In Chicago, snow seasons are tracked from July through the following June. The area normally can expect 38.4 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Chicago was warmer than average during the 2023-24 season due to a La Niña climate system, which meant snow was scarce. Only 22.2 inches of snow fell at O’Hare International Airport, which is the city’s official recording site. Chicago’s 10 largest snowfalls since 1886 — and how the Tribune covered them The most snow Chicago has ever received in one season was 89.7 inches during 1978-79. The least — 9.8 inches — occurred in 1920-21. Here’s a look back at how our current snowfall compares with previous seasons. Data is updated through Dec. 22, 2024. Sources: National Weather Service Chicago; Tribune archives and reporting Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago’s past.