Chicago gives couples a classic four-season choice, but its wedding planning challenge is less about finding a warm month than balancing lakefront beauty with genuine weather volatility. Summer brings the city’s longest bright spells and rooftop energy, while winter offers dramatic skyline views and stronger venue value. The trade-off is clear: the brighter your date, the more you need to think about heat, festival crowds, hotel pricing and backup space for fast-moving storms off Lake Michigan.
This report uses historical weather from 2016-2025, so it is best read as a planning signal rather than a promise. In Chicago, that matters because guest experience depends as much on neighbourhood logistics, baseball traffic, summer events and downtown hotel demand as on sunshine. A strong weather month can still be a difficult wedding weekend if transport, room blocks or outdoor permits are left too late.
July is the strongest historical month in this analysis for Chicago, with 11.62 average daily sunshine hours and an average daily maximum temperature of 27.21°C. For couples hoping for riverfront photos, rooftop cocktails or a ceremony with skyline views, that is a very workable combination. The catch is that Chicago in July is busy, lively and sometimes humid, with thunderstorms never fully off the table. If July is your choice, look for a venue with shaded outdoor space, efficient air-conditioning and a rain-ready indoor room that still feels intentional rather than like a last-minute compromise.
The strongest individual historical date in this dataset is 09 July, showing 13.51 sunshine hours, 2.1 precipitation hours and a maximum temperature of 27.7°C. That points to the sort of long, bright midsummer day many couples picture for a Chicago wedding, with plenty of time for a later ceremony and evening photography along the lake or among the Loop’s architecture. The strongest Saturdays in the planning years are 25 July 2026, 03 July 2027 and 03 June 2028, each combining high sunshine with manageable temperatures. Even so, these are historical patterns from 2016-2025, not guarantees for any specific wedding day.
Before fixing a Chicago date, check what else is happening nearby: major summer festivals, convention traffic at McCormick Place, baseball home games and holiday weekends can all tighten hotel availability and affect travel times. Ask venues about indoor flip plans, transport access and noise from lakefront or downtown activity, then confirm guest room blocks early if you are marrying in peak season.
Keep reading to view the best day to get married, hours of rain per day and average high temperature per day in Chicago, Illinois, United States for every month in 2026, 2027 and 2028:
Weather history is most useful when combined with the realities of planning a celebration here. These checks can help turn the report into a date that works for you and your guests.
Chicago venues near Lake Michigan often feel cooler, windier or more changeable than inland spots. When visiting, stand in the ceremony or cocktail area rather than only touring indoors, and ask how the team handles sudden wind, summer storms and guest movement between spaces.
Summer weekends can tighten quickly because of festivals, conventions, baseball and leisure travel. Secure room blocks as soon as your venue is confirmed, and choose hotels with straightforward access to your neighbourhood so guests are not dealing with multiple transfers or expensive last-minute taxis.
In Chicago, a backup room matters in both summer and winter. It should work for storms, heat, wind or snow without making the day feel downgraded. Ask exactly how quickly the venue can switch plans, who makes the weather call and whether furnishings change between layouts.
A short mileage gap can still take time in Chicago once traffic, one-way streets, event closures and valet queues are involved. Leave more room than you think for moving between ceremony, portraits and reception, especially if guests are unfamiliar with the city or relying on coaches.
July currently ranks highest in Dropory's historical analysis for Chicago, Illinois, United States. Use the result alongside venue availability, guest travel and your preferred wedding style.
09 July currently has the strongest historical weather result in this report. Past patterns cannot guarantee future conditions, so keep a suitable indoor or covered option available.
Dropory compares daily sunshine, precipitation and temperature history to rank months, dates and Saturdays, then combines those signals with practical local planning guidance.
Historically in this report, yes: July ranks highest, with 11.62 average daily sunshine hours and warm conditions around 27.21°C. For many couples that suits rooftops, lakefront portraits and later ceremonies. The trade-off is busier hotels, possible humidity and the need for a convincing storm backup, so it is strongest on paper but not automatically best for every wedding style.
No month is risk-free in Chicago, but June, July, August and September are the strongest outdoor contenders in this dataset. September is often the easiest on guest comfort, averaging 23.86°C with 3.02 precipitation hours, while June offers very long daylight. The safest approach is less about chasing one month and more about choosing a venue with excellent covered and indoor options.
