Chicago Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall and packing tips for Chicago, United States in January

🌡️ Avg high
-1°C
🌙 Avg low
-6°C
🌧️ Rainfall
~107 mm
📊 Warmth rank
#12 of 12

January in Chicago at a glance

January in Chicago is typically freezing, with average daytime highs around -1°C and nights near -6°C. It is usually the coldest month of the year in Chicago.

January is one of the wetter months in Chicago, with around 107 mm of rain - plan around showers.

What to pack for Chicago in January

Chicago - year at a glance

HighLow · January highlighted
-10°-5°0°5°10°15°20°25°30°-1°-6°8°-2°10°1°15°6°21°11°27°18°27°19°27°19°25°16°20°10°11°5°3°-3°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Is January a good time to visit Chicago?

🧳 January is cold in Chicago. City sightseeing works fine if you dress for it, but pack properly and expect short days.

If your dates are flexible, the most comfortable months in Chicago are usually May, June, July, August, September and October.

Other months in Chicago

January in other cities

← Chicago weather tomorrow (live)

FAQ

How hot is Chicago in January?

In January, Chicago averages a daytime high of about -1°C and a night-time low of around -6°C, based on recent historical data. That makes it the coldest month of the year there.

Does it rain in Chicago in January?

January is one of the wetter months in Chicago, with around 107 mm of rain - plan around showers.

Is January a good time to visit Chicago?

January is cold in Chicago. City sightseeing works fine if you dress for it, but pack properly and expect short days. If your dates are flexible, the most comfortable months in Chicago are usually May, June, July, August, September and October.