Chicago guide
Chicago, Illinois, United States

Chicago in January

A quieter, shoulder or off-peak time. The best months for Chicago are June, July, August and September. In January, cold, pack a proper winter coat, hat and gloves; mostly dry with the odd shower.

A quieter, shoulder or off-peak time.
Avg temp
-5°C
Rainfall
60 mm
Crowds
Quieter
~Cost/day
$150
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Weather and what to pack

In January, Chicago is typically cold, pack a proper winter coat, hat and gloves; mostly dry with the odd shower. Average temperatures sit around -5°C with about 60mm of rain across the month.

Things to do in Chicago in January

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 January: FAQ

Is January 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 January?+

Expect average temperatures around -5°C. Rainfall averages about 60mm for the month. In short, cold, pack a proper winter coat, hat and gloves; mostly dry with the odd shower.

What should I pack for Chicago in January?+

Based on the typical January weather: cold, pack a proper winter coat, hat and gloves; mostly dry with the odd shower.

What is there to do in Chicago in January?+

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