Late summer · Weather & things to do
Chicago in August
Little changes in Chicago from July: highs stay near 77°F (25°C), lows near 68°F (20°C), and about 4.1 in (105 mm) of rain falls.
At 81/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 77°F (25°C)
- Avg low
- 68°F (20°C)
- Rain
- 4.1 in (105 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 48%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 42 min
- Comfort score
- 81/100 · Great
What August feels like
Days are warm, averaging 77°F (25°C).
After dark, temperatures fall to about 68°F (20°C).
Humidity averages 77%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Some rain is likely, about 4.1 in (105 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around August
August is one of Chicago's best months on the climate data.
- Comfort holds steady from July (81 → 81/100).
- August sits inside the Jun – Sep window our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends.
- Our Chicago & Milwaukee route is planned for Late Nov – Dec 24, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — August falls outside it.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 77°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Quick-dry fabrics77% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Chicago in August
August is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise
90-minute docent-led boat tour of the skyscrapers along the Chicago River.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best May–Oct.
Chicago Riverwalk
1.25-mile path along the river's main branch with wine bars, kayak rentals and bridge views.
Why now August scores 81/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Millennium Park
Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain and free summer concerts at Pritzker Pavilion.
Why now Highs near 77°F and 4.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Navy Pier
Lakefront pier with the Centennial Wheel, boat tours and skyline views.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best summer evening.
The Berghoff
German restaurant on West Adams Street since 1898, with schnitzel, sauerbraten and its own root beer and lager.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Christkindlmarket
German-style Christmas market in Daley Plaza since 1996, with wooden stalls, ornaments, bratwurst and Glühwein.
Nearby in August
- Indiana Dunes in August~34 mi · highs 82°F, 4.3 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Milwaukee in August~81 mi · highs 81°F, 3.9 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Holland in August~100 mi · highs 76°F, 3.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Broad Ripple in August~159 mi · highs 83°F, 3.7 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
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 August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Chicago?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 81/100. Expect highs of 77°F (25°C) and 4.1 in (105 mm) of rain. August is inside the Jun – Sep window our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends.
How hot is Chicago in August?
Average highs are 77°F (25°C) and average lows 68°F (20°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in August?
Some: about 4.1 in (105 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 38.7 in (982 mm).
What should I pack for Chicago in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 77°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), quick-dry fabrics (77% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in August
- Chicago & Great Lakes Jun – Sep
Planning Chicago in August?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.