🇺🇸 Chicago vs 🇺🇸 Key West
Weather Comparison
Current Weather Right Now
🇺🇸
Chicago
50°F
Few Clouds
Feels like 44°F
H 51°F / L 48°F
Humidity: 47%
🇺🇸
Key West
82°F
Scattered Clouds
Feels like 86°F
H 82°F / L 81°F
Humidity: 65%
Climate Overview
Chicago
Humid continental — cold harsh winters, hot humid summers, severe storms
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.
Key West
Key West at America's southernmost point has a true tropical climate — the only place in the continental US where it genuinely never gets cold. Surrounded by water on all sides, temperatures are moderated dramatically with winters in the 70s and summers rarely above 92°F. Hurricane risk is severe, and the Florida Straits can generate massive swells.
Seasonal Comparison
| Season | 🇺🇸 Chicago | 🇺🇸 Key West |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 35–65°F March–May | — |
| Summer | 70–84°F June–August | — |
| Fall | 45–68°F September–November | — |
| Winter | 17–32°F December–February | — |
Chicago vs Key West: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chicago or Key West have better weather?
Chicago and Key West have very different climates. Humid continental — cold harsh winters, hot humid summers, severe storms Key West: Key West at America's southernmost point has a true tropical climate — the only place in the contine. The best city depends on your preferred season and temperature range.
When is the best time to visit Chicago vs Key West?
Best time for Chicago: May, June, September. Best time for Key West: spring and fall.