Illinois is one of the central states of the United States with a humid continental climate. The largest waterway on the continent, the Mississippi River and the Illinois River, passes through its territory. It borders on huge lakes - Upper and Michigan.

During the year, tornadoes occur up to 30-35 times, thunderstorms often occur. The territory is flat, the seasons differ significantly. Winter colds reach 21-24 °F (-4 -6 °C). In summer, there are 86 °F (+30 °C). Thanks to the developed agriculture, the state is referred to the "Grain Belt" of the United States.

 

Seasons

 

Contents:

• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter

Spring in Illinois

The wettest period during the year is late spring. At this time, the temperature gradually rises to 60-68 °F (+15 +20 °C). April and May are warm and rainy months. Thunderstorms are common. Most of Illinois belongs to the Central Plains, which determines its climate, economy and development paths.

Domestic tourism is well developed in Illinois. In the state capital, Springfield, you can walk through places associated with the life of Abraham Lincoln. There are many museums, theaters and public libraries here. In Chicago, visit the Museum of Modern Art, Millennium Park or Willis Tower. For a quarter of a century, this building bore the title of the tallest in the world. There are shopping centers, an observation deck and its own museum.

Climate of the Spring Months

March Max average t°: 45 °F (+7 °C) Min average t°: 29 °F (-1.5 °C) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 11 days Precipitation: 2.7" (68 mm)

April Max average t°: 58 °F (+14.5 °C) Min average t°: 39 °F (+4 °C) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 11 days Precipitation: 3.7" (95 mm)

May Max average t°: 70 °F (+21 °C) Min average t°: 49 °F (+9.5 °C) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 11 days Precipitation: 3.4" (85 mm)

(Chicago)

Spring Holidays

1st Monday in March: Casimir Pulaski’s Birthday.
March 17: St.Patrick 's Day.
Good Friday: Friday before Easter, usually falls in March or April

April 1: April Fools' Day.
April 22: International Earth Day.

2nd Sunday of May: Mother’s Day.
last Monday in May: Memorial Day.

Summer in Illinois

The weather in summer is greatly influenced by air masses that come from the Gulf of Mexico. This is especially true in the south of the state. Summers are humid and warm. The temperature reaches 80-86 °F (+26 +30 °C). This is a great time for travel, excursions and outdoor recreation.

One of the most interesting historical and archaeological sites in Illinois is the Cahokia Mounds. They are located near the town of Collinsville. It is a well-preserved monument of Mississippi culture. From the 7th to the 19th centuries, there was a large city here. Its inhabitants built a majestic four-tiered pyramid, which we today call the Monks' Kurgan.

 

Climate of the Summer Months

 

June Max average t°: 80 °F (+26.5 °C) Min average t°: 59 °F (+15 °C) Sundial in the day: 10.5 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 3.8" (98 mm)

July Max average t°: 84 °F (+29 °C) Min average t°: 65 °F (+18 °C) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 3.9" (100 mm)

August Max average t°: 82 °F (+28 °C) Min average t°: 63 °F (+17 °C) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 9 days Precipitation: 3.9" (100 mm)

(Chicago)

Summer Holidays

June 14: Day of the American flag.
June 19: Juneteenth Day.
Third Sunday of June: Father’s Day.

July 4: Independence Day.
August 26: Women's Equality Day.

Autumn in Illinois

Autumn in Illinois would be perfect if it weren't for the high probability of a tornado. Local authorities have learned to notify residents of the danger in time, so for many years they have been able to avoid victims. However, weather warnings must be taken seriously. In the northern part of the state, the rainy season that is typical for the rest of the territory is practically absent. The temperature gradually decreases from 65 °F to 40 °F  (+18 °C to +4 °C).

A popular destination for the constant pilgrimage of tourists is the Shawnee National Forest. It has preserved relict arctic plants, there is a unique canyon, interesting hiking trails. The cities host numerous harvest fairs, holidays and festivals.

 

Climate of the Autumn Months

 

September Max average t°: 75 °F (+24 °C) Min average t°: 55 °F (+13 °C) Sundial in the day: 7.5 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 3.5" (58 mm)

October Max average t°: 64 °F (+17.5 °C) Min average t°: 44 °F (+7 °C) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 2.6" (65 mm)

November Max average t°: 48 °F (+9 °C) Min average t°: 33 °F (+1 °C) Sundial in the day: 4 hours Rainy days: 11 days Precipitation: 2.8" (72 mm)

(Chicago)

Autumn Holidays

1st Monday in September: Labor Day.

2nd Monday in October: Columbus Day.
October 31: Halloween (All Hallows' Eve).

November 11: Veterans Day.
4th Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day.

Winter in Illinois

The coldest winter is in northern Illinois. Here temperatures drop to 14 °F (-10 °C). The coldest month is January. In the rest of the state, the temperature is kept between 23-32 °F (-5 °C and 0 °C). The mildest winters are in the southern part of the state. Here, the temperature minimum is only 21-24 °F (-6 °C and -4 °C). The amount of precipitation is not very high, but there are snowstorms coming from the side of the lakes.

The state has more than 950 lakes and more than 500 rivers. All of them are available for tourists and vacationers. Fishing is well developed here, there are many places for families.

Climate of the Winter Months

December Max average t°: 35 °F (+2 °C) Min average t°: 22 °F (-6 °C) Sundial in the day: 3.5 hours Snowy days: 7 days Precipitation: 2.5" (64 mm)

January Max average t°: 31 °F (-1 °C) Min average t°: 16 °F (-9 °C) Sundial in the day: 4.5 hours Snowy days: 8 days Precipitation: 1.7" (44 mm)

February Max average t°: 35 °F (+1.5 °C) Min average t°: 20 °F (-7 °C) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Snowy days: 5 days Precipitation: 1.9" (48 mm)

(Chicago)

Winter Holidays

December 25: Christmas Day.

January 1: New Year’s Day.
January 20 every fourth year: Inauguration Day.
3rd Monday in January: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

February 14: St. Valentine's Day.
3rd Monday in February: Presidents’ Day.