United States Chicago Weather in November (early winter) — Climate Guide
November (early winter) in Chicago is Chilly + festive
Chicago Weather in November (early winter) — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 7° / 0°
- Rainfall
- 70mm · 10 days
- Crowds
- Quiet
As of 2026, Chicago in November (early winter) averages a high of 7°C and low of 0°C with 70mm of rain over about 10 days. Early winter — high 7°C, low 0°C. Trench or down coat + sweater + gloves. Daylight saving ends (1st Sunday — clocks back 1h).
November (early winter) is Chilly + festive for Chicago.
**Magnificent Mile Lights Festival** (Saturday after Thanksgiving) kicks off the holiday season — Mag Mile lights + Disney parade + fireworks. Christkindlmarket (German Christmas market) opens at Daley Plaza. Hotel rates dropping toward winter low-season.
Travel score
Chicago November (early winter) Weather Stats
Avg High
7°C
Avg Low
0°C
Rainy Days
10
70mm total
Sunshine
5h
Daily avg
Humidity
73%
Cool + variable
UV Index
2
Low
Wind
15 km/h
Gusts 32
Sea Temp
10°C
Avg water temp
Snow Days
2
Monthly avg
Crowds
Quiet
At attractions
November (early winter) Sunrise & Sunset
Expect about 2 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
4°C
Nighttime
-3°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
15 km/h
Max gust 32 km/h
Activities Recommended for November (early winter)
November (early winter) Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (defining November event)
- Christkindlmarket opens
- Hotel rates dropping
Cons
- First snow possible
- Cold winds returning
- Architecture Cruise closed
November (early winter) Events & Festivals
- Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (Sat after Thanksgiving)
- Thanksgiving (4th Thursday)
- Black Friday + Cyber Monday
Chicago in November (early winter) — Full Picture
**Magnificent Mile Lights Festival** (Saturday after Thanksgiving) kicks off the holiday season — Mag Mile lights + Disney parade + fireworks. Christkindlmarket (German Christmas market) opens at Daley Plaza. Hotel rates dropping toward winter low-season.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Early winter — high 7°C, low 0°C. Trench or down coat + sweater + gloves. Daylight saving ends (1st Sunday — clocks back 1h).
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)
Current15.7°C
6.7°C
9.7/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
0.3°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 November (early winter) Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November (early winter) a good time to visit Chicago?
Chicago in November (early winter) is Chilly + festive. Tourist crowds are quiet and flight/hotel prices are low season.
What's the average temperature in Chicago in November (early winter)?
Chicago November (early winter) averages a high of 7°C and a low of 0°C.
Does it rain much in Chicago in November (early winter)?
Chicago November (early winter) averages 70mm of rainfall over about 10 rainy days.
What should I wear in Chicago in November (early winter)?
Early winter — high 7°C, low 0°C. Trench or down coat + sweater + gloves. Daylight saving ends (1st Sunday — clocks back 1h).
What time are sunrise and sunset in Chicago in November (early winter)?
Chicago November (early winter) sunrise is 06:35 and sunset is 16:35, with 10h 00m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Chicago in November (early winter)?
Chicago November (early winter) air quality (AQI) averages 35, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 10μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Chicago in November (early winter)?
In November (early winter), Chicago is great for Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Christkindlmarket (Daley Plaza), Thanksgiving dining.
Is November (early winter) peak season in Chicago?
Chicago November (early winter) crowds are quiet and prices are low season. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Chicago
View Other Months
Planning a November (early winter) 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.