Chicago is a great place to visit in the winter, holiday events and things to do in Chicago, listing of all the festivals and events in Chicago, best things to do in Chicago this January, Chicago Flower & Garden Show at Navy Pier, St. Patrick’s Day Downtown Parade & River Dyeing, Chicago Cubs Opening Day at Wrigley Field, CIMMFEST: THE Chicago International Movies & Music Festival, Open House Chicago Presented by Chicago Architecture Foundation, C2E2: Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo, The Ultimate USA Travel Bucket List: 125+ Best Places to Visit in USA, Perfect Chicago Gifts for the Chicago Lover in Your Life, Keto Travel Essentials: How To Maintain The Low Carb, Keto Diet While Travelling. Best Time to Visit Chicago for The Performing Arts: Chicago has one of the hottest theater scenes in the nation. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Notify me of new posts by email. Cons: Fall temperatures can vary a great deal from year to year so you might get a fall with colder than average temperatures. It is a busy time to be in Chicago with a lot of events and festivals going on. Unfortunately, it is more likely to rain in June than later in the summer. One of Chicago’s most-anticipated annual holiday season kick-off traditions includes a weekend full of festive family-friendly events – like photos with Santa Clause and live music – that lead up to the spectacular Tree Lighting Parade down North Michigan Avenue. These months fall outside of the prime tourist season summer months and make them even more appealing! Bring the kids to Cricket Hill in Lincoln Park and have some good old-fashioned kite flying fun. The chart above shows the best time of year to visit Chicago, United States. The months that typically have the worst weather (cold and snow) are January and February but winter can start as early as November and end as late as March or April. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Even if the temperature is warmer, it might rain so bring an umbrella. This is truly a tropical oasis right in the heart of the Midwest! I didn’t know you lived in Chicago!! With cold Winters and hot summers, many people consider the Spring and Fall to be great times to visit Chicago. First time in Chicago? Weather:  Average Temperature 64.6 °F, Average High Temperature 74.8 °F, Average Low Temperature 54.3 °F, Average Number of Days With Precipitation 8.3, Festivals and Events: Chicago Gourmet, Chicago Architecture Biennial, World Music Festival Chicago, Windy City Wine Festival. If you want to narrow it down further, here is a month by month guide based on weather and festivals and events (for more festivals and events check out this listing of all the festivals and events in Chicago). I visit Chicago frequently when I am flying into or out of the midwest. Ultimately when to visit Chicago depends on you so hopefully this guide has helped you make a decision on the best time to visit Chicago. For the most temperate and pleasant conditions, the best time to visit Chicago weather-wise is late spring to early summer – particularly May and June. If you’ve been dying to get an autograph from a current or former Sox player, this is your chance! Lucky for you, during any time of year, Chi-Town will show you a great time! And don’t forget that the city has tons of amazing year-round events, so you’ll want to consider those too! Wondering what is the best time to visit Chicago? The event is free and features performances from jazz greats along with rising talent. Please note that to current events, some festivals and events will be cancelled, postponed or changed to virtual during most or all of 2021. , representing the months when it’s not too cold (like in the winter) and not too hot (like in the summer). Enjoy a traditional German keg tapping to kick off the event and all the German food, drinks, live music and the popular maypole dance! Early October might still have summer like temperatures if you enjoy warm weather. There are outdoor activities aplenty going on as temperatures reach a pleasant 57℉ (14℃) to 79℉ (26℃). If you are looking for more predictable temperatures I recommend visiting mid summer (July and August) when it is guaranteed to be hot (but it might be as hot as the 90s or more pleasant temperatures in the 70s). You’ll have a blast at this German-themed fest South Bay style – with nonstop music, a live Bavarian band, dancing, bratwurst and, of course, beer! The best time to visit Chicago is during early summer and late fall seasons that are the months from May to June, and also from September to October when the weather will be pleasant and the prices will not be exorbitantly high. Winter is very cold – yes, it snows! This annual celebration includes 10 days of multi-genre performances to highlight contemporary, innovative arts in Chicago in dance, theater, music and comedy. The sports buzz continues with this special opportunity to go to the Chicago Hilton for an up-close experience with the Chicago White Sox. This isn’t just any ordinary car show. See average monthly temperatures below. However, if you don’t mind the cold, Chicago is a great place to visit in the winter as it is less crowded with tourists so everything will be less busy (except for the holiday season between Thanksgiving weekend and New Year’s) when people visit Chicago for holiday events and holiday shopping. January and February actually works best for me! City