December weather forecast
Illinois, USA

December heralds the official commencement of winter in Illinois, bringing along colder temperatures, shorter days, and often, a blanket of snow. The northern parts of the state, bordering Wisconsin, experience daytime temperatures that range from the low to mid-30s°F. The southern regions, near Kentucky, though slightly warmer, still feel the chill with temperatures fluctuating in the upper 30s°F to low 40s°F.

Chicago, the state's iconic metropolis, is imbued with a wintry ambiance. The city's skyscrapers and streets often get adorned with festive lights, and the shimmering Lake Michigan, with its icy breezes, accentuates the seasonal cold. Outdoor skating rinks and holiday markets become city hotspots, drawing residents and tourists alike.

Nights in December are especially chilly, with temperatures typically settling between the upper 10s°F to mid-20s°F. This drop in temperature, paired with diminishing daylight, unequivocally marks the heart of the winter season.

When contrasted with November, December's colder grasp is evident. Precipitation in the form of snow becomes more commonplace, especially in the northern regions. Snowfall can vary, but the ground frequently finds itself blanketed, providing a wintry backdrop for the holiday festivities. As December reaches its conclusion, Illinois is firmly nestled in winter's embrace, awaiting the new year and the continuation of the season's chill.

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• Chicago - December »
  The month with the least rainfall in Chicago is December, when the rain falls for 8.8 days and typically collects 1.65" (42mm) of precipitation. The month with the least rainfall in Chicago is December, when the rain falls for 8.8 days and typically collects 1.65" (42mm) of precipitation.
• Aurora - December »
  In Aurora, in December, snow falls for 6.4 days, with typically accumulated 0.55" (14mm) of snow. In Aurora, in December, during 6 rainfall days, 0.59" (15mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Rockford - December »
  December in Rockford, the final month of the year, characteristically sees a decrease in temperatures, an increase in snowfall, and the shortest daylight hours. In Rockford during December, snow falls for 10.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 2.68" (68mm) of snow.
• Joliet - December »
  The month with the shortest days in Joliet is December, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight. In Joliet, during December, snow falls for 8 days and regularly aggregates up to 2.4" (61mm) of snow.
• Naperville - December »
  The month with the least rainfall in Naperville is December, when the rain falls for 6.4 days and typically collects 0.71" (18mm) of precipitation. In Naperville in December, it is raining for 6.4 days, with typically 0.71" (18mm) of accumulated precipitation.
• Springfield - December »
  In Springfield in December, snow falls for 5.4 days, with typically accumulated 0.98" (25mm) of snow. In Springfield in December, it is raining for 7.1 days, with typically 1.18" (30mm) of accumulated precipitation.
• Peoria - December »
  In Peoria in December, during 5.9 snowfall days, 1.18" (30mm) of snow is typically accumulated. In Peoria in December, it is raining for 6.2 days, with typically 0.87" (22mm) of accumulated precipitation.
• Elgin - December »
  In Elgin, during December, the rain falls for 8.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.1" (28mm) of precipitation. In December, in Elgin it is snowing for 10.5 days.
• Waukegan - December »
  December has the shortest days of the year in Waukegan with an average of 9h and 6min of daylight. December has the shortest days of the year in Waukegan with an average of 9h and 6min of daylight.
• Champaign - December »
  In Champaign during December, snow falls for 5.9 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.1" (28mm) of snow. In Champaign during December, the rain falls for 7 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.98" (25mm) of precipitation.
• Cicero - December »
  The month with the least rainfall in Cicero is December, when the rain falls for 6 days and typically collects 0.47" (12mm) of precipitation. In Cicero, in December, snow falls for 7.5 days, with typically accumulated 0.43" (11mm) of snow.
• Bloomington - December »
  In Bloomington, during December, snow falls for 8 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.65" (42mm) of snow. In Bloomington, in December, during 8 snowfall days, 1.65" (42mm) of snow is typically accumulated.