Chicago
Vitamin D from the sun in Chicago
8 months of sun
In Chicago you can synthesize vitamin D from March to October.
From November to February synthesis isn't possible — this is when a supplement can help.
Chicago: we'll tell you the days you can make vitamin D.
Loading notifications…Today's sun in Chicago
Today's sunrise, sunset, golden hour and day length.
Year-round profile in Chicago
Daily hours with enough sun to synthesize vitamin D across the year.
Seasonal windows
- March: between 10:00 and 15:00, about 12 min for 1000 IU.
- June: between 08:00 and 16:00, about 6 min for 1000 IU.
- September: between 10:00 and 15:00, about 10 min for 1000 IU.
- December: synthesis isn't possible.
Estimated for Fitzpatrick type III skin, arms and face exposed, clear sky.
When to supplement in Chicago
During the months without solar synthesis, vitamin D comes only from food or a supplement. It is usually taken as D3, often with magnesium — which the body needs to activate it — and vitamin K (as K2), which contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
More about supplementsSunrise and sunset by month in Chicago
How sunrise, sunset and day length change over the year.
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Day length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:16 | 16:43 | 9 h 27 min | |
| 06:49 | 17:21 | 10 h 32 min | |
| 07:06 | 18:55 | 11 h 49 min | |
| 06:12 | 19:30 | 13 h 18 min | |
| 05:31 | 20:03 | 14 h 32 min | |
| 05:15 | 20:27 | 15 h 12 min | |
| 05:28 | 20:24 | 14 h 56 min | |
| 05:59 | 19:50 | 13 h 51 min | |
| 06:33 | 18:57 | 12 h 25 min | |
| 07:06 | 18:05 | 10 h 59 min | |
| 06:43 | 16:28 | 9 h 45 min | |
| 07:12 | 16:21 | 9 h 09 min |
Approximate values for mid-month (the 15th).
Frequently asked questions about vitamin D in Chicago
- Can I get vitamin D from the sun in winter in Chicago?
- In Chicago you can synthesize vitamin D from March to October.
- How many minutes of sun do I need in Chicago?
- In summer, about 12 minutes with arms and face exposed is enough for 1000 IU (Fitzpatrick type III skin, clear sky).
- What time does the sun rise and set in Chicago?
- It shifts with the seasons: in June the sun rises around 05:15 and sets around 20:27; in December it rises around 07:12 and sets around 16:21.
- What is the longest day of the year in Chicago?
- Longest day: June, with about 15 h of daylight. Shortest day: December, with about 9 h.
- When is golden hour in Chicago?
- It's roughly the last hour before sunset: in June it starts around 19:45 and in December around 15:36.