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Chicago Weather in December, USA

Slide and Tap Other Months

  • What is Average Temperature?
    The average high temperature and the average low temperature for that month, on a daily basis, divided by 2 equals the average temperature for that month

    Temperature

    -3°C
    27°F
  • What is Average High Low Temperature?
    The sum of high temperatures/low temperatures divided by the number of days in that month, recorded daily

    High Temperature

    2°C
    36°F
  • What is Average High Low Temperature?
    The sum of high temperatures/low temperatures divided by the number of days in that month, recorded daily

    Low Temperature

    -8°C
    18°F
  • What is Average Day Temperature?
    The average temperature recorded between sunrise and sunset

    Day Temperature

    1°C
    35°F
  • What is Average Night Temperature?
    The average temperature recorded between sunset and sunrise

    Night Temperature

    0°C
    33°F
  • What are Average Daily Sunshine Hours?
    Total sunshine hours for the month, divided by the number of days in the month. Sunshine hours are taken with a sunshine recorder, either a Campbell-Stokes recorder or an Eppley Pyreheliometer

    Sunshine Hours

    3 hours
  • What is Average Rainfall?
    The amount of mm in rain for that month divided by the number of days, and the number of days that it rains during that month on average, over a given period of years

    Rainfall Days

    9 days
  • What is Average Rainfall?
    The amount of mm in rain for that month divided by the number of days, and the number of days that it rains during that month on average, over a given period of years

    Rainfall

    63 mm

December, 2024

Sun
1 Avg 39º
Mon
2 Avg 41º
Tue
3 Avg 43º
Wed
4 Avg 46º
Thu
5 Avg 37º
Fri
6 Avg 34º
Sat
7 Avg 32º
8 Avg 34º
9 Avg 36º
10 Avg 32º
11 Avg 32º
12 Avg 32º
13 Avg 39º
14 Avg 36º
15 Avg 32º
16 Avg 34º
17 Avg 32º
18 Avg -1º 30º
19 Avg -1º 30º
20 Avg 37º
21 Avg 36º
22 Avg 34º
23 Avg 36º
24 Avg -1º 30º
25 Avg -1º 30º
26 Avg 32º
27 Avg 32º
28 Avg -1º 30º
29 Avg -1º 30º
30 Avg -6º 21º
31 Avg -6º 21º
Forecast
Avg Historical Daily Average

What's the Weather Like in Chicago in December

December in Chicago is winter and this means an extremely cold climate that can be subject to icy winds and snow.  Make sure you layer up your clothes with a warm coat over the top, as winter in Chicago can be brutal. If you're not one for cold weather, Chicago is a city to be avoided in January!

Temperature
The average daily temperature for Chicago in December is a cold 2°C, and this can drop as low to -8°C on average.

Sunshine

As well as this, Chicago experiences on average only 3 hours of sun per day in December; the shortest days of the year. Also be aware that the rain can easily turn to snow at this time of the year.  December can experience onaverage 8.98 inches of snow throughout the year.

Rain
The average rainfall experienced in Chicago during this month is 63 mm.

If you're travelling to Chicago at this time of year, be sure to pack some warm clothes, a sufficient winter coat and an umbrella.  

 

Things to do in Chicago in December 

Caroling to the Animals at Lincoln Park Zoo
A different take on the tradition of Christmas caroling is taken with Caroling to the Animals when local chorus groups sing to animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo. You can also see Santa feed the animals.

Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic event
Another zoo to catch the festive spirit is the Brookfield Zoo with the Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic event, with carolers, a laser light show and Christmal lights among the festivities.

Apollo Chorus
For a more traditional Chirstmas festivity, the Apollo Chorus sing Handel's Messiah at the Symphony Centre.

Christkindlmarket
An arrary of festive goods are sold at Christkindlmarket, at the outdoor European village, with over 44 stalls.

Matzo Ball
Matzo Ball happens on Christmas Eve is a dance for all the single Jewish people in Chicago over the holidays.

New Years Eve
New Years Eve means celebrations across the city with a spectacular fireworks display.