Chicago in January

Deep winter, empty museums

The short answer

January is a below-average month in Chicago.

Lowest hotel rates of the year and the Art Institute practically to yourself.

4/10 overall1–5°CVery Low crowds€€

Weather3/10

Crowds9/10

Prices9/10

Events2/10

January in detail

What January actually feels like

Weather: 1–5°C; Freezing days, bitter wind and occasional snow make January Chicago’s harshest month.
Crowds: Very Low; Visitor numbers are at their lowest, with museums, galleries and major attractions unusually quiet.
Prices: €€; Lowest hotel rates of the year, with excellent availability.

+Lowest hotel rates of the year and the Art Institute practically to yourself.

–Brutally cold, short days, lake-effect wind makes it feel worse than the thermometer says.

My tip for January

Pack for serious cold and use the L as much as possible between indoor stops.

How January compares

10th of 12 overall in Chicago, 11th for weather, 1st for space, 1st for value. It is the emptiest month of the year; and it's also the best value.

Not set on January?

Chicago’s best weather window — warm days, cool evenings, rooftops back in full swing.

Warm, dry, comfortable days with noticeably thinner crowds and softer rates than midsummer.

Book early and plan around the busiest hours — brutally cold, short days, lake-effect wind makes it feel worse than the thermometer says.

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