Harper's Weekly / Public domain
Chicago, IL Weather on April 12
Chicago hits 85°F on April 12, 1971: A spring anomaly
Chicago experienced a remarkable warm spell on April 12, 1971, when temperatures soared to 85°F—a full 28 degrees above the typical high for this date. The record stands as the warmest April 12 in Chicago's 52-year documented history, sharply contrasting with the frigid 29°F low recorded in 1990, illustrating the dramatic temperature volatility the city can experience in mid-spring.
What to Expect on April 12
Planning for April 12th in Chicago, IL? Bring layers as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the warmest April 12 ever in Chicago?
The warmest April 12 in Chicago, IL reached 85°F in 1971. That is 28°F above the long-term average high of 57°F.
What was the coldest April 12 ever in Chicago?
The coldest April 12 in Chicago, IL dropped to 29°F in 1990. That is 13°F below the long-term average low of 42°F.
What is the average temperature on April 12 in Chicago?
On April 12, Chicago averages a high of 57°F and a low of 42°F based on 52 years of NOAA weather observations from CHICAGO GRANT PARK.
How many years of weather data are available for April 12 in Chicago?
We have 52 years of weather records for April 12 in Chicago, IL, sourced from NOAA's Global Historical Climatology Network. Records include daily high and low temperatures, precipitation, and snowfall data going back to 2025.
April 12 Weather History in Chicago
| Year | High | Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 54°F | 41°F | -- | -- |
| 2024 | 62°F | 46°F | -- | -- |
| 2023 | 81°F | 59°F | -- | -- |
| 2022 | 66°F | 42°F | -- | -- |
| 2021 | 64°F | 48°F | 0.03" | -- |
| 2020 | 61°F | 47°F | -- | -- |
| 2019 | 53°F | 41°F | -- | -- |
| 2018 | 71°F | 39°F | -- | -- |
| 2017 | 49°F | 43°F | -- | -- |
| 2016 | 41°F | 36°F | -- | -- |
| 2015 | 69°F | 48°F | -- | -- |
| 2014 | 77°F | 43°F | -- | -- |
| 2013 | 46°F | 37°F | -- | -- |
| 2012 | 59°F | 43°F | -- | -- |
| 2011 | -- | 40°F | -- | -- |
| 2010 | 60°F | 46°F | -- | -- |
| 2009 | 45°F | 38°F | -- | -- |
| 2008 | 41°F | 34°F | 0.41" | -- |
| 2007 | 39°F | 35°F | -- | -- |
| 2006 | 77°F | 64°F | -- | -- |
| 2005 | 55°F | 43°F | 1.55" | -- |
| 2004 | 42°F | 34°F | 0" | -- |
| 2003 | 49°F | 37°F | 0" | -- |
| 2002 | 66°F | 47°F | 0" | -- |
| 2001 | 67°F | 47°F | 0" | -- |
| 2000 | 52°F | 30°F | 0" | -- |
| 1999 | 57°F | 38°F | 0" | -- |
| 1998 | 73°F | 55°F | 0" | -- |
| 1994 | 42°F | 39°F | 3.23" | -- |
| 1993 | 51°F | 37°F | 0" | -- |
| 1992 | 44°F | 35°F | 0" | -- |
| 1991 | 46°F | 40°F | 0.08" | -- |
| 1990 | 44°F | 29°F | 0" | -- |
| 1989 | 51°F | 41°F | 0" | -- |
| 1988 | 50°F | 41°F | 0" | -- |
| 1987 | 60°F | 44°F | 0.61" | -- |
| 1986 | 62°F | 43°F | 0" | -- |
| 1985 | 73°F | 43°F | 0" | -- |
| 1984 | 53°F | 42°F | 0.58" | -- |
| 1983 | 50°F | 36°F | 0" | -- |
| 1982 | 53°F | 35°F | 0" | -- |
| 1981 | 55°F | 43°F | 0.97" | -- |
| 1980 | 48°F | 36°F | 1.12" | -- |
| 1979 | 72°F | 38°F | 3" | -- |
| 1978 | 62°F | 42°F | 0" | -- |
| 1977 | 83°F | 60°F | 0" | -- |
| 1976 | 42°F | 34°F | -- | -- |
| 1975 | 41°F | 32°F | -- | -- |
| 1974 | 72°F | 54°F | -- | -- |
| 1973 | 47°F | 31°F | -- | -- |
| 1972 | 67°F | 41°F | -- | -- |
| 1971 | 85°F | 41°F | 0.08" | -- |
Based on 52 years of data from NOAA station: CHICAGO GRANT PARK
How Has April 12 Changed?
The last decade has been 2.7°F warmer on this date compared to 20-30 years ago.
Monthly Climate Averages
Historical temperature and precipitation averages for Chicago, IL, based on 55+ years of weather data.
Temperatures in Fahrenheit. Precipitation and snowfall in inches.