Late autumn, winter and early spring can sometimes be simpler on availability than peak summer, particularly outside major holiday periods. January and February may offer more flexibility, though weather disruption is a bigger consideration. If you want good conditions without the heaviest midsummer pressure, May, June and September often strike a better balance than the busiest festival-heavy weekends.
Use these buttons to select the year you're planning your event in. Use the °F / °C buttons to choose your preferred temperature scale.
The sun shows you the median hours of sunny weather & clear skies on this day in the last 10 years
The thermometer shows you the average max temperature on this day during the last 10 years
The drop shows you the median hours of rainfall / precipitation on this day during the last 10 years
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Top date in January, 2027:
21 January
Top dates with the most sunshine
21 January
- 6.9 median hours of sunny weather
05 January
- 6.6 median hours of sunny weather
20 January
- 6.2 median hours of sunny weather
04 January
- 6.1 median hours of sunny weather
31 January
- 5.9 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in January 2027
30 January
- 5.7 median hours of sunny weather
16 January
- 4.8 median hours of sunny weather
09 January
- 4.6 median hours of sunny weather
02 January
- 3.8 median hours of sunny weather
23 January
- 3.8 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
35 °F
4.4 h
6.1 h
02
34 °F
3.8 h
2.7 h
03
35 °F
3.8 h
4.2 h
04
32 °F
6.1 h
0.8 h
05
32 °F
6.6 h
1.4 h
06
28 °F
5.3 h
2.5 h
07
33 °F
3.8 h
3.8 h
08
34 °F
4.9 h
2.7 h
09
36 °F
4.6 h
4.5 h
10
35 °F
3.7 h
3.7 h
11
38 °F
3.6 h
7.7 h
12
34 °F
3 h
5.8 h
13
32 °F
4 h
3.7 h
14
30 °F
5.4 h
2.3 h
15
29 °F
4.3 h
5.3 h
16
29 °F
4.8 h
5.1 h
17
30 °F
3.9 h
4.3 h
18
33 °F
5.2 h
3.6 h
19
31 °F
5.2 h
6.4 h
20
28 °F
6.2 h
3 h
21
31 °F
6.9 h
1.6 h
22
33 °F
3.5 h
5.7 h
23
32 °F
3.8 h
7.7 h
24
33 °F
4.1 h
6.5 h
25
31 °F
3.9 h
8.5 h
26
32 °F
4.2 h
5.6 h
27
32 °F
4 h
2 h
28
33 °F
3.8 h
6.5 h
29
30 °F
5.6 h
2.3 h
30
30 °F
5.7 h
2.4 h
31
34 °F
5.9 h
6.6 h
January in Chicago suits couples who want a city wedding that leans into atmosphere rather than outdoor time. Historical averages sit at 4.64 sunshine hours, 4.35 precipitation hours and a daytime maximum of just 0.11°C, so comfort depends heavily on coats, transfers and an indoor-first schedule. The upside is dramatic skyline views, candlelit receptions and often better venue flexibility after the holiday rush. Snow, wind and icy pavements can complicate guest arrivals, especially for older relatives. If you choose January, keep photo locations close together and book transport between hotel, ceremony and reception rather than expecting guests to walk.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Top date in February, 2027:
19 February
Top dates with the most sunshine
19 February
- 8.8 median hours of sunny weather
27 February
- 8.5 median hours of sunny weather
20 February
- 7.8 median hours of sunny weather
26 February
- 7.8 median hours of sunny weather
21 February
- 7.6 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in February 2027
27 February
- 8.5 median hours of sunny weather
20 February
- 7.8 median hours of sunny weather
06 February
- 6.4 median hours of sunny weather
13 February
- 6.4 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
