If you’re planning to spend New Year’s in Illinois, the weather can really shape your plans. Cold is the norm, with temps hanging out in the 20s or 30s Fahrenheit, and there’s a solid chance you’ll see snow or icy patches, especially up north.
Down south, things stay a bit milder, but winter doesn’t exactly take a break anywhere in Illinois.
It helps to know what you’re getting into, right? Whether you’re thinking about braving the cold in Chicago, poking around historic Springfield, or sneaking off to the southern tip for a quieter New Year’s, the weather kind of sets the mood.
Some years, you’ll get those crisp, clear days, but other times, snowstorms can suddenly mess with your travel or outdoor fun.
Want more details? Here’s how typical New Year’s weather stacks up across the state, plus some of the wild extremes from past years. You’ll also get a look at how wind and precipitation might affect your celebrations.
And if you’re after practical tips, you’ll find some here too—just enough to help you make the most of your Illinois holiday.
Typical New Year’s Weather in Illinois
New Year’s in Illinois usually means cold temps, lots of clouds, and a decent shot at snow or rain. The weather shifts depending on where you are—Chicago and the north get harsher winters, while it’s a touch gentler down south.
Average Temperatures
Most of Illinois stays below freezing around New Year’s. In Chicago and Rockford, daytime highs usually top out in the low 30s °F, and at night, temps often drop into the teens.
Central Illinois, like Springfield, is a little warmer. Highs reach the mid-30s, lows hang around the low 20s.
Down in southern Illinois—think Carbondale—you might see highs near 40 °F and lows in the upper 20s. Cold snaps can still hit hard, though.
Historical records get a little wild. Chicago once hit 65 °F (1876), but in 2018, the high was a brutal 1 °F. So yeah, winter can surprise you.
Precipitation Patterns
You won’t always get precipitation on New Year’s Day, but it’s common enough that you should plan for slick or wet conditions. Chicago sees almost half its New Year’s Days pass without measurable precipitation.
When it does fall, it’s usually light—less than half an inch. Down south, rain happens more often since warmer air sometimes sneaks up from the Gulf.
Northern Illinois is more likely to get snow or sleet. The wettest New Year’s Day in Chicago dumped over 1.3 inches of precipitation in 1948. That’s rare, but it proves heavy rain or a wintry mix can happen.
Snowfall Likelihood
Snow keeps folks in northern and central Illinois on their toes every New Year’s. In Chicago, around 40% of New Year’s Days see at least a trace of snow.
Usually, it’s just a dusting—less than an inch. But sometimes, you get big surprises, like the 5 inches that fell in 1918.
Central Illinois cities, including Springfield, sometimes get holiday snow too, but usually not as much as up north.
Southern Illinois rarely sees much snow. Warmer temps down there usually mean rain, but every now and then, a cold snap brings flurries.
Wind Speeds Overview
Wind really changes how cold it feels. Across Illinois, average wind speeds hover between 8 and 12 mph, but gusts can be stronger—especially near Lake Michigan.
Winds in northern Illinois usually come from the northwest, dragging in Arctic air. That wind chill can make a 20 °F day feel a lot worse.
Central and southern Illinois get winter winds too, though they’re not as fierce. Still, open rural areas can feel pretty brisk.
Regional Variations Across Illinois
Illinois weather at New Year’s changes a lot depending on where you are. The north, central, and southern regions all have their quirks, so your experience—and how you prep—can vary quite a bit.
Weather in Chicago
Chicago and its northern neighbors often get slammed with some of the coldest weather in Illinois. Highs hover near 30°F (-1°C), and lows drop into the teens (°F).
Lake Michigan doesn’t help—wind off the water makes it feel even colder, and those icy gusts are just part of winter life.
Snow is common, with January totals usually in the 8–10 inch range. Lake-effect snow can make things worse, dumping sudden heavy bursts along the lakefront.
Roads get slick, and flight delays happen. If you’re heading outside, you’ll want serious winter gear: insulated boots, gloves, a heavy coat.
Indoor spots like the Art Institute or Shedd Aquarium are great when it’s too nasty outside. If you’re feeling brave, ice skating at Millennium Park is a classic, as long as the weather cooperates.
