January weather forecastChicago, IL
January
Weather in January
The beginning of the year brings brisk conditions to Chicago, Illinois, with an increased chance of snowfall. Marked by chilly days, this month is the epitome of a Midwestern winter, promising a snowy, frosted landscape. Visitors and locals see a noticeable drop in temperatures from December. January experiences snowfall for approximately 10.6 days with a total of 3.39" (86mm), providing a winter wonderland setting. Embrace the chilly winds and enjoy the seasonal activities like ice skating and festive markets.Temperature
Chicago witnesses the coldest weather in January, with temperatures averaging a high of 29.7°F (-1.3°C) and a low of 20.7°F (-6.3°C).Humidity
January is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 82%.Rainfall
In Chicago, in January, it is raining for 6.6 days, with typically 1.77" (45mm) of accumulated precipitation. In Chicago, during the entire year, the rain falls for 160.2 days and collects up to 36.97" (939mm) of precipitation.Snowfall
Months with snowfall are January through May, November and December. In January, it is snowing for 10.6 days. Throughout January, 3.39" (86mm) of snow is accumulated. In Chicago, during the entire year, snow falls for 40.9 days and aggregates up to 13.9" (353mm) of snow.Ocean temperature
In Chicago, the average seawater temperature in January is 39°F (3.9°C).Note: During swimming, this circumstance is both life-threatening and incredibly perilous. The intense cold sensation provokes rapid hyperventilation. The use of a specialized swimsuit is imperative to prevent thermal injuries.
Daylight
The average length of the day in January is 9h and 33min.On the first day of January in Chicago, sunrise is at 7:18 am and sunset at 4:29 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:04 am and sunset at 5:03 pm CST.
Sunshine
January has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 3.7h of sunshine.UV index
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a low threat to health from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for the ordinary person.Note: An average maximum UV index of 1 in January leads to these recommendations:
Prolonged exposure to sunlight rarely troubles the majority, but constant protection is vital for babies, children, and fair-skinned people. Solar radiation peaks around mid-day, so it's wise to limit exposure to the Sun at this time. A wide-brimmed hat is a shield, deflecting up to 50% of harmful UV radiation from eyes. Be advised! The UV radiation from the Sun can be almost doubled due to the reflective properties of snow.
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
Average temperature in January
Chicago, IL
- Average high temperature in January: 29.7°F
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (77.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (29.7°F).
- Average low temperature in January: 20.7°F
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (67.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (20.7°F).
Average pressure in January
Chicago, IL
- Average pressure in January: 30.11"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.11"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.92"Hg).
Average wind speed in January
Chicago, IL
- Average wind speed in January: 12.5mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (12.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.7mph).
Average humidity in January
Chicago, IL
- Average humidity in January: 82%
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (82%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (73%).
Average rainfall in January
Chicago, IL
- Average rainfall in January: 1.77"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (4.88").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is December (1.65").
Average rainfall days in January
Chicago, IL
- Average rainfall days in January: 6.6 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (18.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (5.5 days).
Average snowfall in January
Chicago, IL
- Average snowfall in January: 3.39"
The month with the highest snowfall is February (3.54").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August, September and October (0").
Average snowfall days in January
Chicago, IL
- Average snowfall days in January: 10.6 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (10.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average sea temperature in January
Chicago, IL
- Average sea temperature in January: 39°F
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (73.9°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (36.9°F).
Average daylight in January /
Average sunshine in January
Chicago, IL
- Average daylight in January: 9h and 30min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).
- Average sunshine in January: 3h and 42min
The months with the most sunshine are July and August (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 42min).
Average sunshine days in January
Chicago, IL
- Average sunshine days in January: 13.6 days
The month with the most sunshine days is December (15.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (9.3 days).
Average UV index in January
Chicago, IL
- Average UV index in January: 1
The months with the highest UV index are July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover in January
Chicago, IL
- Average cloud cover in January: 62
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 62).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 27).
Average visibility in January
Chicago, IL
- Average visibility in January: 6mi
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
