Late autumn · Weather & things to do
Chicago in November
Chicago cools off: highs slip to 47°F (9°C), from 59°F in October, with lows of 38°F (4°C) and about 2.4 in (61 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 58/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 47°F (9°C)
- Avg low
- 38°F (4°C)
- Rain
- 2.4 in (61 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 63%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 35 min
- Comfort score
- 58/100 · Fair
What November feels like
It's cool, with highs near 47°F (9°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 38°F (4°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.4 in (61 mm).
It's breezy, with average winds near 12 mph (5.4 m/s) at ground level.
Plan around November
November sits mid-table; the best months are July – September.
- Comfort slips from 75/100 in October to 58/100.
- Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so November 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 — November is part of it.
What to pack for November
- Insulated jackethighs only 47°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.4 in of rain
- Windproof shellaverage wind 12 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Chicago in November
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Chicago Riverwalk
1.25-mile path along the river's main branch with wine bars, kayak rentals and bridge views.
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.
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Free outdoor rink in Millennium Park next to Cloud Gate, open from mid-November into March; skate rental extra.
Magnificent Mile
Michigan Avenue's shopping stretch north of the river, with about a million lights strung through its trees in winter.
Skydeck Chicago
Glass ledges 103 floors up in Willis Tower.
Pequod's Pizza
Pan pizza with a caramelized cheese crust; a local favorite over tourist deep-dish spots.
Nearby in November
- Indiana Dunes in November~34 mi · highs 49°F, 2.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Milwaukee in November~81 mi · highs 46°F, 2.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Holland in November~100 mi · highs 46°F, 3.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Broad Ripple in November~159 mi · highs 51°F, 3.2 in rain · 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 November: quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Chicago?
It's middling, scoring 58/100. The best months are July – September, at up to 85. Expect highs of 47°F (9°C) and 2.4 in (61 mm) of rain. Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so November is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Chicago in November?
Average highs are 47°F (9°C) and average lows 38°F (4°C), making it the 5th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in November?
Some: about 2.4 in (61 mm) of rain falls across November on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 38.7 in (982 mm).
What should I pack for Chicago in November?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 47°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.4 in of rain), windproof shell (average wind 12 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in November
- Chicago & Milwaukee Late Nov – Dec 24
Planning Chicago in November?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.