🇺🇸 Cambridge vs 🇺🇸 Chicago

Weather Comparison

Current Weather Right Now

🇺🇸

Cambridge

light intensity drizzle

49°F

Light Intensity Drizzle

Feels like 47°F

H 52°F / L 47°F

Humidity: 92%

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Chicago

few clouds

50°F

Few Clouds

Feels like 44°F

H 51°F / L 48°F

Humidity: 47%

Climate Overview

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Cambridge

Cambridge across the Charles River from Boston is home to Harvard and MIT. The city's climate is closely tied to Boston's — marine influence from the harbor moderates extremes while nor'easters bring heavy snow. The Charles River provides a weather corridor and urban heat island effects are present but moderated by Cambridge's significant green spaces.

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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🇺🇸 Cambridge🇺🇸 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

Cambridge vs Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cambridge or Chicago have better weather?

Cambridge and Chicago have very different climates. Cambridge across the Charles River from Boston is home to Harvard and MIT. The city's climate is clo 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 Cambridge vs Chicago?

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

More Comparisons

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