🇺🇸 Salt Lake City vs 🇺🇸 Chicago

Weather Comparison

Current Weather Right Now

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Salt Lake City

broken clouds

67°F

Broken Clouds

Feels like 65°F

H 70°F / L 64°F

Humidity: 32%

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Chicago

few clouds

53°F

Few Clouds

Feels like 50°F

H 55°F / L 52°F

Humidity: 40%

Climate Overview

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Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains has a unique desert climate modified by Great Salt Lake and the mountain barrier. 'Greatest Snow on Earth' ski resorts are 30 minutes away in the Wasatch canyons. Winter inversions trap pollution in the valley creating notorious air quality issues. The lake has been dramatically shrinking due to drought.

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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🇺🇸 Salt Lake City🇺🇸 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

Salt Lake City vs Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Salt Lake City or Chicago have better weather?

Salt Lake City and Chicago have very different climates. Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains has a unique desert climate modified by Great Sa 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 Salt Lake City vs Chicago?

Best time for Salt Lake City: spring and fall. Best time for Chicago: May, June, September.

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