United States, North America

Chicago in August

Lollapalooza often spills into early August, and the Air and Water Show brings huge lakefront crowds. Lake is at its warmest.

GoodWarm, highs near 82F (28C), thunderstorms

Chicago skyline, United States — ChicagoPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

August is a good month to visit Chicago. Lollapalooza often spills into early August, and the Air and Water Show brings huge lakefront crowds. Lake is at its warmest.

Weather: Warm, highs near 82F (28C), thunderstorms
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What August is like in Chicago

August stays warm and busy. Highs near 82F (28C), humid days, and a mix of sun and thunderstorms. The lake is at its warmest all year, which makes this the best month for swimming. Crowds and prices remain at their peak, with Lollapalooza sometimes spilling into early August and the Air and Water Show drawing huge crowds.

This month suits beach lovers and families who want easy summer days and kid-friendly museums. Expect lines and plan ahead. If you can shift to September, you get nearly the same weather and a warm lake with far fewer people.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Chicago this month.

The warmest lake of the year

The water at North Avenue and Oak Street beaches is as warm as it gets, and calmer too. It is the best month for a swim with kids.

Chicago Air and Water Show

One weekend in August, free air shows roar over the lakefront. North Avenue Beach has the best view, so arrive very early.

Jazz Festival kickoff

The Chicago Jazz Festival runs around Labor Day weekend, so late August trips can catch the start. Shows in Millennium Park are free.

What to pack for August

A swimsuit, towel, and beach sandals
Light, breathable clothes
A small umbrella or rain shell for thunderstorms
Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat

Our timing tip

If you do not want Air and Water Show crowds, check that weekend's date and plan your beach day for another day, since the lakefront and trains get packed.

Book Chicago for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Chicago
Opens a hotel search for Chicago in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Chicago
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Chicago
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Chicago for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Lollapalooza

Late July or early August, four days

Grant Park takes over downtown. Hotel rates jump across the Loop.

Chicago Air and Water Show

A weekend in August

Free air shows over the lakefront, best seen from North Avenue Beach. Very crowded.

Chicago Jazz Festival

Around Labor Day weekend

Free jazz in Millennium Park and around the city.

Things to do in Chicago

Full guide

Chicago Architecture Center river cruise

Runs roughly spring through fall. The first and last departures of the day are the most comfortable in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Art Institute of Chicago

One of the great museums anywhere. Go at opening and head straight to the Impressionists before the crowds.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Millennium Park

Cloud Gate (the Bean), Crown Fountain, and free summer concerts at the Pritzker Pavilion. Early morning for photos.

Tickets and tours →

Field Museum

Home of SUE, one of the most complete T. rex skeletons ever found. Plan at least half a day.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Museum of Science and Industry

A real U-boat, a coal mine, and a huge model railroad. Best on weekdays outside school field trip season.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Wrigley Field

A Cubs day game in summer is the classic Chicago afternoon. Tour days run when the team is away.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Check the convention calendar at McCormick Place. Big shows can double hotel rates for a week.
Buy museum tickets online and arrive at opening. The Field, Shedd, and MSI fill fast on summer weekends and during school breaks.
Stay in a neighborhood like Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, or the West Loop and ride the L downtown. Rates are often better than the Loop and River North.
September gives you summer weather with far fewer visitors. It is the best-value warm month.

Know before you go

Architecture boat tours and many river cruises run roughly spring through fall and pause in winter.
Beaches are officially open with lifeguards from about Memorial Day to Labor Day. Outside that window, swimming is not supervised.
Winter never shuts the city down. Museums, theater, and restaurants run full schedules, and the L keeps moving in all but the worst storms.
Wrigley Field and Sox park tours depend on the baseball schedule; check game days before you plan.

Chicago in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Chicago?

August is a good month to visit Chicago. Lollapalooza often spills into early August, and the Air and Water Show brings huge lakefront crowds. Lake is at its warmest.

What is the weather like in Chicago in August?

Warm, highs near 82F (28C), thunderstorms.

Is Chicago crowded in August?

August is peak crowd season in Chicago; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Chicago in August?

Lollapalooza (late july or early august, four days); Chicago Air and Water Show (a weekend in august); Chicago Jazz Festival (around labor day weekend).