Mid-spring · Weather & things to do
Chicago in April
Chicago warms up: highs climb to 50°F (10°C), from 41°F in March, with lows of 39°F (4°C) and about 3.7 in (95 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 59/100, 7th of 12.
- Avg high
- 50°F (10°C)
- Avg low
- 39°F (4°C)
- Rain
- 3.7 in (95 mm)
- Humidity
- 81%
- Cloud cover
- 63%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 08 min
- Comfort score
- 59/100 · Fair
What April feels like
Cool days top out near 50°F (10°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Nights cool to an average low of 39°F (4°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.7 in (95 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around April
April sits mid-table; the best months are July – September.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (April – June), which brings about 12.4 in (314 mm) in total.
- Comfort improves from 46/100 in March to 59/100.
- Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so April falls outside its suggested window.
- Our Chicago & Milwaukee route is planned for Late Nov – Dec 24, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — April falls outside it.
What to pack for April
- Insulated jackethighs only 50°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Chicago in April
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
The Berghoff
German restaurant on West Adams Street since 1898, with schnitzel, sauerbraten and its own root beer and lager.
Christkindlmarket
German-style Christmas market in Daley Plaza since 1996, with wooden stalls, ornaments, bratwurst and Glühwein.
The Walnut Room at Macy's
Marshall Field's 1907 dining room on State Street, where a Great Tree rises through the room each Christmas.
Lincoln Park Zoo ZooLights
The city's free zoo turns into a light show with millions of bulbs from late November to early January.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Free zoo set in a lakefront park, with conservatory and nature boardwalk nearby.
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Free outdoor rink in Millennium Park next to Cloud Gate, open from mid-November into March; skate rental extra.
Nearby in April
- Indiana Dunes in April~34 mi · highs 58°F, 3.5 in rain · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Milwaukee in April~81 mi · highs 55°F, 3.8 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Holland in April~100 mi · highs 49°F, 3.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Broad Ripple in April~159 mi · highs 63°F, 4.4 in rain · 7°C (13°F) warmer by day, wetter
These averages also cover Lincoln Park and The Loop & Chicago River.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Chicago in April: quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Chicago?
It's middling, scoring 59/100. The best months are July – September, at up to 85. Expect highs of 50°F (10°C) and 3.7 in (95 mm) of rain. Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so April is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Chicago in April?
Average highs are 50°F (10°C) and average lows 39°F (4°C), making it the 6th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in April?
Some: about 3.7 in (95 mm) of rain falls across April on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 38.7 in (982 mm).
What should I pack for Chicago in April?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 50°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Chicago in April?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.