Central Illinois Conditions
Central Illinois—think Springfield or Peoria—doesn’t get it quite as bad as Chicago, but it’s still real winter. Highs run in the mid-30s°F (1–3°C), and lows drop into the 20s°F (-6 to -2°C).
Snowfall is lighter than up north, averaging 4–6 inches for January. Freezing rain shows up more here than in the north, and roads can get dangerous fast, especially on rural highways.
If there’s ice in the forecast, keep your travel plans loose. Outdoor fun is limited, but you might catch a holiday lights display or a small-town New Year’s event.
Museums and historic sites, like the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, make for solid indoor plans when the weather’s iffy.
Southern Illinois Climate Differences
Southern Illinois—places like Carbondale and the Shawnee National Forest—gets milder New Year’s weather. Highs reach the low 40s°F (5–6°C), and lows stick to the upper 20s°F (-2 to -3°C).
Snow doesn’t show up much, usually 2–3 inches for the whole month. Some years, rain outnumbers snow.
Wintry mixes like sleet and freezing rain cause headaches, knocking out power and making rural roads sketchy. Snow cover doesn’t last long, so you’ll often see bare ground between storms.
If you’re heading this way, you can usually get out for a hike in Shawnee National Forest—just expect muddy trails. Vineyards along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail stay open, and the crowds are smaller than in summer.
Historical New Year’s Day Weather Extremes
Illinois has seen some wild swings on New Year’s Day—sometimes it’s almost spring-like, other years it’s brutally cold or snowy. The extremes really show how unpredictable the weather can get.
Warmest and Coldest Years
Southern Illinois has occasionally warmed up into the upper 50s or even low 60s on New Year’s. Some spots have even seen 61°F.
Chicago’s had its share of mild New Year’s Days too, with highs above freezing, which makes getting around a lot easier.
But the cold years? They’re harsh. Northern Illinois sometimes drops below zero, and wind chills can be brutal. Lows have dropped into the negative teens, and Chicago has had New Year’s highs that barely made it into the single digits.
You might spend one holiday in a light jacket and the next year bundled up against the bitter cold. The difference between record highs and lows is over 60 degrees.
Record Snowfall Events
Snow can be all over the map depending on where you are. Chicago often sees measurable snow, but totals swing a lot year to year.
Some years, the state has picked up more than 7 inches in a single day. Lake-effect snow near Chicago sometimes dumps heavy, fast-falling bands that pile up in a hurry.
Down south, snow on New Year’s is rare. Sometimes it’s just a dusting, other years you get enough to mess up travel.
Historic storms have dropped over half a foot in a day, making for some of the snowiest holidays in Illinois history.
Significant Precipitation Records
Rain has made a few New Year’s Days in Illinois memorable. Sometimes, heavy precipitation falls instead of snow, especially if temps creep above freezing.
Southern Illinois has picked up several inches of rain on the holiday before. Chicago usually gets lighter rain in January, but freezing rain and sleet have caused their share of headaches.
Icy conditions can make roads treacherous even if there’s not much snow. Precipitation extremes really highlight how much things can change from year to year.
Typical Wind Patterns and Speeds
Late December and early January usually bring stronger winds than the rest of the year. You’ll notice steady breezes, especially in the north and central parts of Illinois.
Average Wind Speeds
Winter wind speeds in Illinois usually run from 8 to 9 mph. Long-term data puts January’s average at about 8.7 mph, which is pretty much the windiest month.
Flat, open spots like central Illinois feel it the most—there’s not much to block the wind. In southern Illinois, trees and hills calm things down a little.
Cold, dense air masses help crank up the wind speeds. When Arctic air pushes in, it increases pressure differences and the winds pick up.
Here’s a quick look at average wind speeds by season:
| Season | Avg. Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| Winter | 8.4 |
| Spring | 8.7 |
| Summer | 5.7 |
| Fall | 7.0 |
So, if you’re out and about around New Year’s, expect it to be breezier than usual.
Notable Wind Events
Most days, the wind is steady, but sometimes it really kicks up. Cold fronts can sweep through, bringing gusts over 30 to 40 mph for a while.
