Timing Matters: When Should You Paint the Outside of Your Home?
Painting the exterior of your home is one of the best ways to improve curb appeal, protect your siding, and increase property value. But timing is everything—especially in a Midwest climate like Arlington Heights, Illinois.
At Arlington Heights Pro Painters, we’ve been painting homes across the northwest suburbs for years. Here’s what every homeowner should know about the best time of year to schedule exterior painting in Arlington Heights or other Chicago suburbs.
🗓️ Best Season to Paint a House in Arlington Heights and Chicagoland
Due to Illinois’ four-season climate, exterior painting is best scheduled between late spring and early fall, typically from May through October.
✅ Late Spring (May–June)
- Pros: Mild temperatures, low humidity, and stable weather
- Best for: Siding, trim, garage doors, shutters
- Homeowner tip: Book early—this is our busiest season!
✅ Summer (July–August)
- Pros: Longer days, fast drying times
- Consider: Early morning or late afternoon painting to avoid high heat
- Good for: Full exterior repaints, fence and deck staining
✅ Early Fall (September–October)
- Pros: Cooler weather, low rainfall
- Ideal for: Touch-ups or full house projects before winter
- Caution: Avoid painting once temps consistently drop below 50°F
🚫 When NOT to Paint Outdoors in Illinois
❌ Winter (November–March)
- Cold, snow, and frozen surfaces prevent proper paint adhesion
- Even "cold weather" paints require temps above 35–50°F
- Paint may crack, peel, or fail to cure properly
Bottom line: Save interior projects for the winter, and wait until spring to paint your home's exterior.
🏡 Why Proper Timing Saves Money in the Long Run
Painting during the right season doesn’t just ensure a faster dry time—it also means:
- Better paint adhesion
- Less risk of bubbling or peeling
- Paint that lasts longer, reducing the need for touch-ups
- Lower labor costs due to fewer weather delays
At Arlington Heights Pro Painters, we always check the weather forecast, temperature, and humidity before starting your job. We never rush the process—because great results require the right conditions.
🎯 Local Climate Facts: Why Arlington Heights Timing Is Crucial
- Average summer highs: 75°F to 85°F
- Spring/fall temperatures: 55°F to 70°F
- Average annual rainfall: 37 inches
- Winter lows: often below 20°F
Because of this, many Arlington Heights homes need repainting every 5–8 years, depending on siding type and exposure.
🧰 What We Include in Every Exterior Painting Job
- Complete power washing to remove dirt and mildew
- Sanding, scraping & caulking to prep all surfaces
- Primer coat if needed (especially for bare wood or color changes)
- Two coats of premium weather-resistant paint
- Clean-up, inspection, and satisfaction walkthrough
We use top-tier products from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr to ensure your paint job holds up to Illinois weather.
