Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Chicago in January
This is the coldest month in Chicago: highs average 32°F (0°C) and lows 23°F (-5°C), with about 1.9 in (48 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 45/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 32°F (0°C)
- Avg low
- 23°F (-5°C)
- Rain or snow
- 1.9 in (48 mm)
- Humidity
- 86%
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 17 min
- Comfort score
- 45/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 32°F (0°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 23°F (-5°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 1.9 in (48 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
It's breezy, with average winds near 13 mph (5.8 m/s) at ground level.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 17 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are July – September.
- Snow becomes likely from January, so check road and trail conditions.
- Comfort holds steady from December (44 → 45/100).
- Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so January 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 — January falls outside it.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 23°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Windproof shellaverage wind 13 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Chicago in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
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 32°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.
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 32°F.
Au Cheval
West Loop diner known for its stacked double cheeseburger.
Why now A cozy break on a 32°F day.
Art Institute of Chicago
Huge collection including Nighthawks, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte and the Thorne Miniature Rooms.
Skydeck Chicago
Glass ledges 103 floors up in Willis Tower.
Nearby in January
- Indiana Dunes in January~34 mi · highs 32°F, 2.3 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Milwaukee in January~81 mi · highs 28°F, 1.6 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Holland in January~100 mi · highs 31°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Broad Ripple in January~159 mi · highs 35°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°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 January: quick answers
Is January 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 32°F (0°C) and 1.9 in (48 mm) of rain or snow. Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Chicago in January?
Average highs are 32°F (0°C) and average lows 23°F (-5°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Chicago in January?
Not much: about 1.9 in (48 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 23°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), windproof shell (average wind 13 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Chicago in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.