What April feels like in Chicago
Mid-spring arrives in Chicago with April. The daytime air has a chill to it, though it is rarely bitter. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cold and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Chicago in April
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on about one day in 2. A rainy day brings about 8 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. The yearly figure is similar, around 8.5 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in April
On 15 April the sun rises at about 6:12 am and sets around 7:30 pm local time, giving 13 h 18 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 1 h 27 min more daylight than mid-March. About 68% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How April compares to the rest of the year
April is the 6th coolest month of the year in Chicago. Compared with March, afternoons are 5.7°C (10.3°F) warmer, with 27 mm more rain. May continues the upward trend. The next month's average high: 18.2°C (64.8°F).
Who April suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Chicago in April
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Chicago in April?
Expect around 11.8°C (53.2°F) in the afternoon and 4.3°C (39.7°F) at night, which most visitors would call chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in April?
It does: about 13 rainy days bring roughly 104 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Chicago in April?
The numbers point to rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is April or May better for visiting Chicago?
On our 12-month climate ranking, May comes out ahead (#5 of 12 vs #9). May is warmer and has fewer rainy days.