The coldest decades on record are ranked here for Chicago, Illinois. The lists include decades when Chicago had the lowest average temperatures, the fewest hot days and the most cold days. These extremes are for temperatures observed at Chicago's Midway Airport and cover eight decades, from the 1940s to the 2010s.
That is when Chicago had weather measurements that are consistent and complete enough to compare decades. Each decade comprises a standard 10-year range. For instance, the 1990s includes measurements from Jan 1, 1990 to Dec 31, 1999.
Links to the data behind these lists are in the References section on this page.
Coolest High Temperatures
Average daily maximum temperature at Chicago
|
High °F |
Decade |
High °C |
| Lowest |
58.7 |
1970s |
14.9 |
| Runner-up |
59.0 |
1960s |
15.0 |
Coldest Low Temperatures
Average daily minimum temperature at Chicago
|
Low °F |
Decade |
Low °C |
| Lowest |
40.9 |
1940s |
5.0 |
| Runner-up |
41.5 |
1970s |
5.3 |
Fewest Warm Days
Total days per year on average when Chicago had temperatures of at least 70 °F (21 °C)
|
Days |
Decade |
| Lowest |
142 |
1990s, 1940s |
| Runner-up |
144 |
2000s, 1980s, 1970s |
Fewest Hot Days
Total days per year on average when Chicago had temperatures of at least 90 °F (32 °C)
|
Days |
Decade |
| Lowest |
17 |
2000s |
| Runner-up |
19 |
1960s |
Most Freezing Days
Total days per year on average when Chicago had temperatures of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower
|
Days |
Decade |
| Highest |
125 |
1940s |
| Runner-up |
122 |
1950s |
Most Cold Days
Total days per year on average when Chicago had temperatures of 0 °F (-18 °C) or lower
|
Days |
Decade |
| Highest |
12 |
1970s |
| Runner-up |
9 |
1960s |