vacations can be expensive. Early April can be crowded because some schools are on spring break. Boats dump orange powder into the water – and voilà – the entire river turns into a green St. Patrick’s Day phenomenon! Want to go deeper? However, early spring weather can be very unpredictable, the temperatures can be more moderate and pleasant or they can be a continuation of winter. Average temperatures are from 17℉ (-8℃) to 33℉ (0℃) and with anywhere from 5 to 21 miles per hour winds, it will feel even colder! With 2.7 million square feet dedicated to exhibit halls, you can be sure you’ll have plenty to see! July is usually the hottest month in Chicago in terms of temperature and the weather might be very hot and humid. Another bonus – all performances are indoors! On holidays, the opening hours may be different, so check beforehand. Your support keeps the site going***. What is the best time to visit Chicago weather-wise? Attractions are less crowded in early November but starting mid-November tourism starts to pick up with visitors coming to Chicago for Thanksgiving, holiday shopping and other holiday events. It is a great time to visit Chicago before schools go on summer break and the busy summer season starts. Fall is also considered one of the best times to visit the city. Summer in Chicago draws crowds for outdoor activities. Read below for information about Chicago weather in July (Photo credit – thechicagolifestyle.com). The weather is warm enough to go to the beach and spend time outdoors. Read below for information about Chicago weather in April (Photo credit – shutterstock). Visiting from pa for 4 days....will have a teen with us. The Best Time to Visit Chicago – A Month By Month Guide (By A Local!) 7) Chicago Festivals. During low season (January and February), attractions will be less crowded and accommodation is usually cheaper. The Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day. The festival has introduced international movie greats like director Martin Scorcese and is known globally as a reputable annual event that discovers and highlights the best in the industry – from A-listers to up-and-comers. Weather can be a bit unpredictable, and although snow is rare, it does sometimes snow in November. Sponsored by Bon Appetit, this multi-day food festival delights guests with tastings of delicious food, beer, spirits and wine. In these months the freezing and bitter-cold weather have passed and the stifling summer heat and humidity haven’t peaked. This fun, free event celebrates German heritage in Chicago’s Lincoln Square, known as the heart of the city’s German community. Not only is the Taste of Chicago known as the biggest festival in Chicago, but it’s also said to be the largest food festival in the entire world! The nice thing about visiting in the summer is that are always festivals, concerts and events going on around the city in the summer-many of them free! The temperature has started to cool a bit so it is very pleasant to walk around and explore Chicago. Weather: Average Temperature 40.3 °F, Average High Temperature 48.2 °F, Average Low Temperature 32.4 °F, Average Number of Days With Precipitation 10.8, Average Number of Days With Snow 1.7, Festivals and Events: Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, Christkindlmarket, ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo. It could also definitely be their own Chicago-style hot dogs and Chicago-style deep dish pizza! Chicago prides itself on its multicultural energy, and one of the best ways to experience its Chinese community is with the annual Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown. Not yet booked? But it’s fun to watch, so take advantage of the high energy and help cheer on the athletes! Spring (especially May) is also a good time to visit for more pleasant temperatures. Read below for information about Chicago weather in August (Photo credit – timeout.com), Read below for information about Chicago weather in September (Photo credit – urbanmatter.com). Final thoughts on the best time of year to visit Chicago, » The BEST Time to Visit Chicago! The weather can get stormy and windy, so be prepared for variable conditions. Plus, there are plenty of outdoor activities and events happening! Or the fact that they play at legendary Wrigley Field that still uses its original 1937 manually-operated scoreboard. The temperature can also change drastically from day to day and even hour to hour. In other words, everybody feels right at home in Chicago. These great museums in Chicago are perfect for learning a little more. The temperatures are warm but not too hot. Here are some pros and cons about visiting Chicago in each of the four seasons. Once you have a general idea of what season you would like to visit, check out my month by month guide. Average temperatures typically don’t go above 47℉ (8℃) and nights reach freezing levels at or below 32℉ (0℃). Weather: Average Temperature 72.4 °F, Average High Temperature 81.9 °F, Average Low Temperature 62.9 °F, Average Number of Days With Precipitation 9.8, Festivals and Events: Lollapalooza, Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago Air & Water Show, Chicago Hot Dog Fest, Clark after Dark. July is Chicago’s hottest – and most crowded – month. Although, the best time to visit Chicago is during the month of April and October; the peak season in Chicago is between June and August, during which it is warm and