New York City edges it in July. New York City averages 21–29°C with high crowds; Chicago 20–27°C with extremely high crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
New York City and Chicago
The verdict for July
Hot, busy and very New York
+The city is in full summer mode, with energy everywhere.
–Heat and humidity make long walking days less comfortable.
Good for summer energy, weaker for value and comfortable sightseeing.
Maximum summer energy
+Maximum energy — fireworks, festivals, patio season at its peak.
–Hot and humid, and Lollapalooza (Jul 30–Aug 2) pushes rates to their yearly high.
Maximum energy — fireworks, festivals, patio season at its peak.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month