Chicago in the Summer

Chicago in the summer is hot. It does get into the 90's and the humidity is unbearable, it's sticky.
I would pack a light rain jacket or jacket because you might hit the rain week where it is in the 60's.
Otherwise shorts and t's, tank tops, tennis shoes and sandals.
PLenty of sunscreen.

THe buildings will be very cool. So a sweater or jacket for inside the museums and Sears Tower.

Your question isn't silly, our weather is silly. Last week, we had a day of nearly 90 degree weather & yesterday, it snowed. Chicago weather is extreme.

It is a little too early to tell what June will bring us. If you are staying in the city, it will be slightly cooler than the suburbs.

Do you pick up WGN on your cable there? If so, about a week before you come, try & watch the evening news. (or go online to WGN's webpage) We have a local weatherman named Tom Skilling who l-o-v-e-s the weather. He is the most accurate weatherman in town. You'll get a feel what the weather will be like from his forecast.

Chicago is very unpredictable, as others have mentioned. It can also get very humid (not just hot, but very sticky). Not sure you'd be used to that in San Diego. The good new is, most places have central air. Definitely pack for hot and cold weather and have fun! Chicago has so much to do.

Chicago can be HOT in the summer. I lived in CA for a few years, and I'd say the biggest difference is we are very, very humid. One thing about Chicago, though, is we can have extreme temperature changes. We can go from having an 80 degree day to 40 degrees in a day. Check the weather before you leave, but typically in June we are 70s-80s.

I grew up in CA and now live outside of Chicago, I have only spent one summer here so far but I think it is simmilar. I would pack some layerable clothes because if you are close to the lake it is a bit cooler than if you are in the suburbs. So I would pack/dress simmilarly to how you would for CA day at the beach, warm summer clothes with a light sweater, one or two pair of jeans and mostly shorts. Hope you have fun while you are here!
add: TB is on the right track here of what to pack. If you are spending time by the lake have warm layers available.

Lower temps (a LOT lower), but it feels hotter (more humidty -but the humidty is kind of random, more temp fluctuations). RARELY goes to 3 digits, and when it does, the city shuts down. The light quality is also very different. I'd only burn once a year in SD, but when visiting family in Chicago & Rural IL, I'd burn again. Jawline, undersides of my calves... places that I just didn't burn no matter how much time I spent in the water or canyon preserves in SD. It's almost like it's a bottom up heat rather than a top down heat.

The heat will often stay "on" at night as well... which I just found disturbing. We only get hot nights occasionally in SD /LA. It's kind of backwards there. More hot nights than cool ones during my time over the years.

So no... not SoCal nice, nor as constant. Plan on all over sunscreen, and hoodies. Because the temp can crash 20+ degrees from one day to the next.

It's generally MILD weather, though in the summer time (my fam from the area doesn't agree). Count on uppoer 70's-mid 80s... lots of light, and feeling hotter than the temp actually reads. You'll sweat more, absolutely, because it's not as dry nor as breezy.

I've never been to CA but I was born and raised in Chicago. It can get chilly at times, even during the summer. I'd pack shorts, a sweater, short sleeved tops, a long sleeved top, and a pair of pants. Depending on how long you intend to stay, June is fairly nice...but Chicago weather can be unpredictable. Hopefully you will get responses from people who are from CA who can help you compare. Safe travels, it's a beautiful city!

I hope you enjoy your visit as much as I enjoy living here!!!

I would bring a little bit of everything for your visit. If you are traveling in early June as opposed to later in the month, the evenings can still get chilly and your little one may need to bundle a bit. During the day, I would think you would be ok in pants and layered tops (long/short sleeve). It can be cooler by the lake, so prepare if you will be staying downtown.

Just keep an eye on the weather a day or two before you head out and know that we have lots of great shopping here too in case you forget something :)

Have a great trip!

Weather in this area is tempermental at best. It could be 90 and humid one day and cold the next. Depending on how long you're staying, I would pack at least one or two pairs of long pants, some shorts, t-shirts and either a few sweatshirts or a jacket. Layers are key! :)

The best thing to do is to keep an eye on the weather forecast for the time you'll be in Chicago. That will give you a better idea of what to pack.

Enjoy your trip!

June - well, it could be 95 and so humid it feels like you're standing in a dishwasher or it could be 45, cold and windy.

San Diego, on the other hand, is fantastic, consistent, and predictable. With Chicago, you've got to watch the weather and prepare for whatever is thrown at you.

The advice to watch WGN is good, however, Tom Skilling is prone to hyperbole and sensationalism when it comes to the weather. He's really good but often if the weather is going to be predictably warm then he'll bump it up a few notches and if it will be cooler then he predicts lower.

It is NOT California nice and it is not better than California weather in the summer. Be prepared to sweat your butt off, freeze your butt off, or get lucky and have it be pleasant :)

depends if you are coming in the beginning, middle or end, lol.....either way it's always safe to pack just one cooler weather outfit e.g. jeans, long sleeve & a sweater.....it's awesome to hang out at navy pier, go to buckingham fountain, all at night with the breeze from lake michigan..........enjoy