, with September recording 4.1 m/s (9 mph) and November escalating to 4.8 m/s (11 mph), before tapering off slightly in December. This cyclical dance of wind speeds highlights Chicago's unique seasonal transitions and the ever-present character of its blustery weather.
The weather in Chicago changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January'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 January, the weather showcases a stark range of temperatures, with a minimum of -29°C (-21°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F), peaking at a relatively mild 14°C (57°F). On the other hand, February experiences slightly colder conditions, registering a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) and an average temperature just below January's at -2°C (29°F). Despite this slight chill, February boasts a higher maximum temperature of 18°C (64°F). Precipitation levels are comparable, with January receiving 68 mm over 9 days, while February sees a slight increase to 70 mm over 12 days. Both months exhibit high humidity, with January at 82% and February slightly higher at 83%. For more detailed insights into February's climate, check out Chicago weather in February.
In January, the weather is generally colder, with average temperatures hovering around -3°C (27°F) and reaching a maximum of just 14°C (57°F). The month sees around 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 9 days, and humidity levels are high at 82%. In contrast, March brings a noticeable warming trend, with average temperatures climbing to 4°C (39°F), peaking at a maximum of 23°C (74°F). Precipitation increases to 95 mm (3.7 in) over 11 days, and humidity slightly rises to 84%. For more detailed information on March weather specifically in Chicago, you can visit Chicago weather in March.
January in Chicago is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -29°C (-21°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. Despite the cold, January sees relatively low precipitation at 68 mm (2.7 in) over approximately 9 days, but high humidity levels at 82% can make the cold feel even more biting.
In contrast, April marks a significant transition with milder weather, where temperatures range from a minimum of -6°C (22°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F). The month is wetter, with precipitation increasing to 125 mm (4.9 in) across about 13 days, and humidity rises slightly to 85%. For more details about weather conditions in this month, you can visit Chicago weather in April.
In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -29°C (-21°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F), while the maximum reaches only 14°C (57°F). The month experiences 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over about 9 days, coupled with high humidity at 82%. In stark contrast, May brings a significant warming trend, featuring a minimum temperature of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F), which can rise to a maximum of 32°C (90°F). Precipitation increases to 156 mm (6.1 in), occurring over 15 days, and the humidity slightly decreases to 79%. For more insights on how the weather transforms, check out Chicago weather in May.
In January, the weather contrasts sharply with June, showcasing Chicago's diverse climate. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -29°C (-21°F), with an average of -3°C (27°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 68 mm (2.7 in) over about 9 days, accompanied by high humidity at 82%.
In stark contrast, June offers a much milder experience, with temperatures ranging from a low of 10°C (50°F) to an average of 21°C (70°F) and a high of 33°C (91°F). This month sees increased rainfall at 144 mm (5.7 in), spanning around 13 days, while maintaining the same humidity level of 82%. For a closer look at Chicago's weather patterns in June, you can explore Chicago weather in June.
January and July present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -29°C (-21°F), with an average of -3°C (27°F) and maximums reaching only 14°C (57°F). This chilly month experiences 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over about 9 days and has a high humidity level of 82%. In contrast, July offers a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures around 14°C (58°F) and average highs of 24°C (75°F) and maximums soaring to 33°C (92°F). July also sees slightly more precipitation at 104 mm (4.1 in) over 12 days, with humidity measuring around 80%. For a detailed look at summer weather, check out Chicago weather in July.
In January, temperatures can be harshly cold, with minimums dipping as low as -29°C (-21°F) and average highs around 14°C (57°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation of 68 mm (2.7 in) over about 9 days, but the humidity is high at 82%, contributing to a biting chill. In contrast, August showcases a much warmer climate with minimum temperatures around 11°C (53°F) and average highs peaking at 33°C (92°F). This month experiences slightly higher precipitation at 84 mm (3.3 in) over 11 days, but the humidity remains comparable at 81%. For more insights about August weather specifically, visit Chicago weather in August.
January and September in this region exhibit stark differences in weather. January experiences frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -29°C (-21°F) and an average around -3°C (27°F), while September sees much milder conditions, with lows of 6°C (42°F) and an average reaching 20°C (68°F). Humidity levels are relatively similar in both months, at 82% for January and 80% for September, but the overall feel is drastically different due to the temperature variance. Precipitation is also notable; January receives 68 mm (2.7 in) over nine days, while September has slightly more at 78 mm (3.1 in) over the same number of days. For more detailed insights on September weather, you can check Chicago weather in September.
January and October weather in Chicago contrast significantly in terms of temperature and precipitation. In January, temperatures can plunge as low as -29°C (-21°F), with an average around -3°C (27°F), while October showcases a milder climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a warm maximum of 29°C (85°F). Additionally, January experiences about 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 9 days, compared to October's more substantial 142 mm (5.6 in) across 13 days. Despite the differences in temperature and precipitation patterns, both months share a consistent humidity level of 82%. For a detailed look at October's weather, you can visit Chicago weather in October.
January and November present strikingly different weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to as low as -29°C (-21°F), with an average temperature around -3°C (27°F) and occasional highs reaching 14°C (57°F). Precipitation is relatively consistent, with around 68 mm (2.7 in) falling over about 9 days, and humidity levels hover around 82%. In contrast, November brings milder weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -14°C (6°F) to an average of 4°C (40°F), and can peak at 22°C (73°F). The month experiences slightly less precipitation, totaling 65 mm (2.6 in) over 8 days, while humidity rises to 88%. For more detailed information, you can check Chicago weather in November.
In January, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -29°C (-21°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), resulting in an average temperature of -3°C (27°F). In contrast, December experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F), giving it an average of 1°C (34°F). Both months see similar levels of precipitation, with January recording 68 mm (2.7 in) over 9 days and December having 63 mm (2.5 in) over 8 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in December at 84%, compared to 82% in January. Overall, January is significantly colder than December, as observed in the Chicago weather in December.
January in Chicago presents a stark contrast to the city's other months, characterized by its chilly temperatures and notable precipitation. With an average temperature dipping below freezing, the bracing cold creates a winter landscape that can feel quite biting. Despite the relatively low precipitation days, the increased humidity accentuates the frigid air, making it feel even colder. Unlike the warmer months that invite outdoor activities, January encourages residents and visitors alike to embrace indoor warmth and seasonal festivities. For a deeper understanding of Chicago's year-round weather patterns, check out Chicago Climate.