how long is 'winter' ? (summer, meteorologist, bracket)

[MidwestKD]

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to how long winter in Chicago lasts. We have an old saying here: 'if you don't like the weather, just wait a few minutes........it'll change'. Each year is different. Last year we didn't get any snow until February and temps were fairly mild but this past season was one of the most brutal we've had in several years {for both snow, temperatures, and length of the season}. Generally speaking, winter begins here in November and lasts into March/April. March is completely unpredictable: temps from the 20's and snowing to 70's and sunshine. Usually, the below zero readings are over by March, but again, never say never! December/January/February are solidly winter here. We've had light snow in October some years but it doesn't last because the ground isn't frozen yet. By the end of November we usually get our first hard freezes. March and April are a mixed bag with any kind of weather. We've had snow in May but it's rare and usually a fleeting thing.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by MidwestKD

We've had snow in May but it's rare and usually a fleeting thing.

Accumulations of snow in April are even pretty rare...

[MidwestKD]

April snows happen......they just don't last due to the changing temps from day to day and Spring fighting to overtake winter, so I'd have to respectfully disagree that accumulating snows 'rarely' happen in April. I remember many an Easter with an inch or so of snow on the ground and cold temps in April, here.

[mattywo85]

Yes April, or even May, snow can happen but is rare and if it does happen it is usually minimal and melts fairly quickly. Generally "winter" is late November to end of March. Temps in November and December are generally decent and by decent I mean 40-50 degrees. If you are wondering when the snow and cold is constant it's hard to say because it can vary by season. This last winter is not a great indicator because it is generally not like that, but I can 99% guarantee it will snow at least once and temperatures will never see days above 30.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by MidwestKD

...so I'd have to respectfully disagree that accumulating snows 'rarely' happen in April. I remember many an Easter with an inch or so of snow on the ground and cold temps in April, here.

"Many an Easter"? I don't think so. More like a few Easters, if that. Historically, April snow accumulations are indeed rare, with most years having little or no measurable snow in April. About three quarters of the years going back to 1885 have less than an inch of snow in April. And even when we get more than an inch in April, it melts quickly.

Snow Rankings for April for Chicago

[MidwestKD]

My mistake. I guess by the time March and April gets here, it FEELS like winter will never end. To get back to the original question about how long winters last here, plan on May as a safe bet for the end of it! lol

[brian571]

For me, the worst part of winter isn't January and February. I expect it to be cold and snowy then. It's March and April when I'm ready for it to be done, but it's still dragging on. I'll concur with others that say December to February for hard winder, but it's really not really "spring" until mid-late April most years.

[BlueCat1105]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

On average three months. Mid Dec - Mid March for any real worries of ice, snow, shoveling, etc.

Our first snow of the season was on October 22, 2013 (not sticking, but an all-day snow), and our last was May 16, 2014 (again, not a sticking snow). I write a blog, so my dates are accurate. So, whether or not we had to shovel, I still consider that to be winter - 7 months long. I'm moving to AZ.

[cubssoxfan]

It's just like "Game of Thrones", winter lasts anywhere from 3-10 years

[sidingcontractors]

Winter is always too long in Chicago...