🇺🇸 Houston vs 🇺🇸 Chicago

Weather Comparison

Current Weather Right Now

🇺🇸

Houston

broken clouds

79°F

Broken Clouds

Feels like 79°F

H 81°F / L 78°F

Humidity: 76%

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Chicago

light rain

69°F

Light Rain

Feels like 70°F

H 70°F / L 68°F

Humidity: 86%

Climate Overview

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Houston

Houston has one of America's most challenging urban climates — extremely hot and humid summers with frequent flooding from Gulf of Mexico moisture, mild winters, and significant hurricane vulnerability. The city sits in a flat coastal plain with no geographic relief from heat or storms.

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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🇺🇸 Houston🇺🇸 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

Houston vs Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Houston or Chicago have better weather?

Houston and Chicago have very different climates. Houston has one of America's most challenging urban climates — extremely hot and humid summers with 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 Houston vs Chicago?

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

More Comparisons

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