EVELYSS / Guides / Travel & Everyday

What to Wear in Chicago in December (Wind, Snow and Warm Restaurants)

“In Chicago the wind decides what you wear. A beautiful wool coat that lets the breeze through is just decoration by the river, so start with what stops the wind, then make it elegant.”Her take

What is Chicago weather like in December?

December in Chicago is properly cold. At O'Hare, the official 1991–2020 normals are a high of about 37 °F and a low of about 24 °F, and cold snaps can push it much lower. The month averages around 7 to 8 inches of snow spread over roughly six snowy days, and it often turns to slush at crosswalks.

The real factor is wind, especially near the lake, along the river and between tall buildings downtown, where it funnels. It can make a 30-degree day feel far colder. Indoors, on the other hand, restaurants, museums and shops are well heated.

The coat: windproof first, then warm

Bring the warmest coat you own, and check that it blocks wind. A long insulated parka or puffer with a hood is the most practical; a long, dense wool coat works on milder days if you add a hat and scarf. Look for a coat that reaches at least mid-thigh, with a high collar and cuffs that close around the wrist.

If you only want one coat, choose a knee-length puffer in black, navy, camel or charcoal. It goes from the Riverwalk to dinner.

Layers underneath

Because indoors is warm, you'll be opening and removing your coat constantly. Under it, wear a thin thermal or merino layer and a sweater or cardigan, rather than one very thick knit you'll overheat in at a museum.

For bottoms, jeans or trousers with thin thermal leggings underneath are warm on the street and comfortable inside. Lined jeans work well for long sightseeing days.

Boots for snow, slush and salt

Waterproof boots with a grippy rubber sole are essential; smooth soles are slippery on icy sidewalks and train platforms. Insulated boots are best for long days outside, and a few inches of shaft keeps slush out at crosswalks.

Sidewalks are salted, which leaves white marks on leather and suede. Choose treated or rubber-soled boots for the street, and wipe them with a damp cloth each evening. Pack wool socks; cotton gets cold and damp.

Hat, scarf and gloves: don't skip them

A hat that covers your ears is not optional in the wind. A beanie, fleece-lined headband or the hood of your coat all work. A large scarf you can pull over your chin and nose makes a big difference by the lake.

Lined gloves or mittens, ideally with touchscreen fingertips, are the last piece. Mittens are generally warmer than gloves for very cold days.

What to wear out to dinner or a show

Chicago dresses smart-casual for most restaurants and theaters. A sweater dress with opaque tights and ankle boots, or a silk blouse with wool trousers and loafers, works well under your coat. Restaurants are warm, so skip the heaviest knit.

Pack a pair of indoor shoes in a tote if you'd rather not wear snow boots all evening, and change at the coat check.

A 4-day December packing list

This fits in a carry-on if you wear the coat and boots on the plane.

• Long insulated windproof coat with a hood (wear it).
• Waterproof insulated boots with grip (wear them), plus one pair of ankle boots or loafers.
• Two pairs of jeans or trousers, and one pair of thermal leggings.
• Two thermal or merino base tops, two or three sweaters.
• One dinner outfit: sweater dress and opaque tights, or blouse and trousers.
• Beanie, large scarf, lined gloves or mittens.
• Four pairs of wool socks.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Windproof coat with a hood, ears covered, thin layers you can strip indoors, waterproof boots with grip, and one smart outfit for warm restaurants.

Read next