What May feels like in Chicago
May is late spring in Chicago. Daytime temperatures are mild — neither cold nor hot for walking around. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cool and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air is fairly humid, though at these temperatures it rarely feels oppressive.
Rain in Chicago in May
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. When rain comes it is heavy, about 9.2 mm (0.4 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. That is close to Chicago's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 8.5 mm). It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in May
Mid-month, Chicago gets 14 h 31 min of daylight, from sunrise near 5:31 am to sunset near 8:02 pm. Since mid-April the day has gained 1 h 13 min. About 72% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, May comes out as the 5th warmest month in Chicago. Against April, the average high is 6.4°C (11.5°F) higher, with 6 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into June. June averages a high of 24.5°C (76.1°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — good conditions for sitting outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
Tips for visiting Chicago in May
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Chicago in May?
Afternoons average 18.2°C (64.8°F) and nights about 10.7°C (51.3°F) — mild by most people's standards. It is the 5th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in May?
Quite a lot — 110 mm spread over about 12 days.
What should I wear in Chicago in May?
Pack rain protection and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is May or June better for visiting Chicago?
June scores better on our climate ranking (#4 of 12 vs #5), rated Good against Good. June is warmer.