Chicago in November: weather, events and what to know
November is when Chicago turns toward winter: gray skies, a sharp lake wind and early sunsets, followed by the city's holiday kickoff in the week before Thanksgiving. Early November is quiet and good value; the week of November 20 is when the holiday markets and lights arrive.
November at a glance
- Typical temperatures: Highs near 50°F, lows in the upper 30s (approximate; colder snaps are common late in the month)
- Conditions: Windy, often overcast; first flurries are possible
- Daylight: Clocks fell back Sunday, November 1; sunset is around 4:45 p.m. early in the month and about 4:20 p.m. by the end
- Crowd level: Low early, high Thanksgiving week and holiday-kickoff weekend
- Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26, 2026
Weather in Chicago in November and what to pack
The lake wind makes it feel colder than the thermometer says.
A warm, windproof coat (a wool or insulated jacket is ideal).
Hat, gloves and a scarf, especially for evenings and river walks.
Waterproof shoes or boots with grip for wet or icy sidewalks.
Layers for overheated trains, shops and restaurants.
An umbrella that can handle wind (or a hooded rain shell).
Daylight shrinks through the month: sunset moves from about 4:43 p.m. on November 1 to about 4:20 p.m. by November 30, with sunrise shifting from about 6:24 a.m. to about 6:57 a.m..
Top events in Chicago in November 2026
5 eventsAlso in Chicago in November
seasonal picks- Christkindlmarket Chicago, November 20 to December 24.
- Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, November 20 to December 31,
- Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting, Friday, November 20.
- Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Saturday, November 21.
- ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, from November 20 to January 3.
- Morton Arboretum Illumination, November 14 to January 2.
- Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26.
Crowds, prices and what to book ahead
Calmest: the first two weeks of November, midweek. Busiest: the weekend of November 20 to 22 (tree lighting, Lights Festival, market openings) and Thanksgiving week. Book ahead: hotels for November 20 to 22, ZooLights tickets, Thanksgiving dinner and popular restaurants. Getting around: the Magnificent Mile parade closes streets; use the "L" and plan extra time.
What changes in Chicago in November
Earlier dark and colder wind. Plan architecture cruises and outdoor sights for midday; many boat tours wind down for the season.
Lakefront and parks: quieter, with some seasonal closures; check before you go.
Indoor attractions shine: the Art Institute, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry and theater.
Holiday decorations appear downtown right after the Lights Festival.
Best things to do in November
5 picksSpend a gray day in the Art Institute of Chicago or the Field Museum.
Eat deep-dish or tavern-style thin-crust pizza.
Walk the Magnificent Mile after the lights come on.
Visit the Christkindlmarket for pretzels, mulled wine and ornaments.
Sample November itinerary
Day 1: Millennium Park and the Bean, the Art Institute, an early dinner, and a theater or blues night.
Day 2: The Chicago Riverwalk (if weather allows), the Cultural Center and its Tiffany dome, the Christkindlmarket (from Nov 20) and a Michigan Avenue stroll.
Getting around in November
Getting around: the Magnificent Mile parade closes streets; use the "L" and plan extra time.
Questions
6 answersIs Chicago worth visiting in November?
Yes, especially for museums, food and theater, with lower prices early in the month and holiday events late in it.
What should I wear in Chicago in November?
A windproof coat, hat, gloves, scarf, warm layers and waterproof footwear.
Does it snow in Chicago in November?
Flurries are common and measurable snow is possible, though heavy snow is more typical later in winter.
When do clocks change?
Daylight saving time ended at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
When does the Christkindlmarket open?
November 20, 2026, at Daley Plaza, with a second market in Wrigleyville.
When is the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival?
Highlights include Christkindlmarket Chicago, November 20 to December 24.; Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, November 20 to December 31,; Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting, Friday, November 20.; Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Saturday, November 21.; ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, from November 20 to January 3.; Morton Arboretum Illumination, November 14 to January 2.; Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26.; Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago on November 01; Vape! The Grease Parody on November 01; Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago on November 01; Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago on November 01; Bruce Liu on November 01. See the live calendar for concerts and nightly shows.