Month guide · Chicago · United States
Chicago in February
What February is really like in Chicago: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
February is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 2°C (36°F), lows of -6°C (21°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 10.5 hours of daylight. Still deep winter, with snow likely; a good month for museums, theatre and the Garfield Park Conservatory.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 2°C (36°F) / -6°C (21°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 10.5 hours
- Crowds
- Very quiet
- Hotel prices
- Low
Weather in February
February is the 10th-warmest month in Chicago: days average 2°C (36°F) against a yearly average high of 15°C (59°F), and nights fall to about -6°C (21°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 28 days. Compared with January (0°C (32°F)), February is warmer; by March highs climb to around 8°C (46°F).
- Sunrise (15 February)
- About 06:46
- Sunset (15 February)
- About 17:23
- Daylight
- About 10.5 hours
Winter (December–February). Cold, windy and often snowy, with festive markets and skating in December and the lowest hotel rates in January and February.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, February rates 1 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 2 for hotel prices (highest in June). That makes February one of the better-value months to book.
Events in February
- Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place (usually February)
- Lunar New Year parade in Chinatown (January or February)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in February
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
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Architecture · The Loop
Chicago Cultural Center
Built in 1897 as the city's first central public library, the Cultural Center holds what is described as the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass dome in Preston Bradley Hall, a second glass dome by Healy and Millet, mosaic-lined staircases and free exhibitions and concerts.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
- History
Garden · East Garfield Park
Garfield Park Conservatory
Take the Green Line to Conservatory–Central Park Drive, which stops right next to the entrance.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
Museum · Pilsen
National Museum of Mexican Art
Founded in 1982 in Pilsen, this free museum has one of the largest collections of Mexican art in the US, from ancient Mesoamerican pieces to contemporary prints.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
Park · The Loop
Millennium Park and Cloud Gate
See the Bean early in the morning before the crowds, then cross Gehry's winding BP Bridge to Maggie Daley Park.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Kids
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
What to pack
For highs near 2°C, lows near -6°C and 9 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is February a good time to visit Chicago?
A quieter month with trade-offs, with 2 notable events on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, May–June and September–October are better overall. Compare every month.
Chicago in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is February a good time to visit Chicago?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Still deep winter, with snow likely; a good month for museums, theatre and the Garfield Park Conservatory.
+How warm is Chicago in February?
Average highs are around 2°C (36°F) and lows around -6°C (21°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Chicago in February?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.