Newcomers to Chicago may be taken aback by the city's extreme climate. There are four distinct seasons, each characterised by specific conditions.
September brings mild, crisp weather as autumn approaches. Winter, from late November to early March, is marked by heavy snowfall, including blizzards. It's not uncommon for the temperature to hover at 32°F (0°C) for days on end. During extremely cold periods, the temperature can drop to -4°F (-20°C) or lower.
Chicago’s spring is from mid-March to May with a gradual shift from cold to warm conditions throughout the season. June heralds the start of summer, which is typically hot, sunny, humid and prone to evening thunderstorms. Summer temperatures range between 73 and 82°F (23 and 28°C).