United States, North America

Chicago in January

The cheapest and coldest month. Museums and theater are quiet, but outdoor Chicago is effectively off the table.

Think twiceFrigid, highs near 32F (0C), subzero wind chills possible

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

The straight answer

January is a month to think twice about visiting Chicago. The cheapest and coldest month. Museums and theater are quiet, but outdoor Chicago is effectively off the table.

Weather: Frigid, highs near 32F (0C), subzero wind chills possible
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What January is like in Chicago

January is Chicago at its coldest. Highs sit near 32F (0C), and on the worst days the wind off the lake pushes wind chills below zero. Days are short and often gray. The upside is real: hotel rates hit their lowest point of the year, and the big museums, theater, and restaurants run full schedules with room to spare.

This month suits museum lovers, theater fans, and budget travelers who do not mind dressing for real winter. It is a hard sell for families who want to be outside, since the lakefront, river tours, and beaches are off the table. If you want Chicago at its best, aim for June or September instead.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Chicago this month.

Museums without the lines

The Art Institute, the Field Museum, and the Museum of Science and Industry are at their quietest. You can see SUE the T. rex without a crowd around her.

The year's lowest hotel rates

Downtown hotels that cost a fortune in July drop to their floor. It is the month to splurge on a room with a lake view.

Theater and warm dinners

Chicago's theater scene and restaurants carry the city through winter. A deep dish dinner after a show is the right way to spend a cold night.

What to pack for January

A long insulated parka that covers your hips
Warm gloves, a hat that covers your ears, and a scarf
Waterproof boots with good grip for icy sidewalks
Thermal base layers for walking between stops

Our timing tip

Plan indoor days around the L and walkways, and check the forecast for cold snaps so you save the Bean and the river walk for the mildest afternoon of your stay.

Book Chicago for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Chicago
Opens a hotel search for Chicago in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
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 January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Chicago?

January is a month to think twice about visiting Chicago. The cheapest and coldest month. Museums and theater are quiet, but outdoor Chicago is effectively off the table.

What is the weather like in Chicago in January?

Frigid, highs near 32F (0C), subzero wind chills possible.

Is Chicago crowded in January?

January is one of the quieter months in Chicago; most sights can be done without long waits.