When you think about Thanksgiving in Illinois, you probably imagine crisp air, gray skies, and maybe a dusting of snow. The holiday has delivered everything from mild 60-degree afternoons to bitter cold days in the teens.
Usually, you can expect highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s to 30s, with a mix of dry days and the occasional rain or snow.
Where you spend the holiday matters a lot. Northern Illinois often feels colder and sometimes snowy, thanks to the lake, while central and southern Illinois usually stay milder and drier.
This range makes it tough to plan travel or outdoor traditions, since the weather can change on a dime.
Looking back at past Thanksgivings, you’ll see just how much the weather can swing. Some years, you can get by with a light jacket, but in others, families have to bundle up against icy winds.
If you know these patterns, you can set realistic expectations, whether you’re driving across the state or hosting out-of-town guests.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather Patterns in Illinois
Late November in Illinois brings chilly days, cold nights, and a decent chance of unpredictable weather.
Temperatures often dip below freezing at night. You might see rain or snow, and there’s a big difference between the north and south of the state.
Average High and Low Temperatures
On Thanksgiving, most of Illinois sees highs in the low to mid-40s°F and lows in the mid to upper 20s°F. Chicago and Rockford usually run cooler than Springfield or Carbondale, where daytime readings can be a bit warmer.
The warmest Thanksgivings have reached the upper 60s, like in 1966 when Chicago hit 69°F.
On the flip side, the coldest lows can drop near 0°F or below, with 1950 hitting -1°F in both Chicago and Peoria.
Thanksgiving Day 2024 brought one of the colder holidays in recent memory. Highs ran about 6°F below normal in Chicago, making it one of the chilliest in the last ten years.
Precipitation Trends and Probabilities
Rain or snow doesn’t show up every year, but it happens often enough that you should keep it in mind. Records show measurable precipitation on about one-third of Thanksgivings in Illinois.
That means two out of three years stay dry, though cloudy skies are pretty common.
The wettest Thanksgiving in Chicago brought 1.56 inches of rain in 1968. Central Illinois cities like Springfield and Peoria have seen heavy rain too, but most years bring less than a tenth of an inch.
If you plan to travel, remember that the day before Thanksgiving often brings a higher risk of rain or snow than the holiday itself. Even light precipitation can slow you down, especially in northern Illinois, where temps can hover near freezing.
Snowfall Frequency and Amounts
Snow shows up less often than rain, but it still plays a part in Illinois’ Thanksgiving weather. In Chicago, measurable snow has happened about 11% of the time, and a trace of snow pops up about one in four years.
Chicago’s snowiest Thanksgiving came in 1980 with 3 inches, while Peoria’s record is 4 inches from 1893. Springfield also saw a snowy holiday in 1980 with 2.4 inches.
Most years, if snow falls, it’s light and melts fast. But when cold air moves in, even a little snow can make roads slick.
Travelers face more risk in northern Illinois, where Thanksgiving snow is more common than in the south.
Regional Variations Across Illinois
Thanksgiving weather in Illinois really depends on where you are. Northern areas deal with colder air and more snow risk, while central and southern regions usually stay milder and see different precipitation patterns.
Northern Illinois Weather Conditions
In northern Illinois, places like Chicago and Rockford feel like early winter by late November. Average highs range from the low 30s to mid-40s °F, with lows in the upper teens to mid-20s.
Snow is possible, and about 35–40 inches fall each year across the season, with Thanksgiving sometimes getting a share.
Lake Michigan affects the weather here. Areas near the lake might feel a bit warmer at night, but they can also get lake-effect snow when winds blow from the north or northeast.
If you’re traveling, you should prepare for slick roads and colder air, especially if a storm rolls through. Even in mild years, expect chilly winds that cut through more than you’d like.
Central Illinois Thanksgiving Climate
Central Illinois, with cities like Springfield, Peoria, and Bloomington, sits between northern cold and southern warmth. Average highs land in the low to mid-40s °F, while lows drop into the upper 20s.
Snow shows up less often here compared to the north, but it happens. Peoria once recorded 4 inches of snow on Thanksgiving way back in the late 1800s.
More often, you’ll just see light rain or dry skies.
This region gets bigger day-to-day swings. Some years, you’ll have crisp, sunny afternoons, but others are just damp and chilly.
If you’re driving through central Illinois, pack for both rain and cold—better safe than sorry.
Southern Illinois Weather Differences
Southern Illinois, with towns like Carbondale and Marion, usually gets the mildest Thanksgiving weather in the state. Highs often reach the upper 40s to low 50s °F, and lows settle in the low to mid-30s.
Snow is almost unheard of this far south in November.
Rain is more likely than snow, but totals are usually pretty light. Clearer skies and warmer temps make outdoor travel and gatherings a bit easier here than in the north.
