Advice for Surviving Chicago Winters for the First Time
Chicago winters can be brutal, but surviving them becomes manageable with the right advice from those who've endured them. CEOs and brand owners share their top tips for newcomers facing the Windy City's harshest season. The first insight from experts emphasizes the importance of investing in a high-quality windproof coat. Wrapping up with advice on evaluating your tires before the first snowfall, this article compiles a total of eight invaluable insights.
- Invest in a High-Quality Windproof Coat
- Buy Thermal Waterproof Boots
- Get a Winter Coat with a Hood
- Layer Smartly and Get Good Boots
- Invest in a Windproof Winter Coat
- Choose Insulated, Windproof Outerwear
- Keep a Snow Shovel in Your Trunk
- Evaluate Your Tires Before First Snowfall
Invest in a High-Quality Windproof Coat
Take it from someone who was caught by surprise—it is far colder and windier than you think it will be. You'll want to invest in a high-quality, insulated, and windproof coat. Chicago's winter temperatures can drop below freezing, and the wind chill from lake breezes can make it feel even colder than the forecast would have you believe if you're not used to accounting for it. The city's winter winds are notoriously harsh, and a standard coat often won't provide enough warmth or protection if you plan to spend any amount of time outside. A coat specifically designed to block the wind and insulate against extreme cold will make outdoor activities, like commuting, much more bearable.
Buy Thermal Waterproof Boots
Two words: waterproof boots. If you're experiencing a Chicago winter for the first time, invest in thermal, waterproof boots before you buy anything else because the sheer amount of snow and slush is, frankly, hard to fathom if you're not used to it. Unlike standard shoes, these boots should keep your feet warm and dry and provide solid traction on icy sidewalks, which is essential for safe winter commuting. Chicago winters can bring sudden weather changes, and a reliable pair of boots prepares you for everything from snowstorms to slippery walkways, allowing you to navigate the city without sacrificing warmth or comfort on-the-go.
Get a Winter Coat with a Hood
Buy a good winter coat with a hood that at least meets your knees. Feel free to get one on sale, but definitely don't cheap out on it! Also, if you live in a building where your only parking is street parking, make sure you buy a shovel and keep a bag of salt in your trunk. The last thing you want is for snow trucks to barricade you in so you can't get out. Sometimes you'll drop the salt around your car before a heavy snow, and sometimes you'll need it to get traction when trying to get out of the snow. Fun times!
Layer Smartly and Get Good Boots
My advice for someone facing their first Chicago winter is to invest in a high-quality coat and layer smartly. I learned this my first winter here when I underestimated the wind's bite. After getting a heavy down parka and thermal layers, my commute felt manageable, and I avoided constant chills. Good boots are essential too; snow and slush are everywhere! Chicago winters are tough, but with the right gear, you can stay warm and enjoy the beauty of the city.
Invest in a Windproof Winter Coat
We visited Chicago a number of years ago and stayed with a friend who had moved out from the UK. He advised us to invest in a quality winter coat with a windproof shell, as Chicago winters are not just cold; they're windy.
Choose Insulated, Windproof Outerwear
As a Chicago-based entrepreneur, I cannot emphasize enough how essential it is to invest in high-quality, insulated outerwear when dealing with the harsh winter months here. Chicago winters are notorious for the cold, but the brutal wind-chill off Lake Michigan can make it feel even colder than it is. When selecting a coat, look for one that's both windproof and waterproof, with enough insulation to trap heat effectively. Layering also plays a big part since it allows you to adjust based on changing temperatures throughout the day. Accessories like warm gloves, a hat that covers your ears, and a thick scarf are indispensable when it comes to staying warm and navigating the city comfortably. Without the right gear, the cold can quickly affect your mood, health, and even your ability to get things done.
I have learned from my own experience that investing in durable winter clothing truly makes a difference. I remember one winter when I opted for a cheaper coat, thinking I could tough it out. Within weeks, I was struggling to stay warm, and it became a distraction that affected my productivity. A well-made jacket, especially one that's insulated and wind-resistant, keeps you focused on what really matters—like running your business—without constantly worrying about the cold. Living and working in a city like Chicago, where the winter weather can be unpredictable and harsh, having the right outerwear ensures you stay healthy and energized no matter how tough the season gets.
Keep a Snow Shovel in Your Trunk
I have two pieces of advice to offer:
* If you will be driving, consider keeping a snow shovel in your trunk. You may need it to shovel yourself out of your parking spot, or to clear a way into an available street-parking spot. When snow plows come through, they sometimes create large berms on either side of the street, which become hard, dense, and difficult to drive through.
* After a snowstorm, some Chicago residents consider it customary to set chairs or other objects out at the edge of the street to reserve the parking spot that has been shoveled. Should someone be bold enough to move the chairs and park in the spot, they may find their car piled with snow upon their return. Unfortunately, this practice of reserving spots ties up a lot of unused parking space at a time when street parking is already particularly difficult.
Evaluate Your Tires Before First Snowfall
As someone who's seen countless winter breakdowns in Chicago, here's the crucial advice for newcomers: Get your vehicle—especially your tires—professionally evaluated before the first snowfall hits. Many transplants to Chicago don't realize their current tires, which worked fine in milder climates, simply aren't equipped for our harsh winters.
The science is clear: When temperatures drop below 45°F, regular all-season tires harden and lose their grip. Winter tires use special rubber compounds that stay flexible in freezing temperatures, giving you the traction you need on Chicago's icy roads. This isn't just about avoiding inconvenience—it's about preventing those heart-stopping moments when your car starts sliding on Lake Shore Drive.
Your first Chicago winter is going to be an eye-opener—don't let inadequate tire preparation put you at risk.
