Chicago guide
Chicago, Illinois, United States

Chicago in December

A quieter, shoulder or off-peak time. The best months for Chicago are June, July, August and September. In December, cold, pack a proper winter coat, hat and gloves; some rain is likely, a compact umbrella is worth packing.

A quieter, shoulder or off-peak time.
Avg temp
-3°C
Rainfall
81 mm
Crowds
Quieter
~Cost/day
$150
Planning December?
Get a day-by-day Chicago plan with a map and budget, free.
Plan my trip

Weather and what to pack

In December, Chicago is typically cold, pack a proper winter coat, hat and gloves; some rain is likely, a compact umbrella is worth packing. Average temperatures sit around -3°C with about 81mm of rain across the month.

Things to do in Chicago in December

Highlights from Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap.

Fisk Generating Station
The Fisk Generating Station, also known as Fisk Street Generating Station or Fisk Station, is an inactive medium-size, coal-fired electric generating station located at 1111 West C
Local food tour of Chicago
Taste the signature dishes of Chicago.
Central market & street-food lunch
Grab lunch where locals do.

Want these arranged into days? See the full 3 days Chicago itinerary →

Chicago in December: FAQ

Is December a good time to visit Chicago?+

A quieter, shoulder or off-peak time. Chicago's best months are generally June, July, August and September.

What is the weather like in Chicago in December?+

Expect average temperatures around -3°C. Rainfall averages about 81mm for the month. In short, cold, pack a proper winter coat, hat and gloves; some rain is likely, a compact umbrella is worth packing.

What should I pack for Chicago in December?+

Based on the typical December weather: cold, pack a proper winter coat, hat and gloves; some rain is likely, a compact umbrella is worth packing.

What is there to do in Chicago in December?+

Popular things to do include Fisk Generating Station, Local food tour of Chicago and Central market & street-food lunch. There is a longer list below, or you can generate a full plan.

Chicago in other months

Other destinations