🇺🇸 Seattle vs 🇺🇸 Chicago
Weather Comparison
Current Weather Right Now
🇺🇸
Seattle
42°F
Overcast Clouds
Feels like 35°F
H 44°F / L 41°F
Humidity: 89%
🇺🇸
Chicago
40°F
Mist
Feels like 33°F
H 43°F / L 38°F
Humidity: 95%
Climate Overview
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.
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 | 🇺🇸 Seattle | 🇺🇸 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 |
Seattle vs Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Seattle or Chicago have better weather?
Seattle and Chicago have very different climates. Seattle's climate is defined by the Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains to the west, and the Cascades 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 Seattle vs Chicago?
Best time for Seattle: spring and fall. Best time for Chicago: May, June, September.