Chicago Sunrise & Sunset in May 2026

This page shows daily sunrise and sunset times for Chicago, Illinois throughout May 2026, displayed in local time. You can view how sunrise and sunset times change day by day across the entire month. The daylight characteristics of May in Chicago reflect seasonal transitions. The golden hour occurs twice daily—shortly after sunrise and before sunset—providing ideal lighting conditions for photography. During May, these periods shift gradually, offering different timing opportunities throughout the month. Outdoor enthusiasts in Chicago benefit from accurate May sun times when planning activities like hiking, running, cycling, and beach visits. Understanding when daylight begins and ends helps ensure safety and maximizes enjoyment. Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, understanding May's sun time patterns in Chicago, Illinois enhances your ability to plan and enjoy activities. The month's daylight characteristics are part of what makes the location unique. The daily variations in sun times during May may seem minor, but they reflect the Earth's continuous motion around the sun. These changes affect everything from energy consumption to mood and daily routines. Understanding these patterns helps residents and visitors make the most of each day's available daylight.

May is a seasonal transition month for Chicago in the Northern Hemisphere. Daylight length changes more noticeably now, with sunrise and sunset shifting week by week as the sun moves between solstice extremes.