Winter Survival Guide

If you’re moving to Chicago for the first time, especially if you’re from a warmer state, the idea of a Chicago winter can seem incredibly daunting. Until I moved here, almost every time Chicago came up in conversation, there was usually some reference to how cold it gets. I basically envisioned it to be the Arctic Tundra for most of my life.

But, trust me when I say that, even as someone from Southern California, it’s really not that bad.

If you’re moving here and trying to figure out how to navigate the cold, or if the fear of a Chicago winter is what’s keeping you away, rest assured that the winters can be pretty manageable if you have the right gear and keep a few things in mind:

1. Invest in a good winter wardrobe. I once heard someone say that there was no such thing as bad weather, just bad outfits; I’ve found this to be pretty accurate for the most part. The first time I came to Chicago, what I thought was my “winter coat” turned out to be all style and no substance. I walked three blocks before I thought I was going to freeze to death. I immediately got an Uber, went to a department store nearby, and came out with a better jacket. I spent the rest of my trip walking everywhere in the middle of January without issue. Things you will need on this front:

• Puffer jacket/parka 
• Gloves/mittens (mittens are generally warmer than fingered gloves)
• Boots (waterproof with good traction; this is critical - it took a few near slip and falls for me to realize that my fashion boots from California weren’t going to cut it)
• Beanies/hats/earmuffs (basically, make sure you keep your head and ears warm on the coldest days!)
• Warm socks (wool ones are usually good)
• Baselayers/thermals
• Hand and toe warmers (optional, but really helpful on the coldest days)

2. Layer. This can be a little bit of a pain when you’re running late, but layering is key to wintertime comfort. The extra layers keep you warm when you’re out and about, but you can still shed them as needed when you’re indoors. 

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3. Plan your commute. If you stick to tips 1 and 2, getting around during wintertime, even by walking, can be pretty manageable. But, there are some days where it’s just really cold or icy, and on those days, it helps to plan ahead. Whether that’s timing the train/bus more precisely, investing in a cab/Uber/Lyft, or getting a work from home day (if your job allows for it), taking a few minutes to plan your route to minimize time outdoors can make a huge difference. In the years I’ve been here, there’s only been a handful of days per winter where I had to do this, but it made a huge difference. Pro tip - if you’re in the Loop, take advantage of the Pedway. 

4. Supplement sunlight. Truthfully, it kind of sucks when it gets dark at 4:30 PM. But, things like Vitamin D supplements (consider double checking with your doctor on this) and light therapy lamps can be helpful. 

5. Get out and do stuff. When it’s cold and dark, it is incredibly easy to just stay in night after night, which can make winter feel like more of a drag than it actually is. Instead, consider taking advantage of the amazing indoor culture Chicago has to offer - restaurants, bars, theaters, museums, galleries, boutiques, etc. There is so much to do indoors here and winter is a great time to do it - save those summer days for the lake and patios. There’s even some fun outdoor winter activities too - ice skating and the Christkindl market are two good places to start.