Chicago Packing List
Grey T-shirt | Black Bodysuit | Ivory Turtleneck | Black Blouse | Grey Sweater | Brown Turtleneck Sweater | Wrap Cardigan | Black Blazer | Blue Jeans | Black Jeans | Trousers | Slip Dress | Wool Coat | Down Coat | Striped Scarf | Black Cashmere Scarf | Green Beanie | Gloves | Tights | Sorel Winter Boots | Veja Sneakers | Black Knee High Boots | Brown Purse | Black Crossbody (extra Strap)
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If you are travelling to Chicago in winter and have no idea what to pack I’ve got you covered with this 10 days in Chicago packing list. Coming from a city that also gets very cold in the winter and is located across the Great Lakes Chicago (and further north) we do tend to fall within similar climates.
Chicago is called the Windy City for a reason though, and those winds will amplify the cold temperatures in the wintertime with a windchill, so be prepared when planning your travel capsule wardrobe.
Chicago Weather in Winter
Chicago is ranked as the 6th coldest major US city for the months of December through February. Although the winds that will be coming in off the great lakes can raise the windchill, the overall amount of snow falling at one time is relatively light due to its location.
The total amount of snow for the whole winter season averages about 36″.
The winter temperatures in Chicago can vary greatly even across a few days. The average high in January is about 0.6°C and the daily lows are -8.6°C which really isn’t that bad, especially if you are accustomed to cold winters.
Tip: Bring long underwear, leggings or tights to layer under your clothes. Uniqlo has some great heat tech pieces that are warm and functional. You may want to bring two coats, one heavy down-filled style, and another lighter/dressier for nights out or when the weather fluctuates.
What to do in Chicago in Winter
I personally love the colder weather and I find walking around outside, visiting sites much more pleasant in the winter than the extreme heat and humidity summer.
Let’s start with the obvious one that you can do anywhere…
- Shopping. And not just heading over to the local mall, but getting out in the elements and exploring the town type of shopping. You discover the best little shops, restaurants, and sites that way.
- Christkindle Market if you are going to be there in December.
- The Children’s Museum if you are on a family trip with children.
- Ice Skating. There are rinks downtown, and across the city (even at the zoo).
- Museums, or the Art Institute
- Eataly
- See a play or musical because there are so many options.
- Afternoon Tea
- Warm up at Aire Ancient Baths
What to Pack for Chicago
First off, the obvious answer is winter travel gear which will include a winter coat, hats, gloves, scarves, and boots. I am really, really digging these Sorel Puffy boots right now. There is something about this colour combination that is so perfect, and since I want a short pair of winter boots these have moved up to the top of my wish list.
If you are sensitive to cold weather or plan on doing a lot of outside walking then you will probably want to bring some base layers. These will include long underwear to layer under your jeans, and even dress, as well as long sleeve styles.
Like I mentioned above, Uniqlo has some great base layers, and their turtleneck style can even be worn alone as a shirt (they even have a striped style).
Aside from the pieces I mentioned and included in the packing list above, I would also bring some thicker socks, and make sure that your items can layer well because no one wants to walk around resembling the little brother from A Christmas Story wearing his snowsuit 😉
The down jacket is very lightweight, and if you fold it, and put it in a compression packing cube (just squish the air out) you will have no issues with a carry-on only packing list.
If you are visiting Chicago this Winter and enjoyed my What to Pack for Chicago in Winter packing list, please feel free to share it via Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter. Thank you.
You may also like:
How to Pack for Christmas in New York
What to Pack for Toronto
What to Wear in Chicago
Grey T-shirt | Black Bodysuit | Ivory Turtleneck | Black Blouse | Grey Sweater | Brown Turtleneck Sweater | Wrap Cardigan | Black Blazer | Blue Jeans | Black Jeans | Trousers | Slip Dress | Wool Coat | Down Coat | Striped Scarf | Black Cashmere Scarf | Green Beanie | Gloves | Tights | Sorel Winter Boots | Veja Sneakers | Black Knee High Boots | Brown Purse | Black Crossbody (extra Strap)
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