What to Wear in Chicago
Chicago weather is the most punishing of any major American city. Winters routinely hit -10°F with wind chill. Summers reach 95°F with humidity. The wind off Lake Michigan is the constant — adding to cold in winter, providing relief in summer. The right Chicago wardrobe is built around serious outerwear and aggressive layering.
What to wear in Chicago today
Today's answer depends on today's conditions, so the specific outfit comes from the live reading for Chicago rather than from this page. Check what to wear right now, or read on for what stays true here whatever the date.
Three things move the answer in Chicago more than the forecast number does: the feels-like temperature rather than the air temperature, how long you will be outside, and whether you run warm or cold. Humid continental with extreme variability conditions make that gap wider here than the daily high suggests.
Wind chill is non-optional Chicago math. The Windy City nickname is literal. Always dress for the wind chill, not the temperature. Skywalks and underground concourses (Pedway) allow indoor commute routes in extreme cold.
See also what to wear right now, do I need a jacket today and how to dress when the temperature swings.
Winter in Chicago
December through March. Brutal. Lows below 0°F regular, wind chills below -20°F. Expedition-grade parka rated to -20°F, insulated waterproof boots, balaclava, ski goggles for the worst days, mittens with liners. Limit outdoor exposure to 15-30 minute chunks.
Spring in Chicago
Variable and short. April-May. 40-65°F. Can include late snow into April. Layered tops, mid-weight jacket, treated boots. Pack a rain shell.
Summer in Chicago
June through August. 75-95°F with humidity. The lake breeze cools shoreline neighborhoods by 5-10°F. Linen, lightweight cotton, sun protection. Frequent thunderstorms.
Fall in Chicago
September through October. The city's best season. 50-70°F, low humidity, golden light. Layered fall pieces. Often warm into November before the abrupt shift to winter.
Local tips
Wind chill is non-optional Chicago math. The Windy City nickname is literal. Always dress for the wind chill, not the temperature. Skywalks and underground concourses (Pedway) allow indoor commute routes in extreme cold.