Chicago in January

If you take into account overall monthly averages, January is the coldest month in Chicago.  Temps range from 18-32°F, but often feel much colder thanks to the city’s notorious “wind chill factor”  – the biting wind that can make it feel 10-15 degrees colder than it actually is.  But despite these miserably cold temperatures and plentiful snowy days, January can be a great time for budget travelers to visit city.  Hotel room rates plummet and many  hotels add extras and freebies to entice visitors to brave the cold. There are also lots of city-sponsored free activities, free ice-skating in Millennium Park and free admission days at some of Chicago’s best museums. Luckily, there’s plenty to see and do inside so if cold weather doesn’t appeal you can still see plenty of Chicago and stay warm.