Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Chicago in September
Chicago cools off: highs slip to 71°F (22°C), from 77°F in August, with lows of 62°F (16°C) and about 3.4 in (86 mm) of rain.
At 85/100 for comfort (the top score of the year), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 71°F (22°C)
- Avg low
- 62°F (16°C)
- Rain
- 3.4 in (86 mm)
- Humidity
- 76%
- Cloud cover
- 46%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 16 min
- Comfort score
- 85/100 · Great
What September feels like
Days are warm, averaging 71°F (22°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
Lows average 62°F (16°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.4 in (86 mm).
Plan around September
September is one of Chicago's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: October highs fall to 59°F.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by October, the score drops to 75/100.
- Comfort improves from 81/100 in August to 85/100.
- September 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 — September falls outside it.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clothes71°F afternoons
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.4 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Chicago in September
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.
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
A quarter-mile loop of ice winding over the hills of Maggie Daley Park, with the skyline rising behind it.
Why now September scores 85/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
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 Highs near 71°F and 3.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Art Institute of Chicago
Huge collection including Nighthawks, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte and the Thorne Miniature Rooms.
Magnificent Mile
Michigan Avenue's shopping stretch north of the river, with about a million lights strung through its trees in winter.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
Jazz club open since 1907, once a favorite of Al Capone, with live music nightly.
Nearby in September
- Indiana Dunes in September~34 mi · highs 76°F, 3.1 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Milwaukee in September~81 mi · highs 74°F, 3.5 in rain · 1°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Holland in September~100 mi · highs 70°F, 3.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Broad Ripple in September~159 mi · highs 78°F, 3.2 in rain · 4°C (7°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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Chicago?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 85/100. Expect highs of 71°F (22°C) and 3.4 in (86 mm) of rain. September is inside the Jun – Sep window our Chicago & Great Lakes route recommends.
How hot is Chicago in September?
Average highs are 71°F (22°C) and average lows 62°F (16°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in September?
Some: about 3.4 in (86 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 38.7 in (982 mm).
What should I pack for Chicago in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (71°F afternoons), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.4 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in September
- Chicago & Great Lakes Jun – Sep
Planning Chicago in September?
Share this September plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.