How Many Days A Year Is It Sunny In Chicago

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Chicago: The Windy City, Not the Sunny City

So, you're thinking of moving to Chicago, huh? Or maybe you're just curious about the weather in the Windy City. Well, let's talk sunshine, or lack thereof.

How Many Days A Year Is It Sunny In Chicago
How Many Days A Year Is It Sunny In Chicago

Sunshine? What's That?

If you're expecting endless days of basking in golden sunlight, you might want to reconsider Chicago. While it's got plenty of charm, breathtaking architecture, and deep-dish pizza, sunshine isn't exactly its middle name. In fact, it's more like its distant cousin who only visits for the holidays.

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The cold, hard truth is: Chicago averages a measly 45 days of completely cloudless skies per year. Yes, you read that right. Forty-five. That's like one good beach day a month, if you squint real hard and pretend the windchill isn't trying to steal your soul.  

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Lake Effect Gloom

You can blame Lake Michigan for a good chunk of Chicago's cloud cover. It's like having a giant humidifier right there, constantly pumping out moisture into the air. This leads to the infamous "lake-effect cloud cover," which is basically a fancy way of saying "it's cloudy."

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But Wait, There's More!

Even on those precious 45 sunny days, you can't guarantee a full day of sunshine. It might start off bright and beautiful, only to be clouded over by afternoon. Or maybe the sun peeks out for a grand total of 15 minutes, just to tease you.

So, Should You Move to Chicago?

Look, Chicago is an amazing city with so much to offer. But if sunshine is a top priority, you might want to reconsider. However, if you're someone who appreciates cozying up with a good book on a rainy day, or enjoys layering up in stylish winter gear, then Chicago might be your kind of place.

How to Make the Most of Chicago's Sunshine (or Lack Thereof)

  • How to dress for unpredictable weather: Layers, layers, layers.
  • How to find indoor activities: Chicago has a thriving museum and theater scene.
  • How to appreciate the beauty of cloudy days: Sometimes, the gray skies can be quite romantic.
  • How to plan your outdoor activities: Check the weather forecast religiously.
  • How to stay positive: Embrace the unique charm of Chicago's weather!
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Quick References
TitleDescription
census.govhttps://www.census.gov/quickfacts/chicagocityillinois
wttw.comhttps://news.wttw.com
weather.govhttps://weather.gov/lot
transitchicago.comhttps://www.transitchicago.com
suntimes.comhttps://www.suntimes.com

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