Month guide · Chicago · United States
Chicago in October
What October is really like in Chicago: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Alanscottwalker, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit Chicago. Expect average highs of 17°C (63°F), lows of 7°C (45°F), about 10 rainy days and roughly 11 hours of daylight. Crisp, clear days and autumn colour in the parks; marathon weekend fills hotels.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 17°C (63°F) / 7°C (45°F)
- Rainy days
- About 10
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in October
October is the 6th-warmest month in Chicago: days average 17°C (63°F) against a yearly average high of 15°C (59°F), and nights fall to about 7°C (45°F). Rain falls on roughly 10 of its 31 days. Compared with September (24°C (75°F)), October is cooler; by November highs drop to around 9°C (48°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 07:02
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 18:09
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
Autumn (September–November). Warm September days give way to crisp, colourful October; the marathon and Open House Chicago are highlights, and it turns grey by November.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 4 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in June). Book accommodation early: October is one of the pricier months.
Events in October
- Chicago Marathon (usually early-to-mid October)
- Open House Chicago — free access to normally closed buildings (usually mid-October)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
With frequent rain, 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 17°C, lows near 7°C and 10 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit Chicago?
One of the best months to visit Chicago, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are May–June and September. Compare every month.
Chicago in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit Chicago?
It is one of the best months to visit Chicago. Crisp, clear days and autumn colour in the parks; marathon weekend fills hotels.
+How warm is Chicago in October?
Average highs are around 17°C (63°F) and lows around 7°C (45°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Chicago in October?
Expect rain on about 10 days of the month.