Evanston climate
High-elevation winter, snow, wind, dry air, bright summer days, and heating shape the year
The National Weather Service's Evanston 1 E station normals for 1981 to 2010 list a January average maximum of 32.0 degrees Fahrenheit, a July average maximum of 81.4 degrees, annual precipitation of 12.20 inches, and annual snow of 47.3 inches. These dated station normals are planning references, not a current forecast or a particular-home guarantee.
Inspect insulation, heating, windows, roof, pipes, snow removal, vehicle storage, backup power, humidification, air filtration, cooling, shade, water, internet, and the route to care during a storm. Request recent utility history and verify plowing, roof, pipe, and road arrangements before choosing.
Living through the seasons
Summers are the easier season. Winter comfort deserves a closer look.
- Overall Comfort
- Moderate
2.5 / 5
- Average Summer High
- 80°F
- Days Above 90°F
- 6 days/year
- Summer Feel
- Excellent
Mild · 80°F
Excellent
4.8 / 5
- Average Winter Low
- 10°F / -12°C
- Days Below Freezing
- 200 days/year
- Winter Feel
- Poor
Poor
Poor
1 / 5
The shape of the year
Humidity, comfortable months, and sunshine show how the seasons differ.
- Humidity
- 63%
- Comfortable Months
- 4 months
- Solar Exposure
- 1747 peak sun hrs/yr
Poor
Good
Air, allergies, and weather
Air quality and allergies shape day to day comfort. The best months and weather risks help with timing.
Air and allergies
- Air Quality
- Excellent
- Allergy Levels
- Moderate
4.9 / 5
Good
Current AQI
Checking…
Current PM2.5
Checking…
Timing and weather
- Long Term Fine Particle Pollution
- 4.2 µg/m³ 2021-2025 modeled average
- Best Months
- Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
- Toughest Months
- Feb, Jan, Dec
- Heat Risk
- Low
- Drought Risk
- Low
- Weather Volatility
- Moderate
Excellent · 4.2 µg/m³ 2021-2025 modeled average
Very Good
3.3 / 5
Evanston in everyday life
Could Evanston work for you?
What may work well
- The Evanston 1 E station provides precise, dated seasonal and snow anchors with a clear limitation.
- The city has downtown services, Bear River recreation, parks, events, and indoor choices for changing weather.
What to think about
- The station normals are from 1981 to 2010 rather than a current local monthly table.
- Cold, snow, wind, heating, pipes, power, road access, and care travel require attention.
Choose Evanston for the whole year
Inspect comfort systems
Review heating, insulation, windows, roof, pipes, cooling, shade, ventilation, humidity, air filtration, and backup power.
Price snow and wind resilience
Ask about plowing, trees, roof, pipes, driveway, wind, insurance, power, phone service, roads, and safe routes.
Keep indoor choices
Pair downtown services, meals, library or community activity, hospital care, indoor recreation, and home activities during snow or wind.
Questions retirees ask
What is Evanston weather like?
The dated Evanston 1 E normals show cold winters, snow, dry high-country conditions, and warm summer afternoons. Confirm current conditions and the exact home's heating, snow, power, and road needs.
What should I inspect before buying?
Review heating, insulation, roof, pipes, snow, wind, humidification, air filtration, cooling, water, power, vehicle storage, insurance, and the route to care.
Evanston's climate choice depends on heating, winter access, snow, wind, air, water, power, indoor options, and routes that remain manageable across the full year.
Sources
Climate comfort helps estimate how practical daily life may feel across the year, especially for heat, humidity, cold, and seasonal constraints.
Seasonal timing, health conditions, air conditioning, air quality, and elevation can change the lived experience.
- NASA POWER
Used for Overall Comfort, Summer Feel, Average Summer High, Days Above 90°F, Winter Feel, Average Winter Low, Days Below Freezing, Humidity, Comfortable Months, Solar Exposure, Best Months, Toughest Months, Allergy Levels, Heat Risk
- Open-Meteo Air Quality + Humidity Heuristic
Used for Air Quality, Long-Term Fine-Particle Pollution, Weather Volatility
Checked 2026-07-10
- Federal Emergency Management Agency National Risk Index
Used for Drought Risk
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Partner with Retirement ListsResearch and writing byGrant Gibson
How this city research is made
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