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Best Time of Year to Pour Concrete in the Chicago Area

Timing your concrete project right can mean the difference between a perfect pour and a problematic one. Here in the Chicago area, weather dictates everything — and as a contractor who's poured concrete year-round, I know exactly when conditions are ideal.

The Ideal Concrete Season: Late April to October

The sweet spot for pouring concrete is late April through October, when daytime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F and nighttime temps don't drop below freezing. Concrete needs warmth to cure properly — cold temperatures slow the chemical reaction, and freezing during the first 48 hours can permanently damage the slab.

Here's the month-by-month reality: Late April and May are excellent — moderate temperatures, longer days, and it's early enough in the season that most contractors have availability. This is the best time to get on the schedule.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

June through August is peak season. Weather is ideal for concrete, but every contractor is booked solid. Wait times can be 4-6 weeks. Extreme heat (95°F+) can actually cause problems too — concrete sets too fast and can crack. We start pours at 6 AM on the hottest days to avoid peak sun.

September and October are the sweet spot again. Temperatures are moderate, humidity drops, and the rush of summer has calmed down. Many contractors offer better pricing in fall because demand slows. If you're flexible on timing, book for September.

November through March is risky. We can pour in November if we get a warm stretch, but anything after Thanksgiving is off the table until spring. Pouring in cold weather requires heated enclosures, hot water in the mix, and special admixtures — all of which add cost and still produce inferior results compared to a warm-weather pour.

When to Book for Best Pricing

My advice: call us in February or March to get on the spring schedule. The earliest callers get the best time slots. If you wait until May to call, you might not get your project done until July. At ZBL Concrete, we start booking our spring calendar in January.

Ready to get on the schedule? Call (312) 721-0835. Bryan will come out, give you a quote, and lock in your spot so your project is done when you want it.