Chicago · May
Run in the morning.
Cool month: average high 65°F, low 50°F. Humidity averages 76% — the limiting factor on most runs. Expect 16 rain days — plan around the radar. Cool, runnable conditions throughout — morning still has the steadiest air and lightest wind.
Avg high / low
65° / 50°F
Humidity
76%
Rain days
16/mo
Wind
15 mph
What May feels like in Chicago
Sunrise
05:30
Mid-month average
Sunset
20:04
Mid-month average
Time-of-day breakdown
Morning
Coolest, driest air of the day. The window before sunrise is the most reliable comfortable hour.
Midday
Mild but UV and traffic peak. Workable if you don't mind shifting your pace.
Evening
Warm and runnable. Crowded routes but the air's typically calm.
What to wear running in Chicago in May
The kit for May in Chicago: a long-sleeve or light jacket for the first mile, a wind-blocking layer for exposed routes, a water-resistant cap or jacket on standby.
May vs the surrounding months
vs April
+11° avg high
0 rain days
Chicago in April →
May
65°F avg high
16 rain days
Best: morning
vs June
-11° avg high
+1 rain days
Chicago in June →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Chicago in May?+
Morning. Cool, runnable conditions throughout — morning still has the steadiest air and lightest wind.
What's the average temperature in Chicago in May?+
Average high 65°F, average low 50°F.
How does May compare to surrounding months in Chicago?+
Compared to April (avg high 53°F), May is warmer. Compared to June (avg high 76°F), May is cooler.
Does it rain often in Chicago in May?+
Expect about 16 measurable rain days in May, on average.