36 °F
6.1 h
3.9 h
02
34 °F
6.2 h
3.7 h
03
35 °F
5.3 h
2.6 h
04
37 °F
4.2 h
3.9 h
05
30 °F
6.7 h
2.7 h
06
34 °F
6.4 h
5 h
07
36 °F
5.5 h
5.3 h
08
31 °F
6.7 h
3.3 h
09
33 °F
5.2 h
5.8 h
10
31 °F
5.1 h
2.7 h
11
34 °F
5.7 h
3.3 h
12
33 °F
6.3 h
4.4 h
13
30 °F
6.4 h
5.5 h
14
32 °F
7.1 h
3.3 h
15
35 °F
5.5 h
4 h
16
34 °F
5.1 h
5.7 h
17
33 °F
5.3 h
6 h
18
36 °F
7.5 h
2.1 h
19
38 °F
8.8 h
1.5 h
20
42 °F
7.8 h
3.8 h
21
41 °F
7.6 h
2.2 h
22
42 °F
6.2 h
3.4 h
23
43 °F
7 h
3.2 h
24
38 °F
4.6 h
6.4 h
25
39 °F
7 h
3.6 h
26
42 °F
7.8 h
1.8 h
27
50 °F
8.5 h
3.1 h
28
48 °F
6.4 h
3.5 h
February is still firmly wintery, but it is a touch brighter than January in the historical record, averaging 6.36 sunshine hours and a maximum of 2.58°C. For a Chicago wedding, that can mean crisp daylight for portraits without the same level of festive-season pricing pressure found in December. Around Valentine’s period, however, popular restaurants and boutique venues can be busier than expected. Lake wind remains a real consideration, particularly for river or rooftop properties with exposed entrances. A practical move here is to build extra arrival time into the schedule and choose hotels connected to, or very close to, your venue.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Top date in March, 2027:
21 March
Top dates with the most sunshine
21 March
- 9.4 median hours of sunny weather
04 March
- 9.3 median hours of sunny weather
12 March
- 8.9 median hours of sunny weather
11 March
- 8.8 median hours of sunny weather
19 March
- 8.7 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in March 2027
13 March
- 7.3 median hours of sunny weather
20 March
- 7.2 median hours of sunny weather
27 March
- 7.1 median hours of sunny weather
06 March
- 6.7 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
45 °F
6.8 h
4.4 h
02
39 °F
8 h
1.1 h
03
38 °F
7.1 h
3.1 h
04
41 °F
9.3 h
1.6 h
05
49 °F
7.9 h
2.7 h
06
46 °F
6.7 h
5.7 h
07
43 °F
8.2 h
2.1 h
08
46 °F
7.7 h
1.6 h
09
47 °F
5.4 h
7 h
10
44 °F
7 h
3.2 h
11
44 °F
8.8 h
1.6 h
12
46 °F
8.9 h
2.6 h
13
47 °F
7.3 h
6.4 h
14
45 °F
8.2 h
3.7 h
15
47 °F
7.7 h
3.2 h
16
47 °F
8.1 h
2.1 h
17
47 °F
7.3 h
4.9 h
18
43 °F
6.6 h
4 h
19
46 °F
8.7 h
2.9 h
20
49 °F
7.2 h
3.9 h
21
46 °F
9.4 h
1.5 h
22
48 °F
7.6 h
3.6 h
23
46 °F
6.8 h
6.9 h
24
47 °F
4.8 h
8.1 h
25
45 °F
6.9 h
4.9 h
26
47 °F
6.3 h
5.2 h
27
50 °F
7.1 h
5.4 h
28
49 °F
7.7 h
2.7 h
29
52 °F
7.2 h
3.3 h
30
52 °F
6.2 h
7.1 h
31
53 °F
5.8 h
7.2 h
March brings longer days to Chicago, with historical averages of 7.37 sunshine hours and a 7.91°C maximum, but it is a transitional month rather than an early-spring guarantee. You may get clearer light and easier daytime photography, yet streets, parks and the lakeshore can still feel raw if the wind picks up. Around St Patrick’s celebrations, central areas can become especially lively, which matters if your venue sits near the river or downtown hotels. March works well for couples who want lower-demand dates but still hope for some outdoor moments. The smart planning step is to treat any exterior ceremony space as optional, not essential.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Top date in April, 2027:
26 April
Top dates with the most sunshine
26 April
- 11.3 median hours of sunny weather
07 April
- 10.9 median hours of sunny weather
09 April
- 10.3 median hours of sunny weather
12 April
- 9.9 median hours of sunny weather
