This post is about the Chicago weather in October, including what to expect with temperatures, and rain, and tips on what to wear and things to do.
If you're going to be in town either before or after this month, make sure to read our posts covering weather in September and November as well.
As a retired meteorologist turned tour guide, I didn't expect that I would use my experience as a forecaster in my new career in tourism.
But here I am, finding myself answering more weather questions as a blogger than I ever did as a weatherman.
So, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the weather in Chicago in October.
- Average Temperatures
- How Much Sun and Rain
- What to Wear
- Things to Do
- Seasonal Outlook
- Free Tours by Foot
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
The weather in Chicago during the month of October is changeable with autumn now in full swing.
Temperatures are falling, but not yet at those colder winter levels so it is still a good time to visit the nation's third most populous city.
Early in the month, the afternoon temperatures are still pleasant reaching into the upper 60s f (about 20C) with overnight and early morning lows dipping into the upper 40s f (about 9C).
A few days during the early part of this month may see temperatures in the 70s f (21-26C) or even into the lower 80s f (27-28C).
The temperatures will fall as the month progresses with afternoon temperatures dropping into the mid-50s f range (13-14C) and morning lows to near 40f (about 4C) by month's end.
On about 2-3 of the colder mornings, early risers will see lows at or just below 32f (0C).
HOW MUCH SUN AND RAIN
Skies can be expected to be clear or partly sunny on about 17-18 days this month with mostly cloudy conditions likely on 13-14 days.
Rain normally falls on 8-9 days this month, however, significant rainfalls of 0.5 inch (about 13mm) or more occur, on average, only on about 2 days.
Snow can occur in October; however, it is not normally an issue.
Chicago only sees a dusting of snow about once every 5 years and a snowfall of 1 inch or more about once in 10 years.
SEASONAL OUTLOOK - October to December 2024 Chicago
There is a 72% chance for normal to above-normal temperatures with near-normal rainfall.
WHAT TO WEAR IN CHICAGO IN OCTOBER
It would be best to bring a sweater or two. Early in the month, a sweater may be all you need.
However, as the month progresses, you may want to add some layers with a medium-weight jacket a welcome addition to add to that sweater on the colder days or when touring near Lake Michigan.
October is a good time to visit the Windy City’s famous neighborhoods so join us for our Chicago Loop and Millennium Park Tour or our Riverwalk and History Tour.
THINGS TO DO IN CHICAGO IN OCTOBER
Although it will be a bit cold in October during this time of year, you might still want to consider going on a pay-what-you-wish walking tour around the city.
With Halloween just around the corner, this would also be a great time to take a Chicago ghost tour.
In addition to free outings, there are also ghost bus tours and haunted pub tours you might want to consider.
The Chicago White Sox or the Cubs might also find themselves in the postseason, and you should also be able to catch either an NHL game with the Blackhawks or an NFL match with the Bears.
There are also usually quite a few decent concerts and stand-up comedy shows to see this month.
For more ideas, make sure to check our full post covering things to do in Chicago in October.
