What July feels like in Chicago
Mid-summer arrives in Chicago with July. Days are warm enough for short sleeves, and time outdoors is easy. There is little difference between day and night: nights stay warm, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Some humidity hangs in the air, noticeable when the sun is strong.
Rain in Chicago in July
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 10.3 mm (0.4 in) on an average rainy day. Across the year Chicago averages about 8.5 mm per rainy day, so July is typical. July is Chicago's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in July
Mid-month, Chicago gets 14 h 57 min of daylight, from sunrise near 5:28 am to sunset near 8:25 pm. Days are getting shorter: 15 min less daylight than in mid-June. Measured sunshine covers about 81% of the daylight — skies are mostly clear.
How July compares to the rest of the year
In Chicago's temperature order, July sits as the warmest month. Against June, the average high is 2.3°C (4.1°F) higher, with 6 mm more rain. Temperatures keep climbing into August. By August, typical highs are 26.1°C (79°F).
Who July suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
Tips for visiting Chicago in July
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Chicago in July?
Expect around 26.8°C (80.2°F) in the afternoon and 20°C (68°F) at night, which most visitors would call warm.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in July?
It does: about 11 rainy days bring roughly 113 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Chicago in July?
The numbers point to rain protection and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is July or August better for visiting Chicago?
On our 12-month climate ranking, July comes out ahead (#2 of 12 vs #3).