Arlington Heights is a vibrant suburban village located in Cook County, Illinois, United States. Positioned about 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heights lies at approximately 42.08° N latitude and 87.98° W longitude. This well-established community is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and diverse amenities, making it a desirable place to live and work.
With a population of around 75,000 residents, Arlington Heights covers an area of about 16.6 square miles (43 square kilometers). The village is characterized by its mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and green spaces. Arlington Heights’ economy is robust, supported by a combination of retail, healthcare, professional services, and light manufacturing. One notable company headquartered in Arlington Heights is Paddock Publications, publisher of the Daily Herald newspaper, one of the largest suburban newspapers in the country.
Arlington Heights is home to several notable landmarks and attractions. One of the most famous is the Arlington International Racecourse, a premier horse racing facility that hosts the prestigious Arlington Million race. Another significant site is the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, which offers a variety of cultural events, including theater, music, and dance performances. While Arlington Heights does not have a major university, it is in close proximity to several higher education institutions, including Harper College in nearby Palatine and Northwestern University in Evanston.
Climate and Weather Overview
Arlington Heights experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. This climate type results in significant seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation, providing a diverse range of weather conditions throughout the year.
Average Temperature, Precipitation, and Sunny Days by Month
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31 | 16 | 1.8 | 10 |
| February | 35 | 19 | 1.6 | 10 |
| March | 46 | 28 | 2.3 | 12 |
| April | 59 | 39 | 3.5 | 13 |
| May | 70 | 50 | 4.0 | 15 |
| June | 80 | 60 | 4.1 | 15 |
| July | 84 | 65 | 4.0 | 15 |
| August | 82 | 63 | 4.2 | 14 |
| September | 75 | 55 | 3.3 | 12 |
| October | 62 | 43 | 2.7 | 12 |
| November | 47 | 32 | 2.7 | 10 |
| December | 34 | 20 | 2.4 | 9 |
Weather by Month
January
January in Arlington Heights is typically the coldest month, with average high temperatures around 31°F and lows of 16°F. The village receives about 1.8 inches of precipitation, primarily in the form of snow. January has approximately 10 sunny days, offering a mix of clear and overcast weather.
Natural Disasters
Arlington Heights generally does not experience severe natural disasters in January. However, heavy snowfall and occasional blizzards can disrupt transportation and cause temporary power outages.
Activities
Outdoor activities in January include ice skating at local rinks and cross-country skiing in nearby forest preserves. The cold weather also makes it a perfect time to visit the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre or attend community events at local venues.
February
February remains cold, with average high temperatures around 35°F and lows of 19°F. Precipitation is slightly lower at 1.6 inches, with about 10 sunny days.
Natural Disasters
Similar to January, February can see occasional snowstorms, but severe weather events are rare.
Activities
February activities include winter hikes and exploring the natural beauty of the area. The mild weather is also perfect for attending cultural events and community gatherings.
March
March marks the beginning of spring, with average high temperatures rising to 46°F and lows to 28°F. The village receives about 2.3 inches of precipitation. Sunny days increase to 12.
Natural Disasters
March can bring the tail end of winter storms, but severe weather is relatively rare. The increased sunshine starts to encourage blooming and new growth.
Activities
As the weather warms up, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy early spring hiking and bird watching. March is also a great time to visit local parks and start preparing gardens for the upcoming growing season.
April
April sees a significant warm-up, with average highs of 59°F and lows of 39°F. Precipitation increases to 3.5 inches, and sunny days increase to 13.
Natural Disasters
April showers are common, but severe weather is rare. However, the increased rainfall can sometimes lead to localized flooding.
Activities
Spring blooms make April ideal for visiting gardens and nature reserves. Hiking and cycling become more popular as trails dry out. The mild weather is also perfect for exploring the community’s historical sites.
May
May brings warmer temperatures, with average highs of 70°F and lows of 50°F. Precipitation is around 4.0 inches, and sunny days increase to 15.
Natural Disasters
May typically has mild weather with few natural disasters, though occasional thunderstorms can occur.
Activities
Outdoor activities flourish in May. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, and attending local farmers’ markets. The pleasant weather is also ideal for picnics and outdoor festivals.
June
June sees summer temperatures, with average highs of 80°F and lows of 60°F. Precipitation is about 4.1 inches, and there are 15 sunny days.
Natural Disasters
June can bring thunderstorms, which occasionally lead to minor flooding and power outages.
Activities
June is perfect for boating, swimming, and camping. The warm weather and long days make it ideal for outdoor sports and exploring the area’s natural beauty.
July
July is the warmest month, with average highs of 84°F and lows of 65°F. Precipitation is about 4.0 inches, and sunny days are around 15.
Natural Disasters
Thunderstorms are common in July, but severe weather is rare. However, heavy rain can occasionally lead to flash flooding.
Activities
July offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and attending local festivals. The warm weather is also perfect for barbecues and family gatherings in parks.
August
August remains warm, with average highs of 82°F and lows of 63°F. Precipitation is about 4.2 inches, and there are 14 sunny days.
Natural Disasters
Similar to July, thunderstorms can occur, sometimes causing minor flooding.
Activities
August is ideal for water activities like swimming and kayaking. The warm, sunny days are also great for outdoor concerts and community events.
September
September sees slightly cooler temperatures, with average highs of 75°F and lows of 55°F. Precipitation is around 3.3 inches, and there are 12 sunny days.
Natural Disasters
September usually experiences mild weather, but remnants of tropical storms can occasionally bring heavy rain.
Activities
Fall activities begin to emerge, with apple picking and leaf-peeping becoming popular. The cooler weather is also perfect for hiking and biking.
October
October brings mild autumn weather, with average highs of 62°F and lows of 43°F. Precipitation decreases slightly to 2.7 inches, and there are 12 sunny days.
Natural Disasters
October is generally calm, but occasional storms can bring heavy rain and strong winds.
Activities
October is perfect for enjoying fall foliage, attending harvest festivals, and visiting pumpkin patches. The crisp air also makes it ideal for hiking and exploring nature trails.
November
November sees cooler weather, with average highs of 47°F and lows of 32°F. Precipitation is around 2.7 inches, and there are 10 sunny days.
Natural Disasters
Early winter storms can bring rain and snow, potentially causing travel disruptions.
Activities
As winter approaches, November activities include visiting local museums, attending holiday markets, and enjoying cozy indoor gatherings. The cooler weather also makes it a great time for outdoor activities like hiking.
December
December brings the start of winter, with average highs of 34°F and lows of 20°F. Precipitation is about 2.4 inches, mostly in the form of snow, and there are 9 sunny days.
Natural Disasters
Winter storms can bring heavy snow and ice, leading to travel disruptions and power outages.
Activities
December is perfect for winter sports, holiday festivities, and enjoying the community’s winter atmosphere. Indoor activities like visiting the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre and attending community holiday events are also popular.