22 April
- 9.8 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in April 2027
24 April
- 8.9 median hours of sunny weather
17 April
- 8.9 median hours of sunny weather
03 April
- 7 median hours of sunny weather
10 April
- 6.8 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
44 °F
9.1 h
3.5 h
02
47 °F
8.5 h
2.8 h
03
56 °F
7 h
8.2 h
04
51 °F
5.1 h
8.1 h
05
50 °F
6.7 h
6.1 h
06
53 °F
7.6 h
5.3 h
07
52 °F
10.9 h
4.9 h
08
51 °F
7.8 h
6.1 h
09
53 °F
10.3 h
2.3 h
10
54 °F
6.8 h
4.8 h
11
57 °F
8.4 h
1.9 h
12
58 °F
9.9 h
3.9 h
13
58 °F
9.3 h
4.1 h
14
54 °F
8.7 h
6.3 h
15
58 °F
9.8 h
4.1 h
16
56 °F
8.4 h
3.4 h
17
52 °F
8.9 h
3.5 h
18
59 °F
8.5 h
4.7 h
19
56 °F
8 h
4.2 h
20
59 °F
8.2 h
4 h
21
56 °F
9.4 h
3 h
22
56 °F
9.8 h
3.3 h
23
60 °F
9.7 h
2 h
24
60 °F
8.9 h
4.4 h
25
54 °F
9.5 h
3.3 h
26
58 °F
11.3 h
1.3 h
27
56 °F
7.7 h
5.6 h
28
56 °F
6.7 h
5.3 h
29
59 °F
6.6 h
8 h
30
58 °F
6.1 h
9.7 h
April starts to open up Chicago’s outdoor possibilities, with 8.44 average sunshine hours and a maximum of 12.74°C, though it also carries 4.6 average precipitation hours in this dataset. In practice, that means spring colour and a fresher city feel, but not enough consistency to rely on an uncovered terrace or garden alone. Parks, conservatories and architecture-focused venues can work beautifully because they offer visual interest even if the weather turns. Guests travelling in from colder or warmer regions may also misjudge what to pack. For an April wedding, give a clear dress-code note about layers and footwear rather than assuming spring will feel mild.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Top date in May, 2027:
13 May
Top dates with the most sunshine
13 May
- 11.9 median hours of sunny weather
07 May
- 11.8 median hours of sunny weather
16 May
- 11.8 median hours of sunny weather
30 May
- 11.7 median hours of sunny weather
29 May
- 11.6 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in May 2027
29 May
- 11.6 median hours of sunny weather
08 May
- 9.9 median hours of sunny weather
22 May
- 9.9 median hours of sunny weather
15 May
- 9.3 median hours of sunny weather
01 May
- 7.5 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
62 °F
7.5 h
5.1 h
02
64 °F
7.5 h
4.9 h
03
60 °F
8.7 h
5.7 h
04
55 °F
9.1 h
2.7 h
05
59 °F
9.2 h
4 h
06
59 °F
9.7 h
4.2 h
07
61 °F
11.8 h
1.9 h
08
60 °F
9.9 h
3.5 h
09
61 °F
9.6 h
5.5 h
10
60 °F
8.9 h
5.6 h
11
61 °F
9.3 h
3 h
12
62 °F
9.7 h
4.4 h
13
67 °F
11.9 h
1.8 h
14
67 °F
9.2 h
4.6 h
15
64 °F
9.3 h
3 h
16
72 °F
11.8 h
1.2 h
17
67 °F
9.6 h
3.8 h
18
68 °F
10.7 h
2.6 h
19
68 °F
7.8 h
6.3 h
20
65 °F
8.8 h
2.5 h
21
67 °F
7.6 h
6.9 h
22
70 °F
9.9 h
3.5 h
23
70 °F
10.9 h
4.6 h
24
72 °F
11.6 h
2.5 h
25
73 °F
10.3 h
3.4 h
26
72 °F
10.5 h
4.8 h
27
69 °F
9 h
5.4 h
28
70 °F
8.5 h
5.6 h
29
70 °F
11.6 h
3.8 h
30
71 °F
11.7 h
3.6 h
31
75 °F
11.4 h
2.1 h
May is one of Chicago’s most appealing balancing points: historically it averages 9.77 sunshine hours, 18.77°C maximum temperatures and slightly less precipitation time than April. Trees are green again, patios begin to feel useful and the city looks lively without the full intensity of midsummer. This is a strong month for couples who want outdoor portraits and a reception with doors open, but still prefer to avoid the hottest part of the year. Demand can rise quickly because many local couples see May as the start of prime season. If May is on your shortlist, secure room blocks and beauty bookings earlier than you might expect.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Top date in June, 2027:
18 June
Top dates with the most sunshine
18 June
- 13.3 median hours of sunny weather
03 June
- 12.8 median hours of sunny weather
15 June
- 12.6 median hours of sunny weather
27 June
- 12.5 median hours of sunny weather
17 June
- 12.5 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in June 2027
12 June
- 11.6 median hours of sunny weather
19 June
- 11.2 median hours of sunny weather
05 June
- 11.1 median hours of sunny weather
26 June
- 9.6 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
72 °F
11.9 h
1.8 h
02
72 °F
12.3 h
2.1 h
03
77 °F
12.8 h
0.8 h
04
80 °F
11.4 h
2.5 h
05
78 °F
11.1 h
3.7 h
06
73 °F
11.7 h
2.5 h
07
69 °F
11.7 h
1.5 h
08
72 °F
11.2 h
2.5 h
09
77 °F
10.3 h
5.5 h
10
79 °F
11.8 h
3.2 h
11
76 °F
11.3 h
1.4 h
12
76 °F
11.6 h
3 h
13
76 °F
10.9 h
4.3 h
14
78 °F
10.9 h
3 h
15
79 °F
12.6 h
2.4 h
16
78 °F
11.3 h
1.9 h
17
82 °F
12.5 h
1.7 h
18
82 °F
13.3 h
1.6 h
19
81 °F
11.2 h
4.4 h
20
81 °F
11.4 h
4.9 h
21
77 °F
10.9 h
4.7 h
22
80 °F
11.3 h
5.4 h
23
80 °F
11.8 h
4.4 h
24
79 °F
12.1 h
3.2 h
25
80 °F
11.3 h
5 h
26
81 °F
9.6 h
7.5 h
27
80 °F
12.5 h
2.8 h
28
79 °F
11.9 h
4 h
29
81 °F
10.3 h
5.7 h
30
84 °F
11.4 h
4.8 h
June is excellent for a Chicago wedding if you want long daylight without pushing fully into late-summer heat. The historical averages are strong: 11.53 sunshine hours, 3.41 precipitation hours and a 25.52°C daytime maximum. That is especially helpful for Catholic gaps between ceremony and reception, river cruises or a timeline with first look, family photos and an evening celebration. Chicago’s festival calendar also gathers pace in June, which can affect road closures, parking and hotel prices in central neighbourhoods. Ask your venue about nearby event patterns and give guests precise transport advice, especially if they are unfamiliar with downtown traffic.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Top date in July, 2027:
09 July
Top dates with the most sunshine
09 July
- 13.5 median hours of sunny weather
25 July
- 13 median hours of sunny weather
03 July
- 13 median hours of sunny weather
23 July
- 12.8 median hours of sunny weather
28 July
- 12.6 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in July 2027
03 July
- 13 median hours of sunny weather
24 July
- 12.5 median hours of sunny weather
17 July
- 11.4 median hours of sunny weather
31 July
- 10.7 median hours of sunny weather
10 July
- 10.5 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
79 °F
11.7 h
3.4 h
02
77 °F
11.6 h
3 h
03
81 °F
13 h
1 h
04
85 °F
12.6 h
3.5 h
05
85 °F
9.9 h
5.3 h
06
82 °F
12.4 h
3.6 h
07
80 °F
12 h
4.6 h
08
77 °F
10.7 h
4.6 h
09
82 °F
13.5 h
2.1 h
10
81 °F
10.5 h
6.4 h
11
80 °F
11.7 h
5.1 h
12
82 °F
10.8 h
5.3 h
13
82 °F
12.3 h
3.1 h
14
82 °F
11.5 h
2.5 h
15
83 °F
10 h
8.2 h
16
79 °F
10.4 h
6.1 h
17
80 °F
11.4 h
3 h
18
81 °F
12.1 h
2.2 h
19
82 °F
12.1 h
2 h
20
84 °F
11 h
4.1 h
21
79 °F
10.2 h
5.9 h
22
81 °F
12.2 h
4 h
23
81 °F
12.8 h
4.5 h
24
83 °F
12.5 h
3.8 h
25
83 °F
13 h
2 h
26
83 °F
11.7 h
2.9 h
27
83 °F
11.4 h
3.8 h
28
83 °F
12.6 h
3.2 h
29
80 °F
10.9 h
5.5 h
30
77 °F
11.2 h
2.9 h
31
79 °F
10.7 h
2.4 h
