🇺🇸 Columbia vs 🇺🇸 Chicago
Weather Comparison
Current Weather Right Now
🇺🇸
Columbia
75°F
Light Rain
Feels like 76°F
H 79°F / L 72°F
Humidity: 73%
🇺🇸
Chicago
47°F
Scattered Clouds
Feels like 44°F
H 50°F / L 45°F
Humidity: 56%
Climate Overview
Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina's capital, has one of the hottest climates of any state capital. Inland at 200 feet, away from both ocean and mountains, it sees the full heat of a southeastern summer with temperatures regularly in the high 90s°F and heat index over 105°F. The city sits between the Midlands and low country with Fort Jackson and the University of South Carolina.
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.
Seasonal Comparison
| Season | 🇺🇸 Columbia | 🇺🇸 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 |
Columbia vs Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Columbia or Chicago have better weather?
Columbia and Chicago have very different climates. Columbia, South Carolina's capital, has one of the hottest climates of any state capital. Inland at 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 Columbia vs Chicago?
Best time for Columbia: spring and fall. Best time for Chicago: May, June, September.