Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Chicago in October
Chicago cools off: highs slip to 59°F (15°C), from 71°F in September, with lows of 49°F (10°C) and about 3.9 in (99 mm) of rain.
It scores 75/100 for comfort, 5th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 59°F (15°C)
- Avg low
- 49°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 3.9 in (99 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 58%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 50 min
- Comfort score
- 75/100 · Great
What October feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 59°F (15°C), good for long walks.
Nights cool to an average low of 49°F (10°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.9 in (99 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around October
October is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (July – September).
- The year's biggest cool-down: highs drop 7°C (12°F) from September.
- Comfort slips from 85/100 in September to 75/100.
- Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so October 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 — October falls outside it.
What to pack for October
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 49°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Chicago in October
October is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Free zoo set in a lakefront park, with conservatory and nature boardwalk nearby.
Why now October scores 75/100 for comfort, good conditions for being 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.
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 59°F and 3.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Millennium Park
Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain and free summer concerts at Pritzker Pavilion.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
The Berghoff
German restaurant on West Adams Street since 1898, with schnitzel, sauerbraten and its own root beer and lager.
Christkindlmarket
German-style Christmas market in Daley Plaza since 1996, with wooden stalls, ornaments, bratwurst and Glühwein.
Nearby in October
- Indiana Dunes in October~34 mi · highs 62°F, 3.7 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Milwaukee in October~81 mi · highs 60°F, 3.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Holland in October~100 mi · highs 58°F, 4.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Broad Ripple in October~159 mi · highs 65°F, 3.7 in rain · 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 October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Chicago?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 75/100 against a best of 85 in July – September. Expect highs of 59°F (15°C) and 3.9 in (99 mm) of rain. Our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends Jun – Sep, so October is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Chicago in October?
Average highs are 59°F (15°C) and average lows 49°F (10°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in October?
Some: about 3.9 in (99 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 38.7 in (982 mm).
What should I pack for Chicago in October?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 49°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Chicago in October?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.