July is the city’s top-ranked month in this analysis, and it makes sense visually: long bright days, leafy streets and a lakefront that feels fully in season. Historically, Chicago averages 11.62 sunshine hours and 27.21°C maximum temperatures in July, with 3.87 precipitation hours reminding you that summer storms are still part of the picture. It is a brilliant month for rooftops, skyline terraces and late golden-hour portraits, but also one of the busiest for tourism and events. Around Independence Day and major festivals, accommodation can become expensive fast. The key action is to reserve guest rooms early and confirm your rain backup is genuinely attractive.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Top date in August, 2027:
02 August
Top dates with the most sunshine
02 August
- 12.2 median hours of sunny weather
23 August
- 12.2 median hours of sunny weather
19 August
- 12.1 median hours of sunny weather
04 August
- 12 median hours of sunny weather
22 August
- 11.9 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in August 2027
21 August
- 11.3 median hours of sunny weather
14 August
- 11.1 median hours of sunny weather
28 August
- 10.4 median hours of sunny weather
07 August
- 10.1 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
80 °F
11.3 h
3.9 h
02
81 °F
12.2 h
2.9 h
03
80 °F
11.4 h
3.3 h
04
79 °F
12 h
1.6 h
05
82 °F
11.4 h
2.4 h
06
79 °F
10.3 h
7.1 h
07
80 °F
10.1 h
4.4 h
08
82 °F
11.9 h
2.7 h
09
83 °F
11 h
3.3 h
10
83 °F
11.8 h
2.3 h
11
83 °F
11.5 h
3.4 h
12
80 °F
10.2 h
3.8 h
13
79 °F
11 h
3.4 h
14
79 °F
11.1 h
3.5 h
15
77 °F
10.5 h
4.5 h
16
79 °F
10.7 h
4.4 h
17
81 °F
11.2 h
6.2 h
18
78 °F
10.7 h
4.1 h
19
80 °F
12.1 h
3.6 h
20
79 °F
8.7 h
5.9 h
21
77 °F
11.3 h
5.3 h
22
77 °F
11.9 h
1.9 h
23
81 °F
12.2 h
0.7 h
24
82 °F
9.7 h
4 h
25
79 °F
10.3 h
4.4 h
26
80 °F
10.8 h
3.9 h
27
82 °F
11.4 h
2.7 h
28
83 °F
10.4 h
4.4 h
29
81 °F
11.1 h
5.2 h
30
74 °F
11.5 h
1.7 h
31
78 °F
11.2 h
1.7 h
August remains very strong for outdoor weddings, with 11.06 average sunshine hours and a 26.66°C maximum, so it delivers much of July’s visual appeal with only a slight dip in daylight. The challenge in Chicago is that August can feel hot, humid and crowded, especially near the lakefront, and major events such as Lollapalooza or the Chicago Air and Water Show can push up hotel demand and add noise or traffic in certain areas. That does not rule the month out; it simply makes location choice more important. If you marry in August, think carefully about guest comfort during photos, cocktail hour and transport waits.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Top date in September, 2027:
02 September
Top dates with the most sunshine
02 September
- 11.6 median hours of sunny weather
05 September
- 10.9 median hours of sunny weather
14 September
- 10.9 median hours of sunny weather
18 September
- 10.7 median hours of sunny weather
15 September
- 10.7 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in September 2027
18 September
- 10.7 median hours of sunny weather
25 September
- 9.2 median hours of sunny weather
04 September
- 8.9 median hours of sunny weather
11 September
- 8.2 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
76 °F
9.7 h
3.7 h
02
78 °F
11.6 h
1.1 h
03
80 °F
10 h
2.3 h
04
78 °F
8.9 h
3.8 h
05
77 °F
10.9 h
2 h
06
76 °F
10 h
4.9 h
07
74 °F
9 h
4 h
08
70 °F
6.5 h
6.4 h
09
72 °F
9.6 h
2.1 h
10
75 °F
10.1 h
1.8 h
11
76 °F
8.2 h
4.9 h
12
75 °F
9.7 h
2.5 h
13
77 °F
10.6 h
2.6 h
14
76 °F
10.9 h
1.5 h
15
78 °F
10.7 h
0.5 h
16
78 °F
