Weather in Peoria, Illinois
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast37%77°62°
- SundayMay 17Overcast29%86°64°
- MondayMay 18Light Showers76%77°67°
- TuesdayMay 19Showers61%74°56°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast11%64°46°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast—64°46°
- FridayMay 22Overcast11%61°53°
- PM 2.5
- 9.3 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 10.8 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 19.6 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 49.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:45 AM
- Moonset
- 1:40 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Peoria at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 3°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 21 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Peoria's warmest temperatures at roughly 76°F mean, while January delivers the coldest at around 26°F. May sees peak rainfall with 4.7 inches, contrasting with February's dry spell of just 2.0 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26° | 2.1″ | 5 |
| February | 30° | 2.0″ | 5 |
| March | 41° | 2.7″ | 6 |
| April | 53° | 4.0″ | 8 |
| May | 64° | 4.7″ | 8 |
| June | 73° | 3.7″ | 7 |
| July | 76° | 3.5″ | 5 |
| August | 75° | 3.3″ | 6 |
| September | 67° | 3.5″ | 5 |
| October | 55° | 3.2″ | 6 |
| November | 42° | 2.7″ | 6 |
| December | 31° | 2.2″ | 5 |
Regional context
Peoria belongs to the humid subtropical climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with neighboring cities throughout this zone.
Similar climates: Springfield, IL, Champaign, IL, Bloomington, IL, Alton, IL, Decatur, IL.
Naturalist notes
Late April often brings the first waves of migrating warblers through Peoria's parks and woodlands.
Red oak leaves typically begin their spring emergence in early May as soil temperatures warm consistently.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Peoria?
- Spring's last frost typically occurs around mid-April in Peoria, while the first fall frost returns around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Peoria?
- May stands as the wettest month, averaging about 4.7 inches of rain, while the city receives roughly 38 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Peoria?
- July typically records the warmest temperatures, averaging about 76°F.
- What is the coldest month in Peoria?
- January typically brings the coldest weather, averaging about 26°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Peoria?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Peoria get?
- Peoria averages about 71 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Peoria?
- Peoria's USDA hardiness zone reflects its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool using the city ZIP provides the current zone designation.
Climate
Peoria, Illinois experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. Temperatures hover near 26°F in January while July averages 76°F — creating a 51°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 38 inches across roughly 71 rainy days throughout the year.
Weather patterns here respond to the city's latitude at 40.8°N, its proximity to large water bodies, and local elevation. These factors determine growing seasons, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.