January Overview
- High temperature: 32°F (0°C)
- Low temperature: 22°F (-6°C)
- Hours daylight/sun: 4 hours
- Water temperature: 40°F (0°C)
January is the coldest month in Chicago as even during the day it doesn’t get warmer than 32°F (0°C). At night temperatures can even drop to 22°F (-6°C). Combined with the winds, it does feel really cold. January is also the snowiest month with an average of 11 inches (27 cm) of snowfall. The sun shines for 4 hours each day and the Lake Michigan water temperature measures 40°F (4°C).
Well, it is cold in January in Chicago but on the upside it’s the time to visit to get the best deals on hotels. And you can still enjoy it and warm up at some indoor sightseeing venues such the Art Institute or the Museum of Science and Industry. And if you are into winter sports you can combine your city trip with heading out to one of the nearby winter resorts. Still on in early January are the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights as well as the Fifth Third Bank Winter Wonderfest.
Best Time to Visit Chicago
Weatherwise, any time between May and October is a good time to visit Chicago. Spring and fall aren’t too warm with temperatures ranging from anything between the 30s F (0s C) and the 70s F (20s C) making it ideal for exploring the city.
Summers do get really summery and warm with highs reaching the low 80s F (high 20s C). Between July and September is also the time you want to visit Chicago if you would like to take a swim in Lake Michigan too.
Winters are best to visit to save on accomodation but it does get chilly with temperatures around the freezing point, cold winds and snowfall of up to 11 inches (27 cm).
Things to know about Chicago
Plan a city trip to Chicago because it doesn’t always have to be NYC that’s front of mind for a city break! For anyone into art and architecture, Chicago, as the city of birth of the skyscraper, has so much to offer and can compare itself without doubt to NYC in this regard. Starting with Chicago’s location, it’s simply unique how much Lake Michigan resembles the sea and spreads out in front of the US’s third largest city. So you can enjoy some summer vacation feeling on the beach or the pier during your city trip.
Must sees:
- The Loop is the heart of the city where most of the business and shopping is happening. ‘Loop’ is actually the name of the legendary elevated railway which was built in the 1880s and once finished, the center of town started being referred to as it. It’s here where all the shopping is happening. Architecture fans can in particular admire the Tiffany-dome at Macy’s.
- Chicago also paved the way regarding the development of skyscrapers and is actually much more innovative compared to NYC. Taking a stroll through downtown will take you through the history of skyscrapers. The first ones were built around 1880-1890 and include the Wrigley Building and the Chicago Tribune Tower. An example of the newer and much higher towers is the Trump Tower directly on the Chicago River. A favourite with its beautifully designed fassade is the Aqua from 2009.
From above:
- Especially given the numerous skyscrapers, it’s a must to have a look at Chicago from high above. Great options are the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) or the John Hancock Building. The latter might actually be the better option as it’s a bit out of the city center and hence gives a better view of it. And the queues are also much shorter!
- You can also get great views of the skyline from Navy Pier, a theme park near Lake Michigan. Great places to visit are the Adler Planetarium, Millenium Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Art and museums:
- Chicago is an art metropolis and really has something for everyone. The Adler Planetarium, for example, is a paradise for space enthusiasts.
- The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Institute, with its famous collection of impressionist art, are a must for everyone.
- If you don’t want to buy tickets for a museum or gallery, you can enjoy the Sculpture in the Loop for free. There you can find sculptures by Picasso, Miro, Chagall and the much loved ‘Bean’ from Anish Kapoor…
Neighborhoods:
- If you head out of the center of the city, Chicago has many fascinating places to offer. Each of the outskirts has established itself for certain scenes. In Bucktown and Wicker Park, for example, you can shop endlessly for vintage clothes and antiques. Especially Wicker Park is also famous for its nightlife.
- A bit more upmarket is Oak Park with its beautiful villas. Fans of architecture should head here and follow the traces of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the founder of the ‘Prairie Style’. You can also visit his own house.
- You will find it to be much more lively around the baseball stadium in the area called Wrigleyville. You’ll be very lucky if you manage to get tickets and experience a game!
- Nearby is Boystown, the gay and lesbian discrict.
Food and Pizza:
- Generally speaking, Chicago is quite a pricey place for eating out but you can find a few spots that offer better value such as the Bandera directly on the Magnificent Mile.
- Of course, Chicago is famous for its pizza- more specifically the Deep Dish Pizza which is more of a casserole than a classic pizza and was created right here in Chicago. Pizzeria Uno is known as the creator of this dish. And because they were so successful, they also opened Pizzeria Due. From youngsters to tourists and locals, everyone meets here. However some visitors from elsewhere might think that it’s not without reason that the Deep Dish Pizza remained more of a local speciality ;-)