9.6 h
2.1 h
17
79 °F
10.2 h
2.9 h
18
73 °F
10.7 h
1 h
19
75 °F
9.6 h
2.9 h
20
82 °F
9.6 h
2.3 h
21
80 °F
7.6 h
4.1 h
22
75 °F
8.4 h
4.1 h
23
73 °F
8.9 h
1.4 h
24
75 °F
9.6 h
2.3 h
25
75 °F
9.2 h
4.9 h
26
73 °F
9.9 h
2.6 h
27
72 °F
9 h
2.5 h
28
67 °F
7.6 h
5 h
29
66 °F
7.6 h
4.5 h
30
70 °F
8.7 h
3.9 h
September is one of Chicago’s most practical wedding months. Historical averages show 9.41 sunshine hours, just 3.02 precipitation hours and a comfortable 23.86°C maximum, which often feels easier on guests than midsummer heat. The city is still lively, patios are still useful and the lakefront usually looks attractive, but room rates can remain firm because tourism and business travel have not fully dropped away. Early autumn also brings a more polished light for architecture and neighbourhood photography. For September weddings, the smart move is to confirm sunset timing early so outdoor ceremonies and portraits make the most of the season’s softer evening light.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Top date in October, 2027:
09 October
Top dates with the most sunshine
09 October
- 10.4 median hours of sunny weather
01 October
- 9 median hours of sunny weather
08 October
- 9 median hours of sunny weather
17 October
- 8.4 median hours of sunny weather
04 October
- 8.4 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in October 2027
09 October
- 10.4 median hours of sunny weather
02 October
- 7.3 median hours of sunny weather
16 October
- 6.8 median hours of sunny weather
30 October
- 6.7 median hours of sunny weather
23 October
- 6.4 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
72 °F
9 h
2.8 h
02
70 °F
7.3 h
3.9 h
03
71 °F
8.2 h
4.6 h
04
71 °F
8.4 h
3.6 h
05
70 °F
8.1 h
4.7 h
06
72 °F
6.8 h
5.5 h
07
69 °F
8.1 h
5.7 h
08
67 °F
9 h
3.5 h
09
69 °F
10.4 h
1.3 h
10
68 °F
7.5 h
3.6 h
11
66 °F
6.9 h
6.3 h
12
64 °F
5.6 h
4.9 h
13
61 °F
8.1 h
3.3 h
14
63 °F
6.2 h
6 h
15
60 °F
6.6 h
4.7 h
16
57 °F
6.8 h
4.6 h
17
59 °F
8.4 h
0.6 h
18
62 °F
8.1 h
1.9 h
19
62 °F
7.7 h
4.3 h
20
61 °F
7.5 h
3.6 h
21
62 °F
7.4 h
3.3 h
22
63 °F
7.7 h
4.4 h
23
61 °F
6.4 h
3.3 h
24
56 °F
6.5 h
4.4 h
25
54 °F
4.3 h
5.9 h
26
55 °F
4.3 h
7.2 h
27
53 °F
7 h
1.8 h
28
53 °F
6.2 h
3.1 h
29
54 °F
5.4 h
5 h
30
54 °F
6.7 h
4.7 h
31
53 °F
6.4 h
4.4 h
October gives Chicago couples attractive autumn colour and a more relaxed social atmosphere after peak summer, but the weather margin narrows. Historically, the month averages 7.19 sunshine hours, 4.09 precipitation hours and a 16.87°C maximum, so outdoor ceremonies can be lovely but should not be treated casually. A bright October day in the city can look superb against stone buildings, parks and the river, yet evenings cool down quickly and lake breezes become more noticeable. Sports traffic can also affect some neighbourhood routes. If you choose October, plan heaters or wraps for any outdoor reception elements and keep your indoor space photo-ready.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Top date in November, 2027:
07 November
Top dates with the most sunshine
07 November
- 8 median hours of sunny weather
08 November
- 7.3 median hours of sunny weather
03 November
- 7.3 median hours of sunny weather
14 November
- 7.2 median hours of sunny weather
02 November
- 7.2 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in November 2027
13 November
- 7 median hours of sunny weather
06 November
