United States Chicago Weather in December (holiday season) — Climate Guide
December (holiday season) in Chicago is Festive + cold
Chicago Weather in December (holiday season) — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 1° / -5°
- Rainfall
- 60mm · 9 days
- Crowds
- Busy
As of 2026, Chicago in December (holiday season) averages a high of 1°C and low of -5°C with 60mm of rain over about 9 days. Winter — high 1°C, low -5°C. Heavy down coat + thermal layer + scarf + gloves. Ice grips start needed mid-month.
December (holiday season) is Festive + cold for Chicago.
December has the holiday spectacle (Christkindlmarket German market, Macy's Holiday Star, Walnut Room Christmas tree dining since 1907). **Dec 31 Buckingham Fountain fireworks** + Navy Pier countdown. Hotel rates spike for Dec 26-Jan 2 — book 2+ months ahead.
Travel score
Chicago December (holiday season) Weather Stats
Avg High
1°C
Avg Low
-5°C
Rainy Days
9
60mm total
Sunshine
4h
Daily avg
Humidity
75%
Cool + variable
UV Index
1
Low
Wind
17 km/h
Gusts 38
Sea Temp
5°C
Avg water temp
Snow Days
8
Monthly avg
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
December (holiday season) Sunrise & Sunset
Expect about 8 snow days this month. Bring slip-resistant shoes and warm gear.
Air Quality
PM2.5
10 μg/m³
PM10
20 μg/m³
Status
Good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
-3°C
Nighttime
-11°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
17 km/h
Max gust 38 km/h
Activities Recommended for December (holiday season)
December (holiday season) Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Christkindlmarket (Daley Plaza German market)
- Holiday lights everywhere
- Walnut Room Christmas tree dining (since 1907)
- Dec 31 fireworks
Cons
- Brutal cold returning
- Dec 26-Jan 2 hotel surge
- Snow + ice
December (holiday season) Events & Festivals
- Christkindlmarket (Nov-Dec, Daley Plaza German Christmas market)
- Macy's Holiday Star tree lighting
- Dec 31 Buckingham Fountain fireworks
- The Walnut Room Christmas tree dining
Chicago in December (holiday season) — Full Picture
December has the holiday spectacle (Christkindlmarket German market, Macy's Holiday Star, Walnut Room Christmas tree dining since 1907). **Dec 31 Buckingham Fountain fireworks** + Navy Pier countdown. Hotel rates spike for Dec 26-Jan 2 — book 2+ months ahead.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Winter — high 1°C, low -5°C. Heavy down coat + thermal layer + scarf + gloves. Ice grips start needed mid-month.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
13.7°C
3.7°C
11.7/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
27.7°C
17.7°C
10/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
15.7°C
6.7°C
9.7/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current0.3°C
-8°C
9.3/mo
Chicago Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -1° | -10° | 10d·50mm | 4h | 73% | 1 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 1° | -9° | 9d·45mm | 5h | 71% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 7° | -3° | 11d·70mm | 6h | 67% | 3 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 14° | 4° | 12d·95mm | 7h | 64% | 5 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| May (excellent) (Best) | 20° | 10° | 12d·105mm | 9h | 64% | 7 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| June (early summer) (Best) | 26° | 16° | 11d·100mm | 10h | 65% | 8 | Busy | Peak |
| July (peak summer) (Best) | 29° | 19° | 10d·100mm | 10h | 67% | 9 | Very busy | Peak |
| August (Lollapalooza) (Best) | 28° | 18° | 9d·100mm | 9h | 68% | 8 | Very busy | Peak |
| September (best month) (Best) | 24° | 13° | 9d·95mm | 9h | 67% | 6 | Busy | Shoulder |
| 16° | 7° | 10d·80mm | 7h | 67% | 4 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 7° | 0° | 10d·70mm | 5h | 73% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 1° | -5° | 9d·60mm | 4h | 75% | 1 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Chicago December (holiday season) Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December (holiday season) a good time to visit Chicago?
Chicago in December (holiday season) is Festive + cold. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Chicago in December (holiday season)?
Chicago December (holiday season) averages a high of 1°C and a low of -5°C.
Does it rain much in Chicago in December (holiday season)?
Chicago December (holiday season) averages 60mm of rainfall over about 9 rainy days.
What should I wear in Chicago in December (holiday season)?
Winter — high 1°C, low -5°C. Heavy down coat + thermal layer + scarf + gloves. Ice grips start needed mid-month.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Chicago in December (holiday season)?
Chicago December (holiday season) sunrise is 07:10 and sunset is 16:25, with 9h 15m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Chicago in December (holiday season)?
Chicago December (holiday season) air quality (AQI) averages 35, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 10μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Chicago in December (holiday season)?
In December (holiday season), Chicago is great for Christkindlmarket, Walnut Room Christmas tree dining, Dec 31 Buckingham Fountain fireworks.
Is December (holiday season) peak season in Chicago?
Chicago December (holiday season) crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Chicago
View Other Months
Planning a December (holiday season) trip to Chicago?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.