What is the weather like for early November in Chicago?

Question

I am travelling to Chicago early next month (November) and have never been up north during this time of year. What is the weather like? What type of clothing do I need to pack?

Answer 1

I lived in Chicago for 4 years in the 1990s, and the first real dark, snowy evenings with cold wind tended to be in early November.

It used to be, the cold clamped down right before Election Day, like a big claw. This was the cold that was going to stay till like, April. How cold is "cold" -- well, I seem to recall the lows could tend to start dropping into the 20s around that time or maybe the teens at the worst. I think it didn't usually get HORRIBLY cold (single digits) till the end of November or so. Of course who knows what it will do now -- last year I understand the lake did not even freeze -- which seems so weird to me....but anyway.

* I don't think you need to bring a really bulky heavy coat unless you want to do that (it's great looking or something).

* If you layer up you can get away with a jacket that's not heavy but has a very good thermal lining. I mean, however, you need a jacket that you trust to keep you tolerably warm if it drops to like 20 degrees. And you'll need a nice thick warm sweater as one of the other layers. You might want to bring a thinner sweater, too, so if necessary you can layer it all up.

* You totally need gloves!! always!! they help make the difference between OK and miserable. A warm scarf or muffler is good too.

* You need proper warm shoes and warm socks. Cold feet will make you miserable. Bring some nice looking shoes in case it's not cold after all -- But if it's very cold you want boots with a sole that will insulate your feet from the horrible cold of the pavement (like a nice thick crepe rubber sole)

* Long thermal underwear also can help make the difference between OK and miserable. It will keep you warmer with fewer layers. Silk-knit long thermal underwear is an excellent thing. Lots of companies sell it online and it's not very expensive. If you're vain they also even have cute silk long thermal underwear, like, with tank tops that don't look silly and actually are cute. You can often buy silk thermal undersocks at the same places. The socks help a lot.

* It has to get exceptionally cold before I will wear a hat -- but they really do help....

*If you successfully layer up, you can go on one of my favorite things which is the Early Skyscraper Walking Tour offered by the Chicago Architecture Foundation!!! Really cool -- there was this explosion of architectural creativity after the 1871 Chicago Fire -- for the first time ever there was the engineering to build something other than a cathedral higher than a few stories tall and to put elevators in all these newly tall buildings--- And nobody had ever figured out what such a tall building should look like!
So you had lots of amazing architects experimenting with this new form, in the 1890s, 1900s, 1910s etc. It's a great walking tour and a great way to see the city. Stay warm & have fun.

Answer 2

Chicago Weather In November

Answer 3

Early November in "the Windy City" would leave you thinking windy and not summer like. They can still have warmer weather but it's rare. After the first "killing frost" you can expect a couple days of warmer temps called Indian Summer. Up here, in Central Wisconsin, I usually compare temps around the surrounding metro areas(Minneapolis, Chicago, Des Moines and Detroit). A lot of factors plays a part. Chicago has the Lake Michigan to keep them a little warmer, but when the precip. comes it is heavvier than ours...Lake Effect. I would dress with modest fall clothes. No need for the long johns, as of yet, or fur lined boots. Long sleeves, sport jacket and pants with good walking shoes. Leather coat will keep the winds of Chicago at bay and will always be stylish. Pack some matching gloves to keep the bare skin protected. Then you should be set for the the Land of Lincoln. Bring your camera. Lots to see and do. The food in Chicago is some of the best in the world. Happy traveling. P.S. Maybe bring an umbrella, just in case?

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is the weather like for early November in Chicago?
I am travelling to Chicago early next month (November) and have never been up north during this time of year. What is the weather like? What type of clothing do I need to pack?

Answer 5

It might snow in November. Expect cold and windy days probably 40's for a high. Go to wgn and look at Tom Skillings weather area there also he is in the Chicago Tribune.

Answer 6

Bring a fleece or jacket with a lining. Normal temperatures have hovered around 44 degrees during the day and high 30's at night. We have already dropped below 32 degrees several times, but yesterday it got to 71 (not the norm)! Prepare to layer--a turtleneck, cotton sweater, etc. We have had a lot of rain and wind which makes it feel colder. Check out www.weatherbug for weather predictions before you leave.

Answer 7

In Chicago clothing all depends on the time of year you travel. In July and August, it is extremely hot and humid so dress with light colors, loose clothing, and lightweight fabrics. During December through February, count on cold temperatures. Hat, heavy coat, warm gloves, and boots. It's always a good idea to travel with a plastic poncho that folds into a tiny pouch. This website might also help!!!!!

Answer 8

weather early november chicago

Answer 9

I've lived in this region my whole life. I suggest wear layers. It could be anywhere from 30 to 60 degrees.

The joke from this area: "If you don't like the weather here, wait 5 minutes."

There is so much truth to this! I'd look at weather.com right before you get ready to pack seeing the weather can fluctuate drastically.

Answer 10

Windy and cold.
I say cold cause it sounds like you're living in the south. Bring long sleeve shirts, long pants and remember to layer your clothing. I enjoy Chi town, it is a fun city.