United States Chicago Weather in October (autumn) — Climate Guide
October (autumn) in Chicago is Mild
Chicago Weather in October (autumn) — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 16° / 7°
- Rainfall
- 80mm · 10 days
- Crowds
- Moderate
As of 2026, Chicago in October (autumn) averages a high of 16°C and low of 7°C with 80mm of rain over about 10 days. Autumn — high 16°C, low 7°C. Light jacket + sweater + umbrella. Cubs postseason if Cubs make playoffs.
October (autumn) is Mild for Chicago.
October is shoulder season transitioning to cold. **Chicago Marathon** (2nd Sunday) is one of the World Marathon Majors — 45,000 runners + 1.7 million spectators. Wicker Park Halloween parade is fun. Indoor activities returning to focus.
Travel score
Chicago October (autumn) Weather Stats
Avg High
16°C
Avg Low
7°C
Rainy Days
10
80mm total
Sunshine
7h
Daily avg
Humidity
67%
Comfortable
UV Index
4
Moderate
Wind
14 km/h
Gusts 30
Sea Temp
16°C
Avg water temp
Crowds
Moderate
At attractions
October (autumn) Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
12 μg/m³
PM10
22 μg/m³
Status
Good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
15°C
Nighttime
6°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
14 km/h
Max gust 30 km/h
Activities Recommended for October (autumn)
October (autumn) Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Chicago Marathon (international event)
- Mild weather (16/7°C)
- Hotel rates moderate
Cons
- Architecture Cruise season ending (Nov 1)
- Some rain
- First chilly days
October (autumn) Events & Festivals
- Halloween (Wicker Park parade)
- Cubs postseason if applicable
- Chicago Marathon (2nd Sunday)
Chicago in October (autumn) — Full Picture
October is shoulder season transitioning to cold. **Chicago Marathon** (2nd Sunday) is one of the World Marathon Majors — 45,000 runners + 1.7 million spectators. Wicker Park Halloween parade is fun. Indoor activities returning to focus.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Autumn — high 16°C, low 7°C. Light jacket + sweater + umbrella. Cubs postseason if Cubs make playoffs.
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 October (autumn) Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is October (autumn) a good time to visit Chicago?
Chicago in October (autumn) is Mild. Tourist crowds are moderate and flight/hotel prices are shoulder.
What's the average temperature in Chicago in October (autumn)?
Chicago October (autumn) averages a high of 16°C and a low of 7°C.
Does it rain much in Chicago in October (autumn)?
Chicago October (autumn) averages 80mm of rainfall over about 10 rainy days.
What should I wear in Chicago in October (autumn)?
Autumn — high 16°C, low 7°C. Light jacket + sweater + umbrella. Cubs postseason if Cubs make playoffs.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Chicago in October (autumn)?
Chicago October (autumn) sunrise is 07:00 and sunset is 18:05, with 11h 05m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Chicago in October (autumn)?
Chicago October (autumn) air quality (AQI) averages 38, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 12μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Chicago in October (autumn)?
In October (autumn), Chicago is great for Chicago Marathon, Cubs postseason (if applicable), Halloween Wicker Park.
Is October (autumn) peak season in Chicago?
Chicago October (autumn) crowds are moderate and prices are shoulder. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Chicago
View Other Months
Planning a October (autumn) 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.