Chicago · April
Run in the midday.
Cool month: average high 53°F, low 39°F. Expect 16 rain days — plan around the radar. Cold mornings warm into runnable midday hours — the windows around noon catch the warmest temperatures.
Avg high / low
53° / 39°F
Humidity
73%
Rain days
16/mo
Wind
17 mph
What April feels like in Chicago
Sunrise
06:09
Mid-month average
Sunset
19:31
Mid-month average
Time-of-day breakdown
Morning
Coolest, driest air of the day. The window before sunrise is the most reliable comfortable hour.
Midday
Mild but UV and traffic peak. Workable if you don't mind shifting your pace.
Evening
Warm and runnable. Crowded routes but the air's typically calm.
What to wear running in Chicago in April
The kit for April in Chicago: a long-sleeve or light jacket for the first mile, a wind-blocking layer for exposed routes, a water-resistant cap or jacket on standby.
April vs the surrounding months
vs March
+10° avg high
+1 rain days
Chicago in March →
April
53°F avg high
16 rain days
Best: midday
vs May
-11° avg high
0 rain days
Chicago in May →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Chicago in April?+
Midday. Cold mornings warm into runnable midday hours — the windows around noon catch the warmest temperatures.
What's the average temperature in Chicago in April?+
Average high 53°F, average low 39°F.
How does April compare to surrounding months in Chicago?+
Compared to March (avg high 43°F), April is warmer. Compared to May (avg high 65°F), April is cooler.
Does it rain often in Chicago in April?+
Expect about 16 measurable rain days in April, on average.