Chicago weather in December
December in Chicago averages 38°F by day and 25°F at night, with 1.8 inches of precipitation and 7.9 inches of snow. It is the 10th-warmest and 10th-wettest month of the year here.
- Average high
- 38°F-12° vs November
- Average low
- 25°F24 nights below freezing
- Precipitation
- 1.8 in4 days with 0.1 in. or more
- Snow
- 7.9 in0 days at 90°F+
Is December a good time to visit Chicago?
December is cold, with highs around 38°F. The most comfortable months overall are May to October.
Indoor ideas for Chicago in December
With this cold, these are good bets: Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum of Natural History, Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, West Asia & North Africa. All things to do in Chicago.
On December 15 the sun rises at 7:11 am and sets at 4:20 pm, giving 9h 09m of daylight. Daylight all year.
What to pack for Chicago in December
- A winter coat, hat, gloves and warm layers
- Expect nights below freezing
- Waterproof boots for snow
Based on 30-year averages, not a forecast. Check the forecast a few days before you go.
December nearby
| City | Distance | High | Low | Precip. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 38°F | 25°F | 1.8 in | |
| Cicero, IL | 4 mi | 38°F | 25°F | 1.8 in |
| Evanston, IL | 14 mi | 37°F | 24°F | 2.1 in |
| Hammond, IN | 20 mi | 36°F | 22°F | 2.5 in |
| Arlington Heights, IL | 22 mi | 37°F | 24°F | 2.1 in |
| Naperville, IL | 24 mi | 38°F | 23°F | 2.2 in |
| Schaumburg, IL | 24 mi | 37°F | 24°F | 2.1 in |
Warmer places in December
Big cities with comfortable December highs between 68°F and 86°F:
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Chicago in December?
In December, Chicago averages a high of 38°F and a low of 25°F, with 1.8 inches of precipitation and 7.9 inches of snow (NOAA 1991-2020 normals).
Is December a good time to visit Chicago?
December is cool to cold in Chicago, with average highs of 38°F. Pack warm layers.
Does it snow in Chicago in December?
Yes. December averages 7.9 inches of snow.
Before and after: Chicago in November and Chicago in January. All twelve months: Chicago weather by month.
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals, station Chicago Midway Airport, IL, 5.6 miles from the city center; snowfall from Chicago Midway Airport 3Sw, IL.