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Elgin, IL Weather by Month and Climate Averages
Monthly normals · Rain · Snow
Sunshine · Freeze dates · Records · Best time to visit
What is the weather like in Elgin, IL?
Elgin, IL gets 39.9 in of precipitation a year over about 122 rainy days, and about 32.1 in of snow a season. July is the warmest month (average high 84°F) and January the coldest (average low 14°F).
Humid continental climate
Elgin, IL has warm summers and cold winters. Daytime highs range from about 30°F in January to 84°F in July. May is usually the wettest month, and snow falls in winter. The most comfortable time to visit is typically June and September to October, when daytime highs sit near 73°F.
| Season | Months | Avg low | Avg high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Dec–Feb | 17° | 33° |
| Spring | Mar–May | 37° | 58° |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | 61° | 82° |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | 41° | 62° |
How much rain does Elgin get?
Elgin gets 39.9 in of precipitation in an average year, spread over about 122 days with measurable rain. That is more rainy days than 80% of the US.
May is the wettest month, with 5.1 in. February is the driest, with 1.9 in. May has the most rainy days, about 13.
The longest dry spell in the last five years lasted 22 days, to December 14, 2024.
From September 2025 to August 2026 Elgin got 40.1 in of rain, against a normal of 39.9 in for those months. April 2026 had the most, with 8.2 in.
See where Elgin ranks: rainiest cities in the US, US cities with the most rainy days, rainiest cities in Illinois.
Does it snow in Elgin?
Yes. Elgin gets about 32.1 in of snow in an average season, measured at the reporting station.
The snowiest winter on record is 1978–79, with 83.7 in.
The most recent measurable snow at the station fell on March 18, 2026.
From September 2025 to August 2026 the station measured 34.1 in of snow, against a normal of 32.1 in for those months. January 2026 had the most, with 11.3 in.
See where Elgin ranks: snowiest cities in the US.
Elgin weather by month
Elgin weather in January
In January, Elgin averages a high of 30°F and a low of 14°F. It gets 2.0 in of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 24% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The January record high is 63°F (2008) and the record low is -27°F (1985).
Elgin weather in February
In February, Elgin averages a high of 34°F and a low of 17°F. It gets 1.9 in of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 43% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The February record high is 74°F (2024) and the record low is -25°F (2019).
Elgin weather in March
In March, Elgin averages a high of 46°F and a low of 26°F. It gets 2.4 in of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 34% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The March record high is 83°F (2012) and the record low is -9°F (2015).
Elgin weather in April
In April, Elgin averages a high of 58°F and a low of 37°F. It gets 4.0 in of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 37% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The April record high is 91°F (1986) and the record low is 11°F (1987).
Elgin weather in May
In May, Elgin averages a high of 70°F and a low of 48°F. It gets 5.1 in of precipitation over about 13 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 38% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The May record high is 97°F (2018) and the record low is 28°F (2004).
Elgin weather in June
In June, Elgin averages a high of 80°F and a low of 58°F. It gets 4.5 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 50% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The June record high is 101°F (1988) and the record low is 36°F (2003). June is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Elgin weather in July
In July, Elgin averages a high of 84°F and a low of 63°F. It gets 4.0 in of precipitation over about 9 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 47% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The July record high is 102°F (2012) and the record low is 45°F (1979).
Elgin weather in August
In August, Elgin averages a high of 82°F and a low of 61°F. It gets 4.3 in of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 51% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The August record high is 98°F (1988) and the record low is 40°F (1986).
Elgin weather in September
In September, Elgin averages a high of 76°F and a low of 53°F. It gets 3.5 in of precipitation over about 9 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 52% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The September record high is 95°F (2012) and the record low is 29°F (1995). September is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Elgin weather in October
In October, Elgin averages a high of 62°F and a low of 41°F. It gets 3.3 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 49% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The October record high is 89°F (2025) and the record low is 18°F (1981). October is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Elgin weather in November
In November, Elgin averages a high of 47°F and a low of 30°F. It gets 2.7 in of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 44% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The November record high is 76°F (2016) and the record low is -7°F (1976).
Elgin weather in December
In December, Elgin averages a high of 35°F and a low of 20°F. It gets 2.2 in of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 31% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The December record high is 68°F (2012) and the record low is -24°F (1983).
Sunshine, humidity and wind in Elgin
September is the sunniest month in Elgin, with estimated sunshine of 52% of daylight hours from ERA5 cloud cover. January is the cloudiest, at 24%. The annual cloud-cover estimate is 42% of daylight hours; it is not a measurement of sunshine duration. Elgin is cloudier than 82% of the US.