- 6.4 median hours of sunny weather
20 November
- 5.9 median hours of sunny weather
27 November
- 4.6 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
54 °F
6.3 h
2.7 h
02
52 °F
7.2 h
3.7 h
03
54 °F
7.3 h
1.5 h
04
57 °F
5.5 h
3.7 h
05
58 °F
5.7 h
4.4 h
06
59 °F
6.4 h
3.2 h
07
53 °F
8 h
0.2 h
08
54 °F
7.3 h
2.5 h
09
54 °F
6.6 h
3.5 h
10
50 °F
5 h
4.1 h
11
47 °F
5.7 h
4 h
12
42 °F
5.6 h
2.4 h
13
43 °F
7 h
0.7 h
14
46 °F
7.2 h
2.1 h
15
49 °F
4.3 h
6.4 h
16
49 °F
5.9 h
1.5 h
17
49 °F
5.1 h
5.1 h
18
46 °F
5.1 h
3.7 h
19
43 °F
5.5 h
3 h
20
46 °F
5.9 h
1.6 h
21
45 °F
4.2 h
3.6 h
22
41 °F
5.6 h
3 h
23
46 °F
6.2 h
3 h
24
48 °F
3.6 h
3.3 h
25
46 °F
3.8 h
4.7 h
26
45 °F
5 h
4.9 h
27
41 °F
4.6 h
2.4 h
28
40 °F
5.4 h
2.7 h
29
43 °F
5.2 h
1.6 h
30
41 °F
5.3 h
5.9 h
November is best for couples who prefer an indoor-led celebration with a moody city backdrop. The historical pattern drops to 5.71 sunshine hours and an 8.95°C maximum, though precipitation time is a relatively moderate 3.17 hours. In Chicago that can translate to a quieter, more intimate feel, especially before the December holiday build-up. Trees are barer, sunset comes earlier and guests are less likely to linger outside between events, so timing matters. This month works especially well for hotels, clubs and architectural venues where the interiors do the heavy lifting. One good planning choice is to schedule portraits earlier than you would in autumn’s warmer months.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Top date in December, 2027:
20 December
Top dates with the most sunshine
20 December
- 6.2 median hours of sunny weather
08 December
- 6.1 median hours of sunny weather
19 December
- 6 median hours of sunny weather
18 December
- 5.9 median hours of sunny weather
22 December
- 5.7 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in December 2027
18 December
- 5.9 median hours of sunny weather
04 December
- 5.1 median hours of sunny weather
25 December
- 4.9 median hours of sunny weather
11 December
- 3.1 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
40 °F
4.5 h
6.5 h
02
42 °F
4.4 h
3.3 h
03
40 °F
5 h
2.9 h
04
39 °F
5.1 h
3.4 h
05
38 °F
4.8 h
3.1 h
06
35 °F
4.8 h
0.4 h
07
34 °F
5.3 h
0.1 h
08
38 °F
6.1 h
1.5 h
09
40 °F
4.4 h
4.3 h
10
39 °F
5.4 h
2.6 h
11
39 °F
3.1 h
5.9 h
12
37 °F
5.4 h
2.6 h
13
35 °F
5.6 h
1.7 h
14
35 °F
4.5 h
3.9 h
15
34 °F
5.3 h
2.9 h
16
39 °F
3.2 h
4.3 h
17
37 °F
3.9 h
2.3 h
18
35 °F
5.9 h
1.9 h
19
38 °F
6 h
1.4 h
20
37 °F
6.2 h
1.8 h
21
39 °F
2.8 h
2.9 h
22
37 °F
5.7 h
2.6 h
23
38 °F
4.5 h
2.4 h
24
39 °F
4.7 h
1.9 h
25
38 °F
4.9 h
3.3 h
26
40 °F
5.6 h
2.1 h
27
39 °F
4 h
3.3 h
28
41 °F
3 h
6 h
29
41 °F
2.1 h
7.9 h
30
37 °F
4 h
5 h
31
33 °F
4.4 h
5.2 h
December in Chicago can be magical if you want festive streets, dramatic night photography and a celebration centred on warmth indoors. Historically it averages 4.66 sunshine hours, 3.21 precipitation hours and a maximum of 3.26°C, so you should assume a cold-weather plan from the outset. Holiday markets, seasonal attractions and end-of-year parties can make downtown feel special, but they also create busier hotels and transport pinch points. Family schedules may be tighter too, especially later in the month. If December appeals, target a date early enough to avoid the biggest holiday travel stress and choose a venue whose winter entrance and lobby still feel elegant in heavy coats and boots.