Chicago, IL All-Time Weather Extremes
The most extreme temperature, precipitation, and snowfall ever recorded in Chicago, from NOAA daily weather observations.
| Temperature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Record High | 107°F (42°C) | June 1, 1934 |
| Record Low | -25°F (-32°C) | January 20, 1985 |
| Lowest High | -11°F (-24°C) | January 18, 1994 |
| Highest Low | 84°F (29°C) | July 14, 1995 and July 30, 1999 |
| Highest Mean | 94°F (34°C) | July 30, 1999 |
| Lowest Mean | -15.5°F (-26°C) | January 18, 1994 and January 30, 2019 |
| Precipitation | ||
| Max in One Calendar Day | 6.16" (156.5 mm) | July 12, 1957 |
| Max in One Month | 14.17" (359.9 mm) | September 1961 |
| Least in One Month | 0.01" (0.3 mm) | September 1979 |
| Max in One Year | 53.93" (1369.8 mm) | 2019 |
| Least in One Year | 22.25" (565.1 mm) | 1962 |
| Snowfall | ||
| Max in One Calendar Day | 17.6" (44.7 cm) | January 2, 1999 |
| Max in One Month | 41.3" (104.9 cm) | December 2000 |
| Max in One Season | 89.8" (228.1 cm) | 1978-79 |
| Max in One Year | 95.4" (242.3 cm) | 1978 |
| Earliest Snow | 0.2" (0.5 cm) | October 8, 2000 |
| Earliest Measurable Snow | 0.2" (0.5 cm) | October 8, 2000 |
| Latest Snow | 0.2" (0.5 cm) | May 11, 1966 |
| Latest Measurable Snow | 0.2" (0.5 cm) | May 11, 1966 |
| Period of Record | ||
| Temperature | February 29, 1928 – August 2, 2026 | |
| Precipitation | February 29, 1928 – August 2, 2026 | |
| Snowfall | February 29, 1928 – August 2, 2026 | |
Note: Records compiled from NOAA GHCN-Daily observations at CHICAGO MIDWAY AP 3SW (13 mi from Chicago, IL). Quality-flagged readings are excluded. Monthly and annual totals require substantially complete reporting for “least” records.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hottest temperature ever recorded in Chicago, IL?
The all-time record high in Chicago, IL is 107°F (42°C), set on June 1, 1934.
What is the coldest temperature ever recorded in Chicago, IL?
The all-time record low in Chicago, IL is -25°F (-32°C), set on January 20, 1985.
What is the most rain Chicago, IL has ever had in one day?
The most precipitation recorded in one calendar day near Chicago, IL is 6.16 inches, on July 12, 1957.
What is the biggest snowfall ever recorded in Chicago, IL?
The most snow recorded in one calendar day near Chicago, IL is 17.6 inches, on January 2, 1999.
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