Chicago · October
Run in the morning.
Cool month: average high 61°F, low 49°F. Expect 15 rain days — plan around the radar. Cool, runnable conditions throughout — morning still has the steadiest air and lightest wind.
Avg high / low
61° / 49°F
Humidity
74%
Rain days
15/mo
Wind
16 mph
What October feels like in Chicago
Sunrise
07:04
Mid-month average
Sunset
18:08
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 October
The kit for October 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.
October vs the surrounding months
vs September
-13° avg high
+2 rain days
Chicago in September →
October
61°F avg high
15 rain days
Best: morning
vs November
+14° avg high
+4 rain days
Chicago in November →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Chicago in October?+
Morning. Cool, runnable conditions throughout — morning still has the steadiest air and lightest wind.
What's the average temperature in Chicago in October?+
Average high 61°F, average low 49°F.
How does October compare to surrounding months in Chicago?+
Compared to September (avg high 74°F), October is cooler. Compared to November (avg high 47°F), October is warmer.
Does it rain often in Chicago in October?+
Expect about 15 measurable rain days in October, on average.