This post summarizes the July weather in Chicago, with tips on what to wear, as well as things to do.
As local tour guides, we know that July is one of the best times for walking tours, because there's usually a lot of great, sunny weather.
And I am not just a tour guide. I'm also a retired meteorologist who has found a new way to put my experiences to work.
Be sure to look into the weather in June and August as well.
HOW COLD IS CHICAGO IN JULY?
July in Chicago features warm afternoons and evenings with mostly comfortable mornings.
Afternoon high temperatures tend to be in the lower 80s F (27-28 C) with a few days reaching into the lower 90s F (32-33 C).
About 6 days this month will record high temperatures of 90 F (about 32 C) or more with the record high temperature for Chicago during July is 104 F (40.0 C).
Late night and early morning low temperatures tend to be in the upper 60s F (about 20 C) early in the month, warming to the lower 70s F (21-22 C) near the end of the month.
A few of the cooler mornings will dip down into the lower 60s F (about 16 C). The record low temperature in Chicago during July is 40F (4.4 C)
HOW MUCH SUN AND RAIN?
About 21 days this month will be sunny or at least partly sunny.
Some rain falls on about 9-10 days, however, significant rainfalls of 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) or more occur only on about 2 days this month.
July in Chicago can be on the humid side with 11-15 days being considered muggy and 3-6 of these days considered oppressive.
You can expect a little over 15 hours of daylight early in the month decreasing to about 14.5 hours at the end of the month so there is ample time to explore this great city.
Seasonal Outlook - July to September 2024 Chicago
There is a 75% chance for normal to above-normal temperatures with near-normal rainfall.
WHAT TO WEAR IN JULY?
Light summer clothes are best for this month with perhaps a light sweater for a few of the cooler early mornings.
Don’t forget to bring some comfortable walking shoes.
WHAT TO DO IN CHICAGO IN JULY?
Below are the top things to do in July in Chicago.
But, be sure to read our full post on what to do in Chicago in July.
It includes free things to do, night and family-friendly activities and attractions, as well as our definitive post on the best things to do in Chicago.
And if you are planning on visiting many of Chicago's top attractions, then you should consider a tourist discount pass.
These passes could save up to 50% of retail ticket prices to tours, attractions, and restaurants.
- Watch a Chicago Sky WNBA Game
- Enjoy an outdoor concert
- Go on a Sightseeing Tour
- Celebrate the 4th of July
- Taste of Chicago
- Attend a Food & Drink Festival
- Chinatown Summer Fair
- Millennium Art Fest
- Chicago Summer Dance
- Check out a Tourist Discount Pass
Be sure to check out all the top things to do in July in our main post.
Fred Pickhardt
Ocean Weather Services