glows with festivities. By September, the worst of the trapped city heat has lifted and rainfall is low. If you are visiting Chicago late summer or early fall, consider a day trip to one of several. I consider September to be the month with the BEST weather. Even if you don’t mind cold and snow, keep an eye on the forecast for major snowstorms which happen once or a few times each winter. During your visit to the Park, enjoy over 2-acres of historic indoor gardens as well as 12-acres of outdoor seasonal gardens. Hotels get booked up for this important marathon, so be sure to plan ahead if you’re planning on being in the Windy City during this time. In late March, there are also more visitors in town because many schools are closed for spring break at this time. Pros: Many festivals, concerts and events take place in the summer. Find the best selection of fashion outlets and topnotch stores at this vibrant location where one can also be a part of the Magnificent Mile Shopping festival that is held each summer. Have some time in Chicago? You might encounter cold and snowy weather in December but the weather is usually still not that cold. Take a look at our favorite hotels in Chicago! Get some shots of the all-green waters of the grand Chicago River that are dyed annually around St. Patrick’s Day. That place has always been on my list of places I want to visit in the US! The waterside walkway is lined with some of Chicago’s top restaurants and bars, so you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner during your walk. Thousands of visitors from neighboring areas around the world – runners and spectators alike – come into the city and make it a busy weekend in Chicago. I was living in Russia and Chicago felt 10 times colder, lol! Weather:  Average Temperature 27.7 °F, Average High Temperature  34.8 °F, Average Low Temperature 20.7 °F, Average Number of Days With Precipitation 11, Average Number of Days With Snow 6.9, Festivals and Events: C2E2: Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo, Renegade Craft Fair, One of a Kind Show, Randolph Street Holiday Market, Christkindlmarket, ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier, New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Navy Pier. Road Trip Quotes: 125+ Best Quotes To Inspire You To Hit The Road. Read below for information about Chicago weather in October (Photo credit – tripsavvy.com). Your email address will not be published. Some years winters can be mild and even on a colder winter some days can randomly be mild or warm. The usual operating hours are 9 am to 10 pm from March to September, and 10 am to 8 pm from October to February. New and different restaurants participate every year, so be sure to check out as many as you can! Coffee addict. What is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Chicago For…, Best Time to Visit Chicago – My Overall Recommendation. The last entry is 30 minutes before the closure. I think Chicago is a great place to visit year round but overall most people would enjoy visiting Chicago in the fall because of the weather is still relatively warm and you can enjoy outdoor activities with fewer crowds because kids and students are back in school. If you enjoy some amazing music in a welcoming outdoor setting, be sure to check out this free 3-day festival at Millennium Park. For anyone who loves comic books, anime, video games and anything of the sort, this one’s for you! I have lived in Chicago for most of my life so I’ve put together a month by month guide to help you figure out the best time to go to Chicago depending on your interests and weather preferences. Average temperatures range from 39℉ (4℃) to 57℉ (14℃). Not sure what season to go to Chicago? The Windy City offers lots to do, but you’ll need to bundle up! Winter coats, scarves, hats and gloves are required as average temperatures linger around 35℉ (1.5℃) with below-freezing nights. Let this guide help you decide the best time to visit the Windy City. Your email address will not be published. Hopefully you now have a general idea of the season you want to visit Chicago. No matter what your reason is for planning a trip to Chi-town, you undoubtedly want to go when it’s the best time to visit Chicago. On average, temperatures range from 63℉ (17℃) to 81℉ (27℃). The Skydeck is open to visitors 365 days a year. The warmest time of year is generally mid July where highs are regularly around 83.7°F (28.7°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 64.1°F (17.8°C) at night. Chicago offers countless things to do and see year-round, which is why it’s one of the most visited cities in the US. But if you want to skip the crowd and want to experience Chicago all alone, try visiting during the months of November and March. These are our favorite day trips from Chicago! As spring’s cold and rainy weather passes and summertime vibes enter the scene, May might be the best time to visit Chicago! Once a week, enjoy the featured film that ranges from contemporary to popular classics. Tourism starts to pick up especially the weekend right before St. Patrick’s Day which is huge in Chicago. April is one of the months with the most rain. The average temperature ranges between 12 to 21 degree Celsius during these months. March weather is very unpredictable. When you’re searching for free things to do in Chicago, festivals are always a good bet. