All Time Coldest Games in Bears History

Welcome to Bear Weather

In Chicago, the gridiron isn't just a battlefield for athletes; it's a test of survival against the elements. For over a century, the Bears have forged their identity in the biting winds and sub-zero temperatures of the Windy City. While "Bear Weather" is often cited as a distinct home-field advantage, the franchise has played some of its most grueling contests when the mercury bottoms out. From the frozen soil of Wrigley Field to the wind-swept lakefront of Soldier Field, these are the games where heavy coats were mandatory, the Gatorade turned to slush, and only the toughest prevailed. Below is a look at the coldest games in franchise history, ranked by kickoff temperature.

The Coldest Games in Bears History

RankDateOpponentLocationTemp (°F)Wind Chill (°F)Result
1Dec 3, 1972Minnesota VikingsMetropolitan Stadium-2°-15°L, 10-23
2Dec 22, 2008Green Bay PackersSoldier Field-13°W, 20-17 (OT)
3Nov 28, 1977Green Bay PackersLambeau Field-16°L, 10-24
4Dec 18, 1983Green Bay PackersSoldier Field-15°W, 23-21
5Dec 29, 1963New York Giants*Wrigley Field-11°W, 14-10
6Jan 10, 1988Washington Redskins**Soldier Field-12°L, 17-21
7Dec 20, 1981Denver BroncosSoldier Field-9°W, 35-24
8Dec 14, 2025Cleveland BrownsSoldier Field-1°W, 24-10
9Dec 9, 2013Dallas CowboysSoldier Field-9°W, 45-28
10Dec 24, 2022Buffalo BillsSoldier Field-12°L, 13-35
  • The Record Holder: While the Bears are famous for cold home games, their coldest game on record actually took place in Minnesota in 1972, where the temperature dipped to 2 degrees below zero.
  • Soldier Field Record: The coldest kickoff temperature for a home game at Soldier Field remains the Monday Night Football clash against the Packers in 2008 (2°F).
  • Championship Cold: The 1963 NFL Championship game at Wrigley Field is legendary not just for the victory that ended the Giants' dynasty, but for playing out in a bitter 4 degrees, helping cement the lore of "Bear Weather" long before the team moved to the lakefront.
  • Recent History: The December 14, 2025 matchup against the Browns recently cracked the top 10, proving that even in the modern era, the lakefront can still produce single-digit football.