🇺🇸 Ann Arbor vs 🇺🇸 Chicago

Weather Comparison

Current Weather Right Now

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Ann Arbor

overcast clouds

39°F

Overcast Clouds

Feels like 28°F

H 41°F / L 37°F

Humidity: 69%

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Chicago

broken clouds

43°F

Broken Clouds

Feels like 38°F

H 45°F / L 41°F

Humidity: 60%

Climate Overview

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Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan and has a full humid continental climate west of Detroit. Less lake-influenced than Grand Rapids, the city sees more extreme temperature swings. The Huron River provides some cooling through the city while Michigan Stadium (largest in the US) creates its own weather microclimate during games.

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Chicago

Humid continental — cold harsh winters, hot humid summers, severe storms

Best monthsMay, June, September
AvoidJanuary, February, March (brutal cold)
Annual rain38 inches (965 mm)

Chicago lives up to its Windy City nickname. Lake Michigan creates its own microclimate — cooler summers and heavier lake-effect snow in winter. Summers are warm but brief; winters are among the harshest of any major American city.

Seasonal Comparison

Season🇺🇸 Ann Arbor🇺🇸 Chicago
Spring

35–65°F

March–May

Summer

70–84°F

June–August

Fall

45–68°F

September–November

Winter

17–32°F

December–February

Ann Arbor vs Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ann Arbor or Chicago have better weather?

Ann Arbor and Chicago have very different climates. Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan and has a full humid continental climate west of Det Chicago: Humid continental — cold harsh winters, hot humid summers, severe storms. The best city depends on your preferred season and temperature range.

When is the best time to visit Ann Arbor vs Chicago?

Best time for Ann Arbor: spring and fall. Best time for Chicago: May, June, September.

More Comparisons

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