Known for its crisp winters, steamy summers and skyscraper skyline, Chicago sees a full range of seasons. But thanks to a packed calendar of festivals and events, a voracious foodie scene and an abundance of world-class museums when the days cool off, there’s always something going on in the Windy City no matter what month you visit.
With hot, humid days but enough lake shores to catch the breeze, Chicago shines in summer, and spring and fall have their own charm, but in winter, fewer tourists and plenty of snow bring the holiday magic. Is.
If you’re looking for a city break with exceptional art and architecture, truly world-class cuisine and exciting festivals, Chicago has plenty to entice travelers at any time of year. Here’s our guide to the best times to visit the Windy City.
November to April is the best time to bag great deals.
Although Chicago’s winter temperatures hover around the freezing point, the Bitter Lake air can drop several dozen degrees from altitude due to the chilling effect. But while sub-zero temperatures scare off many tourists, deals are plentiful, especially for accommodation. Travelers have to pick up deals on accommodation during the snowy winter months, and it’s easy to find tables at top restaurants.
The holiday season comes at the end of November and December. Festive light shows, Holiday markets And outdoor ice skating rinks, and cool lake shores add some extra Chicago magic. Michigan Avenue bustles with holiday shoppers and sparkles with a million twinkling lights downtown. Winter is the perfect time to warm up with Chicago deep-dish pizza and weigh in on the city’s brawl with New York-style pizza pies.
January is Chicago’s coldest month, with temperatures hovering around 22ºF, and icy winds blowing through wind tunnels created by downtown skyscrapers. It’s also the city’s snowiest month, with an average of about 10 inches falling a year. Plan to stay in as much as you can and enjoy all the food and drink here. Museums are also less crowded, making winter a great time to visit the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest, largest and most visited art museums in the world. .
The city is still in the grip of winter in February, but there are plenty of events to keep you busy, such as the Chinese New Year parade, Cupid’s Undie RunAnd Chicago Theater Week . Head to the observation deck atop the former John Hancock Center for epic views of the frozen lake.
By March, many Chicagoans are wondering if the sun will ever shine again. Windy City-zens count the days during the grayest and windiest month when temperatures hover around 37ºF. However, some fun events beat the chill, including the city’s popular events St. Patrick’s Day Paradewhen the Chicago River gets a shamrock green makeover with biodegradable dye.
As spring begins in April, the weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, snow, or rain – or maybe all three in the same day. That doesn’t stop sports fans, who like Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field for the opening of the baseball season.
May and September to October are the best times to enjoy less crowded museums.
Chicago has two shoulder seasons – late spring and early fall – when the city is either shaking off the winter cold or preparing to move into it. Both are the best time to visit. Temperatures are a manageable 50ºF to 70ºF degrees, and the city has a pleasant mood, although rain is often in the forecast. Budget travelers can find good deals on airfares and accommodations, but keep an eye on the calendar; Prices may increase temporarily due to major sporting events and festivals.
In May, the weather finally warms up, spring begins, and everyone runs to Chicago’s parks, lakefront trails, baseball stadiums, and beer gardens. Beaches open later in the month on Memorial Day weekend and see an increase in travelers checking into hotels. Better weather means bigger turnouts on the streets for music festivals May mole And Chicago Dreams.
Kids go back to school in September and the beaches close after Labor Day weekend, as Chicago’s tourist season begins to wind down. There’s still plenty on the cultural calendar, too Chicago Jazz Festival, A festival of riots And Chicago Architecture Biennial Lighting up the city.
Temperatures drop even further in October, averaging 53ºF, and the baseball season ends, but basketball and hockey fill the gap later in the month. Chicago Bears games and tailgate parties are still in full swing, while more active types keep their energy up. Chicago Marathon.
June to August is the time to enjoy great festivals and baseball.
Warm weather and a packed festival calendar make summer the best time to visit Chicago. When school is out, families flock to Chicago’s beaches for fun in the sun, and museums are often packed with locals and visitors. Expect to pay higher prices for hotels and vacation rentals. You will need to book the desired restaurant tables and theater tickets in advance.
In June, schools are out and the festival season is in full swing. Temperatures soar toward 80ºF, but it rains about a third of the day. That doesn’t stop people from partying during Chicago’s excitement. Pride celebrations. One of the most popular ways to see the city in the summer is a boat tour, one of the best of which is run by the Chicago Architecture Center. And make the most of the city’s many parks: art-filled Millennium Park marks the beginning of a chain of parklands running south along Lake Michigan.
July is the month Chicagoans look forward to all year. Festivals shake up Chicago’s neighborhoods every weekend, with the highest billing. Lollapalooza. Concerts are held downtown at night in Millennium Park. A taste of Chicago Attracts visitors from all over the world, and fireflies sparkle everywhere. It may be hot and humid, but there’s so much to enjoy, who cares?
August is hot, sometimes hot weather, concerts, festivals, baseball games and Beach walk. Tourists are still heavily in Chicago, so lodging prices are high, and lines can be long. The Ribbed Cubs fill the stands (or fill the seats) at Wrigley Field Rigid roofs (ignoring the stadium if they can’t get seats inside).
This article was first published on February 23, 2021 and was updated on August 8, 2023.