Chicago · January
Run in the midday.
Cold: average high 31°F, low 19°F. Layering becomes the workout. Humidity averages 76% — the limiting factor on most runs. Subfreezing mornings mean midday is the only reliably runnable window. Layer up and watch for wind chill.
Avg high / low
31° / 19°F
Humidity
76%
Rain days
15/mo
Wind
16 mph
What January feels like in Chicago
Sunrise
08:13
Mid-month average
Sunset
17:46
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
Often the warmest few hours of a cold day. If you can only run once, midday gives you the most temperate window.
Evening
Cold drops back in fast after sunset. Tight window — done before headlamp territory.
What to wear running in Chicago in January
The kit for January in Chicago: cold-weather layers, gloves, and ear coverage on most mornings, a wind-blocking layer for exposed routes, a water-resistant cap or jacket on standby.
January vs the surrounding months
vs December
-8° avg high
+3 rain days
Chicago in December →
January
31°F avg high
15 rain days
Best: midday
vs February
-2° avg high
+3 rain days
Chicago in February →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Chicago in January?+
Midday. Subfreezing mornings mean midday is the only reliably runnable window. Layer up and watch for wind chill.
What's the average temperature in Chicago in January?+
Average high 31°F, average low 19°F.
How does January compare to surrounding months in Chicago?+
Compared to December (avg high 39°F), January is cooler. Compared to February (avg high 33°F), January is cooler.
Does it rain often in Chicago in January?+
Expect about 15 measurable rain days in January, on average.