Humidity peaks in January at 78% and is lowest in April at 59%.
Elgin has about 14 days a year above 90°F. Elgin is cooler than 70% of the US.
Thunderstorms occur on about 13 days a year.
See where Elgin ranks: sunniest cities in the US, cloudiest cities in the US, hottest cities in the US.
First and last freeze in Elgin
The first fall freeze in Elgin typically comes around October 14, and the last spring freeze around April 26. That leaves a frost-free growing season of about 171 days.
Elgin weather records
These records cover ELGIN WATER during 1970–2026. Earlier records or other stations in the city may differ.
The hottest temperature on record at the Elgin station is 102°F, on July 7, 2012. The coldest is -27°F, on January 20, 1985.
The wettest day in the available station history brought 6.5 in of precipitation, on July 24, 2010.
45 all-time records have been set at the station since 1970.
The annual mean temperature has changed by +0.9°F per decade since 1976.
The best time to visit Elgin
The most comfortable time to visit is typically June and September to October, when daytime highs sit near 73°F.
Winter (December–February) is cold, with average highs around 33°F and lows near 17°F. Snow is possible.
Spring (March–May) is mild, with average highs around 58°F and lows near 37°F.
Summer (June–August) is warm, with average highs around 82°F and lows near 61°F.
Autumn (September–November) is mild, with average highs around 62°F and lows near 41°F.
Monthly climate
| Month | Average low | Average high | Precip | Rain days | Humidity | Estimated sunshine | Record high | Record low |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14° | 30° | 2.0 in | 10 | 78% | 24% | 63° | -27° |
| February | 17° | 34° | 1.9 in | 8 | 66% | 43% | 74° | -25° |
| March | 26° | 46° | 2.4 in | 10 | 63% | 34% | 83° | -9° |
| April | 37° | 58° | 4.0 in | 12 | 59% | 37% | 91° | 11° |
| May | 48° | 70° | 5.1 in | 13 | 59% | 38% | 97° | 28° |
| June | 58° | 80° | 4.5 in | 11 | 59% | 50% | 101° | 36° |
| July | 63° | 84° | 4.0 in | 9 | 69% | 47% | 102° | 45° |
| August | 61° | 82° | 4.3 in | 10 | 71% | 51% | 98° | 40° |
| September | 53° | 76° | 3.5 in | 9 | 68% | 52% | 95° | 29° |
| October | 41° | 62° | 3.3 in | 11 | 66% | 49% | 89° | 18° |
| November | 30° | 47° | 2.7 in | 10 | 67% | 44% | 76° | -7° |
| December | 20° | 35° | 2.2 in | 10 | 73% | 31% | 68° | -24° |
Station: ELGIN WATER, 3 km from the city. Temperature normal baseline: 1991–2020, calculated from available NOAA GHCN-Daily observations. Available station history: 1970–2026; record values refer to this station and period, not the entire city’s history. Precipitation includes rain and the water equivalent of frozen precipitation; snowfall depth is shown separately when available. Sources and methods
From ERA5 reanalysis. Sunshine is estimated from cloud cover.
Elgin climate questions
How much rain does Elgin get?
Elgin gets 39.9 in of precipitation in an average year, over about 122 rainy days.
What is the wettest month in Elgin?
May is the wettest month in Elgin, with 5.1 in. February is the driest, with 1.9 in.
How many rainy days does Elgin have a year?
Elgin has about 122 days with measurable rain in an average year. May has the most, about 13.
Does it snow in Elgin?
Yes. Elgin gets about 32.1 in of snow in an average season. The snowiest winter on record is 1978–79, with 83.7 in.
What is the hottest month in Elgin?
July is the warmest month in Elgin, with an average high of 84°F.
What is the coldest month in Elgin?
January is the coldest month in Elgin, with an average low of 14°F.
What is the record high temperature in Elgin?
Within the available 1970–2026 station history, the record high at the Elgin station is 102°F, set on July 7, 2012. The record low is -27°F, on January 20, 1985.
What is the sunniest month in Elgin?
September is the sunniest month in Elgin, with estimated sunshine of 52% of daylight hours from ERA5 cloud cover. January is the cloudiest.
When is the first frost in Elgin?
The first fall freeze in Elgin typically comes around October 14. The last spring freeze is around April 26.
What is the best time to visit Elgin?
The most comfortable time to visit is typically June and September to October, when daytime highs sit near 73°F.