Early winter · Weather & things to do
Chicago in December
Chicago cools off: highs slip to 37°F (3°C), from 47°F in November, with lows of 29°F (-2°C) and about 2.3 in (58 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 44/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 37°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 29°F (-2°C)
- Rain
- 2.3 in (58 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 73%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 58 min
- Comfort score
- 44/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Highs only reach about 37°F (3°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 29°F (-2°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Rain is moderate at about 2.3 in (58 mm) for the month.
It's breezy, with average winds near 13 mph (5.6 m/s) at ground level.
Only about 8 h 58 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are July – September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 29°F.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 58 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 58/100 in November to 44/100.
- Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so December 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 — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 29°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Windproof shellaverage wind 13 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Chicago in December
With highs near 37°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
Jazz club open since 1907, once a favorite of Al Capone, with live music nightly.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 37°F.
Au Cheval
West Loop diner known for its stacked double cheeseburger.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Goodman Theatre
Chicago's oldest nonprofit theater, staging A Christmas Carol every holiday season since 1978.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 37°F.
Christkindlmarket
German-style Christmas market in Daley Plaza since 1996, with wooden stalls, ornaments, bratwurst and Glühwein.
Millennium Park
Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain and free summer concerts at Pritzker Pavilion.
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
A quarter-mile loop of ice winding over the hills of Maggie Daley Park, with the skyline rising behind it.
Nearby in December
- Indiana Dunes in December~34 mi · highs 37°F, 2.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Milwaukee in December~81 mi · highs 33°F, 2.1 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Holland in December~100 mi · highs 36°F, 2.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Broad Ripple in December~159 mi · highs 39°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°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 December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Chicago?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 44/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are July – September. Expect highs of 37°F (3°C) and 2.3 in (58 mm) of rain. Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Chicago in December?
Average highs are 37°F (3°C) and average lows 29°F (-2°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in December?
Not much: about 2.3 in (58 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 38.7 in (982 mm).
What should I pack for Chicago in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 29°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible), windproof shell (average wind 13 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in December
- Chicago & Milwaukee Late Nov – Dec 24
Planning Chicago in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.