What is the weather like in Chicago vs Washington in January?

In January, Chicago averages 1°C high / -6°C low with about 44 mm of rain; Washington averages 8°C high / -2°C low with about 65 mm.

Chicago vs Washington in January

Washington is the better pick in January — 59 vs 40 on SeasonMap's comfort score. Washington is cold, a little rain, clean air, while Chicago is freezing, a little rain, clean air.

Chicago vs Washington — January climate, side by side

	Chicago	Washington
Comfort score	40/100 (F)	59/100 (D)
Feels-like high	-4°C	5°C
Avg high / low	1° / -6°	8° / -2°
Rainfall	44 mm	65 mm
Rainy days	6	7
Humidity	74%	68%
Air quality (AQI)	43	39

Monthly climate normals (ERA5 reanalysis). Comfort scores are SeasonMap estimates.

Chicago vs Washington in January — FAQ

Is January better in Chicago or Washington?: Washington is the better pick in January — 59 vs 40 on SeasonMap's comfort score. Washington is cold, a little rain, clean air, while Chicago is freezing, a little rain, clean air.
What is the weather like in Chicago vs Washington in January?: In January, Chicago averages 1°C high / -6°C low with about 44 mm of rain; Washington averages 8°C high / -2°C low with about 65 mm.