Northern Illinois and spots near Lake Michigan get the strongest gusts. The lake helps speed things up, and in Chicago, the tall buildings can funnel wind, making it feel even stronger at street level.
If you’re driving highways or walking downtown, you’ll definitely notice those bursts. When snow’s in the mix, blowing and drifting can make rural roads tough.
Not every winter brings wild wind events, but most years have at least a couple days with wind advisories or warnings. If you’re traveling or planning to be outside, keep an eye out for strong gusts.
Weather Impacts on New Year’s Activities
Cold, snow, and icy roads all play a part in how you get ready for New Year’s in Illinois. These conditions can mess with travel and outdoor gatherings, so planning ahead is always a good idea.
Travel Considerations
Traveling around New Year’s in Illinois usually means you’ll deal with snow, ice, and freezing rain. In late December and early January, lows often drop into the upper 20s °F. Southern Illinois might see highs in the low 40s, but up north, daytime temperatures hover closer to the 30s.
These chilly temps often lead to slick roads. You’ll want to give yourself extra time for driving, and it’s a good idea to check the road conditions before heading out.
Crews clear interstates and major highways first, while rural back roads can stay snow-covered or icy for longer. I’d recommend keeping an emergency kit in your car—blankets, water, a flashlight, the basics.
Winter weather can mess with air travel too. Snowstorms and low visibility sometimes delay flights at big airports like Chicago O’Hare and Midway. If you can, book flights earlier in the day. Morning departures usually have a better shot at leaving on time, since weather delays pile up as the day goes on.
Outdoor Event Planning
Outdoor celebrations in Illinois face tough odds against cold air, wind chill, and possible snowfall. At night, temps often dip below freezing, and the wind just makes it worse.
If you’re heading to fireworks or outdoor gatherings, wear layers. Insulated gloves and hats help a lot more than you’d think.
Snow is pretty common in northern Illinois this time of year. Some areas get over 8 inches a month, so standing around at parades or concerts can be rough unless organizers clear the paths or set up heated spots.
Hosting something? It might be smarter to plan shorter outdoor activities and make sure folks can duck inside when they need to. Heated tents, fire pits, or even just a sheltered area give people a place to warm up.
If you hold your event earlier in the evening, you can avoid the coldest hours after midnight.
Tips for Preparing for New Year’s Weather in Illinois
Around New Year’s, Illinois temperatures can swing from the teens up north to the 30s in the south. Snow, ice, and strong winds show up often, so it’s smart to plan ahead for comfort and safety.
Clothing Recommendations
Layer up to deal with the cold and wind. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin. Add something warm—fleece or wool works—and top it with a windproof, waterproof jacket.
Don’t skip gloves, hats, and scarves. You lose heat fast from your head and hands. Try gloves that keep you warm but still let you use your phone or car keys. A knit cap or lined hat keeps you warmer than just a hood.
Boots matter, too. Pick insulated, waterproof ones with non-slip soles, since icy sidewalks are everywhere. Skip cotton socks—go for wool or synthetic blends that stay dry.
If you’ll be outside at night, toss in some chemical hand warmers or thermal socks. Little things like these can make a big difference if you’re out for a while.
Safety Precautions
Cold weather in Illinois usually brings snow and ice, which makes travel a real hassle. Try to keep your car’s gas tank at least half full, since that helps prevent the fuel line from freezing up.
Toss an emergency kit in your car. I’d recommend blankets, water, some high-energy snacks, a flashlight, and jumper cables.
Driving conditions can change in a flash, especially up north where lake-effect snow sneaks up on you. Slow down, leave more space between cars, and don’t forget to clear all the snow off your windows before heading out.
If you’re walking, stick to the sidewalks when you can. Definitely keep an eye out for black ice.
Throw on some non-slip shoe grips or traction cleats if you’ve got them, they really help prevent slipping.
At home, make sure your heating system actually works before you need it. It’s smart to stash some extra batteries for flashlights, just in case the power goes out.
If you use space heaters, set them on flat surfaces, away from anything that could catch fire.