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. There are options available year-round, and there may be something you simply don’t want to miss! Fall temperatures vary and can be less predictable but fall is usually the best time to visit in terms of good weather – the weather is usually more pleasant (still relatively warm and less likely to rain). One of the best ways to stay indoors and sheltered from the cold is by enjoying some world-class dining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Get a taste of some of Chicago’s best culinary offerings during Chef Week when popular downtown and neighborhood eateries offer set multi-course prixe-fixe menus at a special discount. The best time of the year to visit Chicago is between April and October during the shoulder season and the high-tourist summer season, when the selection of things to do is the most abundant. July is a busy month with visitors in Chicago with a lot of events and festivals going on. Tourism starts to pick up in mid March for spring break and St. Patrick’s Day events. If you want to avoid fellow tourists at popular tourist attractions visit in mid to late January and February. These months fall outside of the prime tourist season summer months and make them even more appealing! Daytime temperatures are cool and comfortable and nights get cold – requiring adequate layers – with an average low of 44℉ (7℃) and high of 63℉ (17℃). You can use our seasonal suggestions to plan the perfect trip and find the best time of year to visit Chicago, depending on what you're looking for. Read below for information about Chicago weather in December (Photo credit – 10best.com). Or maybe it’s their unique architecture, museums, thriving art and social scene. Weather: Average Temperature 37.9 °F, Average High Temperature 46.6 °F, Average Low Temperature 29.2 °F, Average Number of Days With Precipitation 11.1, Average Number of Days With Snow 4.2, Festivals and Events: The Chicago Beer Festival, Southside Irish Parade, Northwest Side Irish Parade, Chicago Flower & Garden Show at Navy Pier, St. Patrick’s Day Downtown Parade & River Dyeing. August is usually the second hottest month in Chicago in terms of temperature and the weather might be very hot and humid. The Chicago River is the most important natural landmark in the city, so it makes sense to include it in your itinerary the first time you visit Chicago. It can be a rainy month with variable weather, so be prepared for anything if you plan on visiting Chicago in April! This important film festival was started in Chicago in 1964 as an alternative to the Hollywood-dominated movies shown at local theaters; it’s now known as the oldest competitive film festival in North America. (Photo credit – 10best.com). Chicago is a harmonious blend of opposites — bustling big city steeped in Midwestern charm, towering skyscrapers framed by miles of tranquil beaches, a city in a garden (Chicago’s motto, in fact). Music Lovers  –  While Chicago is a great place to listen to live music year round, Chicago has many outdoor music festivals in the summer (most of them are FREE!) This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If you are still not sure, feel free to ask me any questions in the comments below. Your email address will not be published. October is cooler with variable weather, but still, a good time to visit before the average temperatures plummet. These seasons are when everything is the most balanced – the weather is not too hot or too cold, tourist crowds aren’t at their peak, and travel and accommodations prices aren’t at their highest either. Chicago loves St. Patrick’s Day and pulls out all the stops for this Irish celebration! If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit North Chicago, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. During the busy summer tourist season, Chicago can be quite warm, especially in the concrete jungle of downtown. Ribs and rock & roll – enough said, right? When finalizing your travel plans for the best time to visit Chicago for you, you want to consider all of these factors- weather, tourist season, and cost. Also, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is also a must-attend event when in the city. If attending one of these events is your reason for going, just be prepared for the heat, peak prices and tourist crowds! A fireworks show over the Chicago River tops off the schedule of events! The second best time to visit Chicago weather-wise is early fall – in September and October. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Chicago, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. The temperature will most likely be below freezing and there might be snow on the ground. Chicago. If you like to stay on the cutting edge of the music scene and discovering emerging artists, this is a good one! No city gives the USA’s Midwest more fame and recognition than Chicago. This is one of the two months with the fewer tourists and lower prices on hotels. These ratings are based solely on the climate and do not take into account other factors such as accommodation prices and how busy it is likely to be. As you may expect, you’ll find plenty of amazing options for ringing in the. The best time for fall foliage is around the second week of October. Tourists begin flocking to the Windy City in June as summer conditions take over the city. By April weather has probably started to warm up a bit, but the weather can still be unpredictable. The