🇺🇸 Boston vs 🇺🇸 Chicago

Weather Comparison

Current Weather Right Now

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Boston

light intensity drizzle

48°F

Light Intensity Drizzle

Feels like 46°F

H 52°F / L 45°F

Humidity: 92%

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Chicago

scattered clouds

47°F

Scattered Clouds

Feels like 44°F

H 50°F / L 45°F

Humidity: 56%

Climate Overview

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Boston

Boston has a classic New England climate — cold snowy winters, warm humid summers, and dramatic seasonal transitions. Nor'easters are the city's most significant weather events, bringing heavy snow and coastal flooding. The harbor and Boston Harbor islands create coastal microclimates.

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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🇺🇸 Boston🇺🇸 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

Boston vs Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Boston or Chicago have better weather?

Boston and Chicago have very different climates. Boston has a classic New England climate — cold snowy winters, warm humid summers, and dramatic seas 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 Boston vs Chicago?

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

More Comparisons

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