Chicago weather: How our 2024-25 seasonal snowfall compares with previous years

In Chicago, snow seasons are tracked from July through the following June. The area normally can expect 38.4 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

Chicago was warmer than average during the 2023-24 season due to a La Niña climate system, which meant snow was scarce. Only 22.2 inches of snow fell at O’Hare International Airport, which is the city’s official recording site.

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The most snow Chicago has ever received in one season was 89.7 inches during 1978-79. The least — 9.8 inches — occurred in 1920-21.

Here’s a look back at how our current snowfall compares with previous seasons.

Data is updated through March 16, 2025.

Sources:National Weather Service Chicago; Tribune archives and reporting

Subscribe to the freeVintage Chicago Tribunenewsletter, follow Today in Chicago History, join ourChicagoland history Facebook groupand follow us onInstagramfor more from Chicago’s past.

In Chicago, snow seasons are tracked from July through the following June. The area normally can expect 38.4 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

Chicago was warmer than average during the 2023-24 season due to a La Niña climate system, which meant snow was scarce. Only 22.2 inches of snow fell at O’Hare International Airport, which is the city’s official recording site.

The most snow Chicago has ever received in one season was 89.7 inches during 1978-79. The least — 9.8 inches — occurred in 1920-21.

Here’s a look back at how our current snowfall compares with previous seasons.

Data is updated through March 16, 2025.

Subscribe to the freeVintage Chicago Tribunenewsletter, follow Today in Chicago History, join ourChicagoland history Facebook groupand follow us onInstagramfor more from Chicago’s past.