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What's weather like in Chicago, Illinois?

36 local experts
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Does Chicago get rain? Snow? Hail? What's summer weather like? Here's what 36 local experts had to say about weather and precipitation in Chicago, Illinois.

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Be sure to buy a good winter coat, boots, and a hat. The winters here are no joke. Also, while you’re living here, be sure to try out all of the local restaurants. Chicago has some of the best food in the country and there are so many great spots.

Someone considering moving to Chicago should think critically about the weather and its impact on daily life. The weather is harsh and rapidly changing, which can cause significant delays with travel and commuting. Furthermore, given the large number of citizens in Chicago, it is often difficult to make reservations in a timely manner (especially at high-end restaurants).

Chicago is a wonderful city with a diverse population and lots of cultural variety. There is a wonderful public transit system but the city is also very car-friendly and drivable. The weather is temperate and comfortable most of the year, but the winters can be rough, with low temperatures and heavy snow. Chicagoans can be warm and inviting, and are passionate about their city.

Tanatswa, says: 2020

Chicago is a wonderful city, but the public transit system can be hard to understand at times. Buy a transit map and CTA pass. The best time to visit Chicago is undoubtedly the summer. Lastly, ketchup has no place on a Chicago hot dog.

Daniel, says: 2020

If you are planning to move to Chicago, plan to dress warm in the fall and winter. Get comfortable with using public transportation, because driving in this city is a nightmare and parking is close to impossible. However, the museums, restaurants and music scene more than make up for the challenges in Chicago.

Avalon, says: 2020

Chicago is a beautiful city with a diverse set of neighborhoods. The winter months can be rather cold, so if you aren’t used to harsh winters be prepared. The summers are absolutely gorgeous, and the lakeshore is delightful. The downtown area provides a big city feel similar to NYC, while the neighborhoods offer a more calm and charming experience.

Parjanya, says: 2020

Chicago is a bustling hub of famous music, architecture, sports, museums, and mouth-watering food! My beloved Windy City is comprised of magnificent skyscrapers (Willis or Sears Tower, depending on who you ask), a beautiful lake with a neighboring trail, and a transit system that can connect you to all kinds of parts all over the city.

Melissa, says: 2020

Chicago winters are often cold and brittle. It is important to remember that in order to survive these tough winters, one should own a large coat and plenty of warm clothing. If one is dependent on public transportation, it is good to know many places such as bus stops or train stations have locations with heat lamps, under which people can stand while they wait for their transport.

As a person who grew up in a small suburban city down in the South, moving to Chicago provided me with a vastly different experience. I not only needed to learn how to take public transport, but I also had to acclimate to the frigid winters of the Windy City. one should always make sure to grab their public transport card and their jacket before heading out for the day.

Heather, says: 2020

Chicago is a glorious metropolis with a wide range of cultural influences, including Blues music, lively Polish, Greek, and Indian communities, and a well-established Midwestern charm. However, the long, cold winters can be harsh. Anyone moving to Chicago should balance their desire for the excitement of big city life with the challenges of snow and ice storms.

Michael, says: 2020

When moving to Chicago, people should keep in mind how beautiful the city can be, especially at night. Sure, everyone talks about deep-dish pizza and Lake Shore Drive, but our city is so much more. Public transportation makes getting around the city a breeze and there is always something happening around the city. Rent can be a bit pricey, but there is no place like Chicago.

Kristen, says: 2020

When many people think of Chicago, they think of a cold, windy city. In reality, Chicago is a great outdoor city where its residents can enjoy many warm-weather activities, such as biking, kayaking, or running. With a location along Lake Michigan, Chicago is also home to many water sports, like surfing and boating.

Heather, says: 2020

Someone moving to Chicago should know deep dish pizza is the best kind of pizza. They should also know that the beach is the place on a hot summer day. a new Chicago resident should know parking a car on the street is competitive and hard, and it’s best to rent a private parking spot.

