🇺🇸 Santa Fe vs 🇺🇸 Chicago
Weather Comparison
Current Weather Right Now
🇺🇸
Santa Fe
69°F
Clear Sky
Feels like 66°F
H 72°F / L 66°F
Humidity: 21%
🇺🇸
Chicago
74°F
Few Clouds
Feels like 75°F
H 76°F / L 73°F
Humidity: 74%
Climate Overview
Santa Fe
Santa Fe at 7,199 feet is the highest state capital in the US and has a mountain climate unlike any other southwestern city. Summers are pleasant with afternoon monsoon thunderstorms over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains providing dramatic lightning shows. Winters bring real snow, and the clean dry air at elevation gives Santa Fe its famous quality of light.
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 | 🇺🇸 Santa Fe | 🇺🇸 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 |
Santa Fe vs Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Santa Fe or Chicago have better weather?
Santa Fe and Chicago have very different climates. Santa Fe at 7,199 feet is the highest state capital in the US and has a mountain climate unlike any 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 Santa Fe vs Chicago?
Best time for Santa Fe: spring and fall. Best time for Chicago: May, June, September.