December · United States
Best time to visit Chicago in December Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Chicago in December
Average temperature 2°C, 55 mm of rain, about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 83% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
December score
4.4/10
Ranked #11 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 2°C
- Rainfall
- 55 mm
- Humidity
- 83%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 0
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
December in Chicago scores 4.4/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #11 of 12. Expect around 2°C, 55 mm of rain, and roughly 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Lakefront architecture, deep-dish nights, and museum campuses peak May through September.
December in Chicago — the hardest end of the year
December averages 2°C (35°F), cold enough that sightseeing works in bursts rather than in one long day on foot.
Rainfall runs 55 mm, so plan one flexible day in three; you still get almost no days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 9 hours of daylight.
It scores 4.4/10 here, 11th of 12 months, against 8.7/10 in the destination's best month.
Pack insulated layers, a windproof shell, gloves and boots with grip, a packable rain layer.
Plan for mid-season pricing, with crowds are light for this destination.
Flexible dates? June scores 4.3 points higher here — enough to change the trip.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Chicago in December?
- In December, Chicago averages 2°C, 55 mm of rain, and about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 4.4/10.
- Is December a good time to visit Chicago?
- December earns a 4.4/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Chicago in December?
- Expect about 55 mm of rain in December. Average humidity is 83% and there are about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Chicago
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Chicago
Chicago, United States. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.