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Coldest Cities in Illinois

Top 100 cities ranked by coldest cities

Coldest Cities — Illinois

1 Freeport 48°F
2 Plano 48°F
3 Sandwich 48°F
4 Lake Holiday 48°F
5 Dixon 48°F
6 Long Grove 48°F
7 Round Lake Park 48°F
8 Wauconda 48°F
9 Round Lake 48°F
10 Lake Barrington 48°F
11 Grayslake 48°F
12 Mundelein 48°F
13 Lake Zurich 48°F
14 Rochelle 48°F
15 Hawthorn Woods 48°F
16 Inverness 48°F
17 South Barrington 48°F
18 Palatine 48°F
19 Barrington 48°F
20 Rolling Meadows 48°F
21 Hampshire 48°F
22 Harvard 48°F
23 Marengo 48°F
24 Genoa 48°F
25 Mendota 48°F
26 Candlewick Lake 48°F
27 Loves Park 48°F
28 Belvidere 48°F
29 Winthrop Harbor 48°F
30 Beach Park 48°F
31 Zion 48°F
32 Park City 48°F
33 Gages Lake 48°F
34 Grandwood Park 48°F
35 North Chicago 48°F
36 Gurnee 48°F
37 Libertyville 48°F
38 Lake Bluff 48°F
39 Lindenhurst 49°F
40 Cary 49°F
41 Spring Grove 49°F
42 Lake Villa 49°F
43 Sycamore 49°F
44 Lakemoor 49°F
45 DeKalb 49°F
46 Island Lake 49°F
47 Fox Lake 49°F
48 Volo 49°F
49 McHenry 49°F
50 Round Lake Beach 49°F
51 Antioch 49°F
52 Johnsburg 49°F
53 Gilberts 49°F
54 Pingree Grove 49°F
55 Carpentersville 49°F
56 Algonquin 49°F
57 West Dundee 49°F
58 Warrenville 49°F
59 Wheaton 49°F
60 Downers Grove 49°F
61 Lombard 49°F
62 Crystal Lake 49°F
63 Addison 49°F
64 Woodridge 49°F
65 Glendale Heights 49°F
67 Glen Ellyn 49°F
68 Huntley 49°F
69 Woodstock 49°F
70 Itasca 49°F
71 Lisle 49°F
72 Yorkville 49°F
73 Elburn 49°F
74 Machesney Park 49°F
75 South Beloit 49°F
76 Rock Falls 49°F
77 Rockton 49°F
78 Roscoe 49°F
79 Sugar Grove 49°F
80 Canton 49°F
81 Sterling 49°F
82 Lincolnwood 50°F
83 Schaumburg 50°F
84 Evanston 50°F
85 Skokie 50°F
86 Kewanee 50°F
87 Hoffman Estates 50°F
88 Glenview 50°F
89 LaSalle 50°F
90 Peru 50°F
91 Streamwood 50°F
92 Glencoe 50°F
93 Deerfield 50°F
94 Northbrook 50°F
95 Niles 50°F
96 Highland Park 50°F
97 Wilmette 50°F
98 Northfield 50°F
99 Morton Grove 50°F
100 Winnetka 50°F

The coldest cities in Illinois experience low average annual temperatures, with long winters and significant snowfall. Freeport has an average annual temperature of just 48°F.

Cold-climate cities often feature distinct four-season lifestyles with winter sports, fall foliage, and summer outdoor recreation. Many residents value the seasonal changes and outdoor activities that come with colder climates, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing.

Living in cold-climate cities typically means higher heating costs, the need for winter-ready vehicles and clothing, and seasonal challenges like snow removal. However, these cities often compensate with lower costs of living, less crowding, and strong community bonds forged through shared seasonal experiences.

Did You Know?

  • 1. At 48°F average, Freeport experiences temperatures well below freezing for months each year.
  • 2. Cold-climate cities often have underground walkway systems, enclosed skyways, or heated bus shelters to help residents navigate harsh winters.
  • 3. Despite the cold, many of these cities rank high in quality of life due to strong economies, good schools, and vibrant cultural scenes.

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