Chicago
WinterOff season ~29°F highs
Things to do in Chicago in January
January is off season (quieter, and often cheaper) to visit Chicago, with average highs around 29°F. Museums and indoor sights come into their own, with fewer crowds outside.
Best picks for January
What's famous here, weighted toward what shines in January.
Holidays in January 2027
- New Year's Day · Fri, Jan 1
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day · Mon, Jan 18
Expect busier roads and pricier stays around these dates. See long weekends.
Chicago in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Chicago?
January is off season (quieter, and often cheaper) to visit Chicago, with average highs around 29°F. Museums and indoor sights come into their own, with fewer crowds outside.
What is the weather like in Chicago in January?
Average daytime highs are around 29°F, compared with 83°F in the warmest month. Check the forecast a week out; our planner favors indoor stops on rainy days.
What are the best things to do in Chicago in January?
Top picks for January: The Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Chess Studio, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum.
