Chicago, Illinois, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Chicago, Illinois, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Chicago, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Chicago, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Chicago, Illinois, United States of America by month

January

In January, Chicago is frosty, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) and once in a while jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C). During your visit, you can expect heavy snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Chicago, with several of the days of the month having rain. In January, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chicago. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

February

February in this region is very cold and snowy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time and snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chicago. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

March in Chicago is pretty cool, snowy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain about half of the time. It also snows sometimes. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chicago. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

Traveling to Chicago in April, you will notice that it is chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chicago. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary type. Most adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

May

In May, Chicago is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) and regularly jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Chicago, with several of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chicago. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the right type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

June

If you go to Chicago in June, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chicago. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the right type. Many adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

In July, Chicago is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) and sometimes jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Chicago, with several of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chicago. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

August

If you are traveling to Chicago in August, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chicago. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

September

If you go to Chicago in September, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chicago. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

In October, Chicago is crisp. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (high 10s C) and about half of the time jump into the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Chicago, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chicago. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

November

If you visit Chicago during November, you are likely to find that it can be brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chicago. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

If you are traveling to Chicago in December, you will notice that it is freezing, snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time and snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chicago. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

What to do in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

Chicago, Illinois is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. It is a city that is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, delicious food, and cultural diversity. Chicago has something to offer for every type of traveler, from families with kids to solo backpackers. If you are planning to visit Chicago, here are the top tourist attractions you should check out.

1. Millennium Park

Millennium Park is an iconic public park in the heart of Chicago. It is home to many landmark structures, such as the Cloud Gate sculpture (also known as the "Bean"), the Crown Fountain, and the Lurie Garden. The park is also a popular venue for free concerts, festivals, and events throughout the year.

2. The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. It has an extensive collection of artworks from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and more. Some of the most famous artworks in the museum include Grant Wood's "American Gothic" and Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks".

3. Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a popular tourist destination located on the shores of Lake Michigan. It is a hub of entertainment, shopping, and dining with over 50 acres of attractions, including the Ferris wheel, IMAX theater, Children's Museum, and more.

4. Willis Tower

Formerly known as the Sears Tower, Willis Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the world. It offers a stunning panoramic view of the city from the Skydeck, located on the 103rd floor. The Skydeck also features a glass-bottomed ledge that extends out over the city, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience.

5. The Field Museum

The Field Museum is a natural history museum that showcases over 40 million specimens from around the world. It is best known for its collection of dinosaur skeletons, including the largest, most complete T. rex ever discovered. The museum also features exhibits on ancient cultures, biodiversity, and environmental conservation.

6. Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk is a scenic pedestrian path that runs along the Chicago River in the heart of the city. It features a variety of public art installations, restaurants, bars, and shops. It is also used for riverboat tours and water taxis that provide a unique view of the city's architecture.

7. Navy Pier Fireworks

The Navy Pier Fireworks is a spectacular display of fireworks that takes place every Wednesday and Saturday night during the summer. It is a free event that attracts thousands of visitors to Navy Pier to enjoy the show and the beautiful views of Lake Michigan.

In conclusion, Chicago is a city that is full of life and offers a wide array of sights and experiences. From the iconic structures to the natural wonders and the cultural diversity, there is always something new to discover in Chicago. Plan your trip and make sure to check out these top tourist attractions for an unforgettable experience.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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