Late winter · Weather & things to do
Chicago in February
Little changes in Chicago from January: highs stay near 33°F (0°C), lows near 23°F (-5°C), and about 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow falls.
With a comfort score of 45/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 33°F (0°C)
- Avg low
- 23°F (-5°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.1 in (54 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 70%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 22 min
- Comfort score
- 45/100 · Fair
What February feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 33°F (0°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 23°F (-5°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 2.1 in (54 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
It's breezy, with average winds near 12 mph (5.3 m/s) at ground level.
Plan around February
February is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are July – September.
- Comfort holds steady from January (45 → 45/100).
- Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so February 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 — February falls outside it.
What to pack for February
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 23°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Windproof shellaverage wind 12 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Chicago in February
With highs near 33°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 33°F.
Pequod's Pizza
Pan pizza with a caramelized cheese crust; a local favorite over tourist deep-dish spots.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
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
Free zoo set in a lakefront park, with conservatory and nature boardwalk nearby.
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 33°F.
Chicago Riverwalk
1.25-mile path along the river's main branch with wine bars, kayak rentals and bridge views.
Nearby in February
- Indiana Dunes in February~34 mi · highs 35°F, 2.2 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Milwaukee in February~81 mi · highs 31°F, 1.7 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Holland in February~100 mi · highs 32°F, 2.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Broad Ripple in February~159 mi · highs 38°F, 2.7 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°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 February: quick answers
Is February a good time to visit Chicago?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 45/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are July – September. Expect highs of 33°F (0°C) and 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow. Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so February is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Chicago in February?
Average highs are 33°F (0°C) and average lows 23°F (-5°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Chicago in February?
Not much: about 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow falls across February on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 38.7 in (982 mm).
What should I pack for Chicago in February?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 23°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), windproof shell (average wind 12 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Chicago in February?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.