Windy City lives up to its name in January – it’s the city’s windiest and coldest month of the year! By September, the worst of the trapped city heat has lifted and rainfall is low. Events start with a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the heroes who have fallen in combat and is followed by a grand parade through the heart of the city. Here are the best things to do in Chicago in December which I update yearly at the beginning of the month. But I agree that it is a nice time with fewer tourists and we got some good deals on hotels. Low Prices – You are most likely to find hotel bargains in January and February because there are fewer tourists visiting Chicago. This year wasn’t too bad at all, but the year before it was brutally cold! [January 2021]. October is cooler with variable weather, but still, a good time to visit before the average temperatures plummet. Answer 1 of 7: I am planning a trip to Chicago and was wondering when is the best time to visit Chicago. Be sure to get tickets! Answer 1 of 10: What's actually the best time of the year to visit the city ; good weather, no conventions... Thx . Summer is peak season to visit Chicago- tourism starts to pick up and there are more festivals and events going on, especially outdoors. Read below for information about Chicago weather in January (Photo credit – yourusacityguide.com). Read below for information about Chicago weather in May (Photo credit – timeout.com). However the last few years, February has been more mild so it is not rare to get lucky and have days where the temperature is in the 40s or even 50s. Maybe your priority is for going when the weather is the most pleasant, or perhaps when there are better travel deals and fewer tourists. Here are the best things to do in Chicago this January. Although it is winter, there are a lot of visitors to Chicago. While you can use the average temperature as a guideline what to expect, sometimes the temperature can be much higher or lower than average for that time of year. Gin lover. Chicago. Answer 1 of 13: We don't love the cold. This guide’s for you. Final thoughts on the best time of year to visit Chicago . Thanks What months are the best time to visit Chicago? Read below for information about Chicago weather in November (Photo credit – chicagonow.com). But if winter is your only option even if you don’t enjoy cold weather, there are plenty of things to do indoors in the winter (museums, great restaurants, tall buildings, shopping, theater, comedy clubs and more). This is our INSIDER GUIDE for the best times to visit Chicago! Whenever you go to Chicago, there's an array of attractions, restaurants and hotels ready to deliver a memorable vacation. Anytime is good for catching a show, but the best time to visit is during Theater Week in February, with over 100 productions taking place over ten days. For 10 days, you have the opportunity to see over 100 extraordinary shows in the Chicago area – from musicals to comedies – at discounted prices. Social Follow me on: … August is the last month to spread out a blanket and take advantage of Chicago’s free outdoor movie screenings on the large 40-foot LED screen set up in Millennium Park. Cons: Some days the weather can be hot and humid, very busy with tourists so attractions are more crowded, higher prices, crime rate is higher. Since 2004, this nationally recognized Good Food Movement event has grown into one of the largest expos of its kind. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Celebrate the country’s independence day by enjoying one of the many fireworks displays taking place throughout Chi-town. Pros: Great weather making it easy to walk around to explore, less crowded because students are back in school. Best time of year to visit . Weather: Average Temperature 74 °F, Average High Temperature 84.1 °F, Average Low Temperature 63.9 °F, Average Number of Days With Precipitation 9.8, Festivals and Events: Taste of Chicago, Rhythm World Festival, Square Roots Festival, Millennium Art Festival, Southport Art & Music Fest, Pitchfork Music Festival,  Sheffield Music Festival & Garden Walk, Chicago Craft Beer Festival. These are based on an analysis of weather averages such as temperature, rainfall and number of hours of sunshine. If your hotel has an outdoor pool, September is usually warm enought to swim outside and will probably be less crowded than summer. There’s an average of 8 inches of snow and only about 3 hours of daily sunshine. Who says you need to be in Munich for an epic Oktoberfest experience? Weather: Average Temperature 59.1 °F, Average High Temperature 70 °F, Average Low Temperature 48.3 °F, Average Number of Days With Precipitation 11.6, Festivals and Events: Chicago Beer Classic, Chicago Kids and Kites Festival, Bike The Drive, Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival, Mayfest. Cooler with variable weather, tourist season, Chicago can be a rainy month with in! The chart above shows the best time to visit Chicago – like the Chicago area ’ s and. And clubs are busiest between St. Patrick ’ s Day which is huge in Chicago in of... Architecture, museums, thriving art and social scene unpredictable - some can! That represents the blues and the stifling summer heat and humidity haven ’ t get you the. Show and spectacle, head down to the Windy city 1937 manually-operated scoreboard going on and reach! 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