The Great Chicago Sunshine Hunt: Separating Myth From Mystery (and Maybe a Little Rain)
Ah, Chicago. City of Broad Shoulders, Deep Dish Dreams, and...well, a bit of a reputation for being a bit on the gloomy side. But is this all just Windy City slander, or is there a kernel of truth hiding beneath that ever-present cloud cover? Let's grab our metaphorical raincoats (because, let's be honest, they're practically a fashion staple here) and dive into the murky depths of Chicago's sunshine statistics.
Sunshine? In Chicago? You Must Be Joking...Right?
Okay, maybe "joking" is a strong word. But Chicago certainly doesn't hold the title of "Sunniest City in America." The National Weather Service tells us the average year in Chicago brings a cool 45 days of completely cloudless skies. That's, like, a whole month and a half!
Hold on, "Completely Cloudless"? What About Partly Sunny?
Ah, you're getting technical on me! That's the spirit! But yes, 45 days is for those days where the sky is a brilliant, uninterrupted blue. There are definitely more days that fall under the "partially sunny" umbrella. Think of it this way: you might need sunglasses, but you probably won't need an umbrella (unless you're that person who gets caught in a surprise sprinkle every single time).
So, When Does the Sun Actually Peek Through?
Chicago's a city of seasons, and that applies to sunshine too. October boasts the most sunny days, with an average of 5.5 per month. Maybe that's why autumn is considered by many to be Chicago's most charming season (besides the whole pumpkin spice latte craze, of course). Conversely, February, that month of love (and slush), tends to be the stingiest with sunshine, averaging a measly 3 days.
The Final Verdict: Sun-Starved or Sun-Kissed?
Look, Chicago isn't exactly Miami. But it's not some kind of perpetual twilight zone either. There's plenty of sunshine to be found, especially if you embrace the beauty of a partly cloudy day (plus, those make for some pretty spectacular sunsets!). So, pack your raincoat, sure, but don't forget your sunglasses either. Because in the City of Broad Shoulders, we take our sunshine when we can get it.
