Flying in Chicago, IL
There are 12 airfields within 93 miles of Chicago — the nearest is Chicago Midway International Airport (KMDW), about 9 miles out. Daylight runs from about 15h 03m of daylight at midsummer down to about 8h 57m at midwinter, so your VFR window shifts a lot through the year. Below: the airfields nearby, the seasonal daylight and weather, and where to find the official charts.
Airfields near Chicago
Public and private airfields within 93 miles, nearest first.
Chicago Midway International Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Gary Chicago International Airport
Chicago Executive Airport
Lansing Municipal Airport
Lewis University Airport
Dupage Airport
Joliet Regional Airport
Waukegan National Airport
Michigan City Municipal Airport
Porter County Municipal Airport
Aurora Municipal Airport
Daylight & the VFR window
Most VFR flying happens between sunrise and sunset, so daylight length is your practical flying window. Times below are local solar time (clock times shift with your time zone and DST). Plan night currency and reserves around the short end of the year.
| Time of year | Sunrise–sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|
| June solstice (Jun 21) | 04:29–19:31 | 15h 03m |
| Equinox (Mar 20) | 06:03–17:57 | 11h 53m |
| December solstice (Dec 21) | 07:31–16:29 | 8h 57m |
Typical weather
Seasonal averages from 2021–2023. A guide to what to pack and plan for — always check current METARs, TAFs, and NOTAMs before you fly.
| Season | Avg high | Avg low | Avg wind | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 13.8°C / 57°F | 4.9°C / 41°F | 28 km/h | 39% |
| Summer | 26.5°C / 80°F | 18.2°C / 65°F | 23 km/h | 35% |
| Autumn | 16.6°C / 62°F | 9°C / 48°F | 26 km/h | 31% |
| Winter | 2.3°C / 36°F | -5.2°C / 23°F | 27 km/h | 32% |
Airspace & charts
For the exact airspace classes, frequencies, restricted areas, and airfield plates around Chicago, go straight to the official sources — never plan a route off this page alone.
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