Chicago
City in United States
Chicago is a city in the United States with a population of about 2.7 million as of 2025. It is located 956 km from Washington, D.C. Visitors are drawn to the city for its prominent architecture and art institutions.
What to see
The city skyline is defined by notable skyscrapers, including the Willis Tower, the Trump International Hotel and Tower, the Aon Center, the Franklin Center, and the John Hancock Center. For those interested in art and design, the Art Institute of Chicago houses significant collections. Additionally, the Robie House offers insight into local architectural history.
When to go
Chicago experiences distinct seasonal changes. Winters from December through February are cold, with lows reaching -6 °C. Spring brings warming temperatures, though rain is common, with about 14 days of rain in May. The summer months of June, July, and August are the warmest, with daily highs ranging from 25 °C to 28 °C. September and October offer cooler conditions, making them suitable for outdoor activities before the cold returns in November. Rain is distributed throughout the year, with the highest frequency of rainy days occurring between April and August.
Getting there
The primary entry point is Chicago Midway International Airport, located 15 km from the city.
Top sights in Chicago
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 28 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 0 | 1 | 5 | 11 | 18 | 25 | 28 | 27 | 23 | 16 | 9 | 2 |
| Average low, °C | -6 | -5 | -1 | 5 | 12 | 19 | 22 | 21 | 17 | 10 | 4 | -3 |
| Rainfall, mm | 61 | 59 | 73 | 100 | 115 | 115 | 112 | 119 | 93 | 94 | 92 | 68 |
| Rainy days | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 7 | 8 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Chicago (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Aon Center
- Franklin Center
- John Hancock Center
- Robie House