Because this area sits closer to the Ohio River Valley, weather systems can change things up fast. One year might be sunny, and the next, you could get steady drizzle, but harsh winter weather is rare down here.
Notable Thanksgiving Weather Events in Illinois History
Thanksgiving weather in Illinois has ranged from weirdly warm afternoons to mornings that’ll freeze your breath. Some years brought heavy snow or steady rain, while others stayed mild and dry.
These events really show how quickly late November weather can flip around here.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
Some of the wildest Thanksgiving memories in Illinois come from temperature extremes. Chicago hit its warmest Thanksgiving on November 24, 1966, with a high of 69°F.
Other years, like 1973 and 2015, also saw highs in the low 60s, giving people a rare chance to enjoy the holiday outside without bundling up.
Cold snaps have been just as memorable. On November 23, 1950, Chicago dropped to its coldest Thanksgiving low of -1°F.
That year, much of Illinois froze over, making travel tough and keeping most folks indoors.
More recently, Thanksgiving Day 2024 stood out for being one of the coldest in the last decade, with Chicago only reaching the mid-30s. That’s about 6 degrees below normal, and a good reminder of how fast autumn can turn to winter.
Significant Snowfalls
Snow on Thanksgiving in Illinois isn’t common, but when it happens, people remember. Since the late 1800s, measurable snow has fallen in Chicago only about 17 times.
The biggest Thanksgiving snow there came on November 27, 1980, when 3 inches fell at O’Hare.
Other parts of the state have had similar stories. In central Illinois, Thanksgiving snows have covered roads and fields, making travel a headache for drivers.
These events stand out because most years are just cold and dry.
Even a light dusting can throw a wrench in your plans, especially with freezing temps. That’s why, even though snow is rare, it’s a big part of Illinois Thanksgiving weather lore.
Memorable Storms and Precipitation
Rain shows up more often than snow for Thanksgiving in Illinois. Precipitation, from a light drizzle to heavier showers, has fallen in more than half of the years on record in Chicago.
Only once has the city seen over an inch of rain on the holiday.
These wet years bring gray skies and make travel a little more annoying. Widespread rain in parts of Illinois has slowed down road traffic and made parade routes a soggy mess.
Thunderstorms rarely show up this late in the season, but strong fall storms have sometimes swept across the state near Thanksgiving. These systems can bring gusty winds, soaking rains, and sharp temperature drops, all of which can mess with your travel or outdoor plans.
Thanksgiving Weather in Major Illinois Cities
Late November weather in Illinois really depends on the city. Northern spots like Chicago and Rockford tend to be colder with a higher chance of snow.
Central Illinois cities such as Springfield usually get milder conditions and less frequent snowfall. Precipitation can happen anywhere, but most years are dry or just see a little.
Chicago Weather Overview
Chicago probably has the most unpredictable Thanksgiving weather in the state. Temperatures have ranged from the mid-teens °F in the coldest years to the upper 60s °F in the warmest.
You can expect average highs in the low to mid-40s °F and lows in the upper 20s °F.
Snow isn’t rare, but it’s not the norm either. About 1 in 5 Thanksgivings in Chicago get measurable snow, with the snowiest on record bringing 3 inches.
Rain happens more often, with about a third of years seeing at least a trace.
Lake Michigan shapes the weather, often creating colder winds and cloudier skies than you’ll find inland.
If you’re headed out or traveling, gear up for chilly air and maybe slick roads.
Springfield Thanksgiving Climate
Springfield, in central Illinois, usually stays milder than northern cities. Average highs reach the upper 40s °F, with lows in the low 30s °F.
The city doesn’t see as many extremes, but past Thanksgivings have ranged from near 20 °F to the mid-60s °F.
Snow is pretty uncommon during the holiday here. Most years stay snow-free, though light flurries do show up sometimes.
Rain is more typical, but totals are usually small—often less than half an inch.
Since Springfield sits farther from the Great Lakes, you don’t have to deal with lake-effect weather. Conditions are more stable, making road travel a bit easier than up north.
If you’re staying in Springfield, you can usually count on cool but manageable weather for your holiday plans.
Rockford Holiday Weather
Rockford’s climate is a lot like Chicago’s, just with colder nights. Average highs hover in the low 40s °F, and lows dip into the upper 20s °F.
Records show both mild Thanksgivings in the 60s °F and some frigid ones with highs only in the teens.
Snow is more likely here than in central Illinois. About 20–25% of Thanksgivings in Rockford have measurable snow, with the snowiest years getting over 2 inches.
Rain happens less often but can still mess with travel some years.
Rockford sits inland, so lake-effect snow isn’t really an issue, but cold air masses from the northwest settle in pretty often.