Lauren, says: 2020

Chicago is New York City without the rush and impatience, Dallas without the heat and unreliability. The street foods and restaurant scene are world-renowned, serving a diverse array of dishes (generally influenced by Mexican, Italian, and Greek cuisine). The city is unique with its Greystone buildings and uncompromising grid, its walls often layered in graffiti (including a baby carriage mural by Banksy) and chalk.

Brittnee, says: 2020

Chicago has a unique duality that is not comparable to any major US city. While one may think that being non-coastal is a drawback for the city, Lake Michigan aids in refuting that claim as a moot point. The beaches along Lake Michigan, made accessible by the highly revered Lake Shore Drive (LSD), rival those of Malibu or Long Island. Residents are given the two unparalleled luxuries of being in the heart of the American midwest and feeling a coastal-like beach breeze.

Kenneth, says: 2020

Chicago is extremely cold during winter. Temperatures drop below 30 degrees consistently. It is imperative that you wear a heavy coat, keep your face covered and wear gloves to keep from getting hypothermia. During summer, Chicago can get extremely hot. It is important to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from being burned.

Stephanie, says: 2020

Chicago is at its most seductive in summer. There’s loads to do, from patio dining to lakeside lounging. The whole city comes alive when the sun comes out. Wintertime, however, is another story. To survive almost eight months of extreme cold, chilling precipitation, and malevolent winds, one must have a thick winter coat and even thicker skin.

Katelyn, says: 2020

Chicago is incredibly cold during winter, but it is beautiful during summer. The city is broken up into several unique neighborhoods, which each have their own culture and personality. I recommend visiting Chicago before moving here to find out which neighborhood is best for you.

Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. We house one of the biggest buildings here which is called the Willis Tower, formally known as the Sears Tower. Chicago is also referred to as “The Windy City”. We are on the border of Lake Michigan.

Shantrell, says: 2020

Take some time to self-reflect whether you are someone who loves fast-paced days and lively nights. If you love the idea of meeting new people and enjoying quality time with those around you, Chicago is the place for you as it is a city that is always on the move. As Chicago is the “Windy City”, I would also recommend checking the suitability of your wardrobe to the unexpected weather changes we experience.

Hayley, says: 2020

Someone moving to Chicago should know to be prepared for the different weather types. The person should know the temperatures daily because you never know when you might need an extra layer of clothing or you might need to take off an extra layer of clothing. Also, it is important to know the temperature for each season while living in the Windy City.

Chicago is an incredibly diverse city with many wonderful features. The robust transit system was a big determining factor in my decision to move here and the food is likely what will keep me here. I adore the seasons but would not recommend those that hate the cold to move here. Winters are brutal.

Chicago is a very historical and large city with many things to offer. It was the home of the World’s Fair and at one point the hub for Al Capone and his mob. The Windy City as it is often referred to due to its history of political corruption, does however house rich cultural diversity, top notch restaurants, known for deep dish pizza and the Chicago style hot dog. The city is home to some of the country’s largest museums like the Field Museum and Museum of Science and Industry. It is constantly developing and one always can discover something new. Finally, it is a wonderful city to raise a family.

Ressie, says: 2020

Chicago is famous for Chicago-style hot dogs, Chicago-style (deep dish) pizza, Maxwell Street Polish Sausage, jazz music, and 1920s gangsters like Al Capone. Chicago is also known for interesting architecture like the Sears Tower, many museums, and many loyal sports fans. While it is widely known as the “Second City”, Chicago dropped to third in the US by population in the 1990 Census. On the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is the largest city in the Midwest.

Trinity, says: 2020

The cost of living in Chicago is among the highest in the nation. However, there are many affordable apartments near the south suburbs. The city is also known to have limitless food options. The weather fluctuates often and is extremely unpredictable. We have two seasons in Chicago. They are winter and summer.

