Current Time in Chicago, United States

Local time, timezone information, and travel guide for Chicago - also known as The Windy City

Chicago
United StatesThe Windy City

Timezone

America/Chicago

GMT-06:00

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About Chicago

Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States, renowned for its bold architecture, world-class museums, deep-dish pizza, and vibrant music scene that gave birth to Chicago blues and house music.

Population

2,693,976

Metro: 9,460,000

Language

English (official), Spanish, Polish

Currency

USD (US Dollar)

Area

606.1 km²

Elevation

176m above sea level

Founded

1833

Climate & Best Time to Visit Chicago

Climate

Humid continental with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The "Windy City" nickname comes from Lake Michigan breezes.

Best Time to Visit

April to May and September to October for mild weather. Summer offers festivals but humidity.

Top Landmarks & Attractions in Chicago
Willis Tower (Sears Tower)
Cloud Gate (The Bean)
Millennium Park
Navy Pier
Art Institute of Chicago
Wrigley Field
Local Cuisine & Food in Chicago
Must-try dishes and local specialties
Deep-dish pizzaChicago-style hot dogsItalian beef sandwichesGarrett popcornJibarito sandwiches
What Chicago is Famous For
  • Architecture and skyscrapers
  • Deep-dish pizza
  • Blues and jazz music
  • Sports teams (Cubs, Bulls, Bears)
  • Art Institute
  • Comedy scene
Airports Serving Chicago
O'Hare International (ORD)
Midway International (MDW)

Frequently Asked Questions About Time in Chicago

What timezone is Chicago in?

Chicago is in the America/Chicago timezone, which is GMT-06:00 from UTC (Coordinated Universal Time).

Does Chicago observe Daylight Saving Time?

The America/Chicago timezone may observe Daylight Saving Time depending on the country's regulations. The current offset shown above reflects any DST adjustments.

What is the time difference between Chicago and New York?

The time difference between Chicago and New York varies based on Daylight Saving Time. Use our time converter tool to see the current difference.

What is the best time to call Chicago?

Business hours in Chicago are typically 9 AM to 5 PM local time. Use our meeting planner to find the best overlap with your timezone.