If you’re visiting Rockford, plan for colder and sometimes snowier weather than you’d get in Springfield.
Travel and Safety Considerations
Travel in Illinois around Thanksgiving gets tricky with heavy traffic, changing weather, and airport delays. You’ll want to plan for crowded roads, possible snow or rain, and sudden temperature swings that can impact both driving and flying.
Road Conditions and Driving Tips
Road travel in Illinois and nearby Iowa really ramps up the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. You’ll find the worst congestion in the afternoon, especially between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
If you hit the road early in the morning, you’ll probably dodge the worst of the traffic. Weather can really throw a wrench in your plans too.
Northern Illinois sometimes gets snow or icy patches, while the southern part usually deals with heavy rain. Wet pavement means you need more stopping distance, so give yourself extra space between cars.
Pack an emergency kit with blankets, a flashlight, water, and a phone charger. For long drives, check the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) road condition maps before you leave.
Quick tips for Illinois roads:
- Best travel times: early mornings before 10 a.m.
- Worst travel times: afternoons before the holiday and Sunday return trips
- Watch for black ice on bridges and overpasses in colder regions
Airport and Flight Impacts
Thanksgiving week turns Chicago O’Hare and Midway into a madhouse. Delays happen a lot, especially when storms sweep through the Midwest. Even a little snow in northern Illinois can mess up flight schedules.
Try to get to the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights, or three for international. Security lines get ridiculous during the holidays, and weather delays make things even less predictable.
If you’re using smaller airports in central or southern Illinois, like Springfield or Belleville, check ahead for rebooking options. Fewer flights mean cancellations can leave you stranded for a while.
Keep your essentials—meds, chargers, important papers—in your carry-on. That way, if your checked bag goes missing or gets delayed, you’re not totally out of luck.
Preparing for Sudden Weather Changes
Illinois weather in late November is all over the place. You might start the week with mild 50-degree days, but freezing rain or snow could show up by the end. Cold fronts like to move in just before or after Thanksgiving, making it pretty unpredictable.
Bring layered clothes so you can adjust as the temperature swings. A waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes are a must if you run into slush or rain.
Check the National Weather Service or local forecasts in Illinois and Iowa often. Short-term updates give you better details on snow, freezing rain, or heavy downpours that could mess with your plans.
If you’re driving, keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid fuel line freeze in colder spots. If you’re flying, keep an eye on your airline’s app—alerts and rebooking options usually show up there first.
Comparing Illinois Thanksgiving Weather to Neighboring States
Thanksgiving weather in Illinois usually feels like classic Midwest: cold fronts, a shot of snow, and big swings between warm and chilly. The states next door deal with a lot of the same stuff, but small differences in geography and latitude can change your plans.
Weather Patterns in Iowa
Head west into Iowa (IA) and you’ll notice things get a bit colder for Thanksgiving. Highs in late November usually land in the upper 30s or low 40s °F, with lows dropping into the 20s. That’s a few degrees colder than central and southern Illinois.
Snow pops up more often in Iowa. You won’t always see it, but about 1 in 4 Thanksgivings in parts of Iowa have some snow on the ground or at least a dusting. Northern Iowa, closer to Minnesota’s chill, usually gets snow before the southern counties do.
Wind really makes a difference. All that open farmland in Iowa lets gusts pick up, so it feels colder than the thermometer says. If you’re driving between IA and IL, be ready for windchill and slick roads, especially out in the country.
So, Iowa tends to bring colder air, more snow, and stronger winds than Illinois. It’s not a huge difference, but it matters if you’re traveling across both states during the holiday week.
Regional Trends in the Tri-State Area
In the Tri-State area of Illinois (IL), Iowa (IA), and Wisconsin, Thanksgiving weather can really keep you guessing. Cold fronts sweep through the Upper Midwest, bringing rain one day, then flurries the next. It makes travel planning a bit of a headache, honestly.
Wisconsin usually ends up as the coldest of the three. You’ll see average highs in the mid-30s °F, and lows often drop into the teens or 20s. Illinois stays milder, especially in the southern half, where highs sometimes still reach the upper 40s. Iowa sits somewhere in the middle, but its northern parts feel a lot like Wisconsin.
| State | Avg Highs °F | Avg Lows °F | Snow Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 40s–upper 40s | 20s–30s | ~20% |
| Iowa | upper 30s–low 40s | 20s | ~25% |
| Wisconsin | low–mid 30s | teens–20s | ~30% |
If you’re traveling through this region, get ready for cooler, windier weather as you head north. Snow doesn’t show up every year, but when it does, Wisconsin and northern Iowa usually get it first, then it drifts down to Illinois.
It’s smart to check both state and local forecasts before you hit the road, especially if you’re crossing state lines.