melawhitlow

We are going to be in Chicago from June 9th to the 11th on a little family vacation. We are planning to walk to Navy Pier for the fireworks Saturday night, and then again Sunday morning to catch the water taxi to Shedd and Field Museum for the day then back on the water taxi and walk back to hotel that evening. Monday morning we will drive to Lincoln Park Zoo and head home when we are done there. So can anyone give me some weather predictions? What would you pack to wear - jeans, shorts? I have never been to Chicago so I have no idea what to expect weather wise and at home in Michigan it has been REALLY warm lately!

amandarawrrr

I've never been to Michigan but I'd imagine the weather is pretty similar over there as it is around here! It can get chilly by the lake at night, so definitely bring a fleece and jeans for that (and bug spray! ;]). Other than that, if you're being optimistic, I'd expect the weather to be in the 70s or so. So shorts would be appropriate but who knows this time of year - could be anywhere from 60s to 90s, given Memorial Day weekend! If you're brave you could bring a swimsuit... NOAA is saying the lake temperature in the Chicago area right now is in the 60s... not bad

My best advice would be to check the weather a day or two before you leave if possible and adjust your suitcase accordingly. Good luck and have fun!!

ChgoGal

Hi, melawhitlow.

Definitely pack light sweaters, a light scarf and long pants for those days just to be prepared. Today (June 1) -- cold, cold, cold and wet (45-50 F). Wore a scarf, a mid-weight raincoat, and a sweater and still cold. BUT... likely in a week, we'll be nearer 60-70-80. (As a midwesterner, you know how humid and hot it can get).

That said, on the river/water taxi, at the pier, walking some of the east-west streets that channel the wind off the lake (and it can blow hard on Grand/Illinois/Ohio), you can easily get very chilled. And the buses and CTA trains tend to blast the air conditioning.

Also, the zoo will feel warmer than the pier and the shedd.

Hope for good weather and pack summer clothes, but bring your layers and toss them in a tote if you're out for a long day.

Hope you have a great time! The zoo is great for kids and don't forget to walk south to South Pond and North to North Pond. If you bring a little patience, there's free parking along Stockton if you circle a time or two. Or even on Lakeview.

Hope you have a great time.

LBloom

Having lived in Chicago for almost 20 years, I can say with experience, bring layers of clothes. As others have said, the weather can be variable, starting out cold and ending up warm or vice versa. A lightweight fold up umbrella is also worthwhile bringing as well as a package plastic poncho for cover in case of rain. If driving, just bring your summer and winter wardrobe, you'll use it all. Just kidding, have fun.

shutterbug85

I agree with ChgoGal... today is more like April weather. Chilly, windy, some rain. But the forecast is for 60s/70s next week. Then again, they don't always get it right. I would pack jeans and shorts. Wear the jeans when you'll be on the lakefront and in the museums/aquarium (it's usually cold in there). Shorts for the zoo if it is warm enough. Bring a light jacket/sweater to wear at night.