Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Chicago in July
Chicago's warmest month brings highs averaging 77°F (25°C), lows of 68°F (20°C) and about 3.7 in (95 mm) of rain.
July opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 81/100 (2nd of 12).
- Avg high
- 77°F (25°C)
- Avg low
- 68°F (20°C)
- Rain
- 3.7 in (95 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 48%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 46 min
- Comfort score
- 81/100 · Great
What July feels like
Highs settle around 77°F (25°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
Nights cool to an average low of 68°F (20°C).
With 78% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.7 in (95 mm).
Plan around July
July is one of Chicago's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: July – September.
- Humidity season begins: 78% on average, up from 81% in June.
- Comfort improves from 76/100 in June to 81/100.
- July 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 — July falls outside it.
What to pack for July
- Light, breathable clothes77°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Quick-dry fabrics78% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.7 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Chicago in July
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
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.
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 Walnut Room at Macy's
Marshall Field's 1907 dining room on State Street, where a Great Tree rises through the room each Christmas.
Why now July scores 81/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Lincoln Park Zoo ZooLights
The city's free zoo turns into a light show with millions of bulbs from late November to early January.
Why now Highs near 77°F and 3.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Free zoo set in a lakefront park, with conservatory and nature boardwalk nearby.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Magnificent Mile
Michigan Avenue's shopping stretch north of the river, with about a million lights strung through its trees in winter.
Nearby in July
- Indiana Dunes in July~34 mi · highs 83°F, 4.0 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Milwaukee in July~81 mi · highs 83°F, 3.7 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Holland in July~100 mi · highs 75°F, 3.0 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, drier
- Broad Ripple in July~159 mi · highs 84°F, 4.4 in rain · 4°C (6°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 July: quick answers
Is July 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 3.7 in (95 mm) of rain. July is inside the Jun – Sep window our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends.
How hot is Chicago in July?
Average highs are 77°F (25°C) and average lows 68°F (20°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in July?
Some: about 3.7 in (95 mm) of rain falls across July on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 38.7 in (982 mm).
What should I pack for Chicago in July?
Bring light, breathable clothes (77°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), quick-dry fabrics (78% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.7 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in July
- Chicago & Great Lakes Jun – Sep
Planning Chicago in July?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.