In Chicago, traffic is usually terrible. I strongly advise anyone moving here to take the bus or train, rather than buy a car. A bicycle might also be useful, although it may not be practical, especially in rainy weather or in winter. Additionally, they should consider buying a warm coat for those cold days. The temperature drops in late September and stays low until early May.

Raihana, says: 2020

Anyone who would like to move to Chicago might first consider whether or not they are happy tolerating our brutal winter weather! During January and February, usually the coldest months, I myself would rather be in the warm winds of my Southern hometown. But as for the other ten months of the year, Chicago has everything you need for good living: sunny weather, gorgeous lakefronts, crispy deep dish pizza, and genuinely friendly people.

Braeden, says: 2020

Chicago, known as the windy city, is known for its lively and rich cultural heritage. From fun walks to educative and explorative museums, you can keep yourself busy and have fun in Chicago. Surrounded by a sprawling music scene and theater and dance, you will be culturally satisfied in the city.

Chicago is a city that never stops. Every decade it climbs to new heights and brakes old barriers. It’s loud and windy and sometimes smelly, but it’s a place to grow and dream and live. The streets are crowded with noise and energy. No nights are spent alone and no days are unexciting.

Melissa, says: 2020

Someone who moves to Chicago should certainly consider if long and cold winters are agreeable to them. Chicago is nicknamed ‘the Windy City’ partly because of the record-breaking winters we have; however; if you do find yourself inclined towards chilly weather, this is mosta city for you. Chicago is at its most beautiful when it’s covered in a blanket of snow, I encourage you to take it in from the observatory of the Hancock Tower.

Jewell, says: 2020

Chicago is a beautiful town with world-class restaurants, top shopping, a great lake with beaches, and warm people. Just beware that winters can quite brutal, with temperatures dropping below zero quite frequently, especially in the early months of the year. But the sights of snow and a white Christmas make up for the chilly weather.

When moving to Chicago, it’s important to beware of the chilly winters and extremely hot summers. Chicago is a beautiful city in all seasons but residents should ensure they have adequately prepared for a variety of temperatures. Warm coats and insulation are necessary to survive the cold winter and well-managed air conditioning systems are crucial during summer.

Jennaphr, says: 2020

Chicago is a beautiful city that offers a well-rounded life for its residents. The diverse population affords one the opportunity to mix and mingle with a variety of cultures. The restaurants include every ethnic cuisine one can think of. Additionally, there are ample events throughout the year to keep yourself entertained. However, the climate here is not for the faint hearted. Please, make sure you bring a heavy winter coat because you will need it for six months out of the year. Spring is short, summer is hot, and fall is perfect for apple picking.

Chicago gets very cold in winter, but is nice in summer. Another thing someone aware of before they move is the food. There are many great restaurants serving a wide variety of food. These are the two big things that people may not expect, or even if they do expect, underestimate, about Chicago.

Jaclyn, says: 2020

Chicago offers cultural spectacles, delicious cuisine, and awe-inspiring architecture; however, one must consider the cost of rent when moving to the Windy City. Quaint neighborhoods, such as Wicker Park, Logan Square, and Lincoln Park, attract people from diverse backgrounds, but the price of engaging with such vibrant communities remains high. With a steady job and the right number of roommates, though, anyone can experience the adventures of the Midwest’s greatest city.

The Chicagoland area is known for several food items such as the hot beef sandwich (called Italian Beef), caramel and cheese popcorn (Chicago Mix), and no ketchup on the hotdog with everything (Chicago Style hotdog). The pizza culture in media portrays the deep dish as popular, probably shown from Giordano’s, but the thin crust is the everyday choice. The deep dish pizza is a special occasion pizza reserved for visitors from out of town or for locals in celebration. If there is something else to note, is that if you order a stadium size pizza from Congress Pizzeria for pick up, make sure to close the door on your way out. The employees will appreciate your courtesy in winter temperatures.

Kimberly, says: 2020
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