Des Plaines

Find out what weather awaits you in Des Plaines. This section provides current data, forecasts, and useful weather charts.

Des Plaines in the USA is characterized by a continental climate, typical for its four distinct seasons and significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Visitors should expect cold winters: average temperatures in January and February drop below zero degrees Celsius. In contrast, summers are warm and comfortable, with average temperatures in July and August reaching around 23°C.

Spring and fall in Des Plaines are transitional seasons, with gradual warming in the spring and a similarly smooth cooling in the autumn. A key feature of the local climate is the extremely low precipitation level. Although it is distributed throughout the year, monthly amounts are only 2-4 mm. This indicates that the climate here is quite dry. Meanwhile, the number of days with precipitation varies from 8 to 14 per month, meaning regular but very slight precipitation, most often in the form of drizzle or light snow rather than heavy rain.

Thus, the climate of Des Plaines offers a classic four-season experience, from frosty winter days to warm summer evenings, but with a significant adjustment for overall dryness and very little precipitation throughout the year. Tourists should consider these seasonal temperature contrasts and low humidity when planning their trip and selecting their wardrobe.

The climate in Des Plaines is characterized by distinct seasonal temperature changes. The coldest months are January, with an average temperature of around -3.0°C (low -5.9°C, high -0.0°C), and February, where the average temperature is -1.6°C (low -5.3°C, high 2.1°C). The warmest months are July, with an average temperature of 23.2°C (highs up to 26.8°C), and August, with an average temperature of 22.8°C (highs up to 26.4°C). Thus, the annual range of average temperatures extends from below freezing in winter to comfortable warmth in summer.

Summer months in Des Plaines, especially June, July, and August, are generally warm and pleasant. Average daily highs range from 24.5°C in June to 26.8°C in July, creating excellent conditions for walking and outdoor activities. Nighttime temperatures in summer are also comfortable, dropping on average to 16.6°C - 19.6°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in summer are noticeable, with the difference between the daytime high and the nighttime low being about 7-8°C, bringing refreshing coolness in the evenings.

The winter period from December to February in Des Plaines is frosty. Average daily temperatures in January drop to -3.0°C, and nighttime lows can reach -5.9°C. Even during the day, the temperature often stays around zero or slightly above; for example, in January, the average high is -0.0°C, and in February, it's +2.1°C. December is slightly warmer, with an average temperature of 1.0°C. Winter also sees daily temperature fluctuations, though slightly smaller than in summer—the difference between high and low values is usually about 5-6°C.

In Des Plaines, precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, without a distinct rainy or dry season. However, it's worth noting that the spring months, especially April and May, as well as October, receive slightly more precipitation, reaching 4 mm per month. The winter months (January, February, December) and November are the "driest" in terms of volume, with about 2 mm per month.

In winter, from December to February, as well as parts of March and November, precipitation in Des Plaines primarily falls as snow. Average monthly temperatures in January (-3.0°C) and February (-1.6°C), as well as December (1.0°C with lows below zero), contribute to this. Although the total amount of precipitation in these months is small (about 2 mm), snow can be a regular occurrence. January and March have about 11 days with precipitation, February has 10, and December has 9 days.

During the spring and summer months, from April to September, precipitation falls as rain. The highest number of days with precipitation occurs in May (averaging 14 days) and April (13 days), making these the wettest months in terms of rain frequency, with precipitation totaling 4 mm. In summer (June, July, August), precipitation levels drop slightly to 3 mm per month, with 11 to 12 rainy days. In the fall, October also sees up to 4 mm of precipitation and about 12 rainy days. November is the month with the fewest days of precipitation—averaging 8 days—with only 2 mm of precipitation.

When planning a trip to Des Plaines, it's important to consider its continental climate with distinct seasons, which directly affects your wardrobe choices. Winter months, from December to February, are quite cold: average temperatures range from -3°C to 1°C, and nightly lows can drop even further. Be sure to bring a warm winter jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves. Although the total amount of precipitation is low, the number of days with precipitation (often as snow or freezing rain) is significant, so waterproof shoes and outerwear will be very useful.

Summer in Des Plaines, from June to August, is warm and pleasant. Average temperatures stay in the 20-23°C range, with maximums reaching 26-27°C. Light and breathable clothing like T-shirts, shorts, and sundresses is suitable for this season. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat for sun protection, and sunglasses. Evenings can be a bit cooler, so a light sweater or windbreaker won't hurt. Since there can be rainy days even in summer, it's worth having a compact umbrella or a light raincoat on hand.

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are transitional periods with a fairly wide temperature range. In spring, temperatures gradually rise from a chilly 0-7°C in March to a more comfortable 10-19°C in May. In fall, conversely, there's a smooth cooling from a warm 16-23°C in September to 2-8°C in November. The best strategy for these seasons is layering: T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, fleeces, and a mid-season jacket that can be put on or taken off depending on the weather. Comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking are a must year-round, and a small umbrella or waterproof jacket will help you stay comfortable despite regular days with precipitation.