🇺🇸 Chicago vs 🇺🇸 Seattle
Weather Comparison
Current Weather Right Now
🇺🇸
Chicago
50°F
Few Clouds
Feels like 44°F
H 51°F / L 48°F
Humidity: 47%
🇺🇸
Seattle
57°F
Clear Sky
Feels like 56°F
H 60°F / L 54°F
Humidity: 71%
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.
Seattle
Seattle's climate is defined by the Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains to the west, and the Cascades to the east. The rain shadow effect of the Olympics makes Seattle significantly drier than the Washington coast. Summers are glorious (July averages less rainfall than Miami); winters are grey and drizzly but rarely brutal.
Seasonal Comparison
| Season | 🇺🇸 Chicago | 🇺🇸 Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Seattle: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chicago or Seattle have better weather?
Chicago and Seattle have very different climates. Humid continental — cold harsh winters, hot humid summers, severe storms Seattle: Seattle's climate is defined by the Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains to the west, and the Cascades. The best city depends on your preferred season and temperature range.
When is the best time to visit Chicago vs Seattle?
Best time for Chicago: May, June, September. Best time for Seattle: spring and fall.