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Chicago · May

Running in Chicago in May

Typical May running conditions in Chicago, and a live Run Score so you can see how today compares with the norm.

Typical Run Score

81

Great

Avg temperature

60°F

Warm

Avg dew point

51°F

Comfortable

Best window

6–11 AM

Local time

Chicago · today vs the May normTemperature · dew point · wind · timing

How May compares in Chicago

May ranks 1st of 12 months for running in Chicago, with a typical daytime Run Score of 81 (Great). It's the best running month of the year here: temperatures around 60°F (16°C) and comfortable dew points. Precipitation falls in roughly 14% of hours this month. Use the live tool below to see how today actually compares with the May norm.

Running in Chicago in May: FAQ

Is it good to run in Chicago in May?

Yes, it's one of the better months to run here. The typical daytime Run Score is 81 (Great), with temperatures around 60°F (16°C) and comfortable dew points. The best window is usually 6–11 AM.

How hot is it for running in Chicago in May?

Typical temperatures average 60°F (16°C) (Warm) with dew points near 51°F. Dew point (not the thermometer) usually decides how hard the run feels.

What is a good Run Score?

Scores run 0–100. 80–100 is Great (97+ earns a gold star for near-perfect conditions). 65–79 (Good) is solid. 45–64 (Fair) means at least one factor (usually heat or dew point) is slowing you. Below 45 (Poor), expect a noticeably harder effort or hold back for safety.

Why does dew point matter more than temperature?

Your body cools by evaporating sweat. When the dew point climbs above roughly 60°F, the air is too saturated for sweat to evaporate efficiently, so heat builds up even if the thermometer looks reasonable. That's why a 70°F muggy morning can feel harder than a dry 80°F afternoon.

Get this on every run, automatically

RunWeather syncs with Strava, plans your week, and learns your heat tolerance, so the right time to run finds you. Free on iPhone and Android.