Chicago weather in January
January in Chicago averages 33°F by day and 19°F at night, with 1.5 inches of precipitation and 12.5 inches of snow. It is the 12th-warmest and 11th-wettest month of the year here.
- Average high
- 33°F-5° vs December
- Average low
- 19°F27 nights below freezing
- Precipitation
- 1.5 in3 days with 0.1 in. or more
- Snow
- 12.5 in0 days at 90°F+
Is January a good time to visit Chicago?
January is cold, with highs around 33°F. The most comfortable months overall are May to October.
Indoor ideas for Chicago in January
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 January 15 the sun rises at 7:16 am and sets at 4:44 pm, giving 9h 29m of daylight. Daylight all year.
What to pack for Chicago in January
- 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.
January nearby
| City | Distance | High | Low | Precip. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 33°F | 19°F | 1.5 in | |
| Cicero, IL | 4 mi | 33°F | 19°F | 1.5 in |
| Evanston, IL | 14 mi | 32°F | 19°F | 2.0 in |
| Hammond, IN | 20 mi | 31°F | 15°F | 2.5 in |
| Arlington Heights, IL | 22 mi | 32°F | 19°F | 2.0 in |
| Naperville, IL | 24 mi | 33°F | 17°F | 2.1 in |
| Schaumburg, IL | 24 mi | 32°F | 19°F | 2.0 in |
Warmer places in January
Big cities with comfortable January highs between 68°F and 86°F:
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Chicago in January?
In January, Chicago averages a high of 33°F and a low of 19°F, with 1.5 inches of precipitation and 12.5 inches of snow (NOAA 1991-2020 normals).
Is January a good time to visit Chicago?
January is cool to cold in Chicago, with average highs of 33°F. Pack warm layers.
Does it snow in Chicago in January?
Yes. January averages 12.5 inches of snow.
Before and after: Chicago in December and Chicago in February. 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.