You can also enjoy eating and drinking outside at Chicago’s many rooftops and patios. Visiting Chicago in the Fall. The Best Time to Visit Chicago – A Month By Month Guide (By A Local!) 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. You are never done with Chicago till the time you visit its commercial district known as the Magnificent Mile. The average temperatures stay in the mild 70s℉ (20s℃) range, representing the months when it’s not too cold (like in the winter) and not too hot (like in the summer). I would love to visit in May where the weather seems the most pleasant and most likely with no surprises of cold weather . Tourists and locals alike are out enjoying the long days with 15 hours of sunshine. It is a busy time to be in Chicago with a lot of events and festivals going on. On average, temperatures range from 63℉ (17℃) to 81℉ (27℃). April brings a welcome break to the extreme cold, and you can see the beginning of new blooms and a gradual return to outdoor life. 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). If you’ve been dying to get an autograph from a current or former Sox player, this is your chance! This is one of the two months with fewer tourists and lower prices on hotels. Another bonus – all performances are indoors! With cold Winters and hot summers, many people consider the Spring and Fall to be great times to visit Chicago. , you want to consider all of these factors- weather, tourist season, and cost. What is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Chicago For…, Best Time to Visit Chicago – My Overall Recommendation. August is usually the second hottest month in Chicago in terms of temperature and the weather might be very hot and humid. Read below for information about Chicago weather in January (Photo credit – yourusacityguide.com). Here are some pros and cons about visiting Chicago in each of the four seasons. 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. I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I will be updating it regularly. Take a look at our favorite hotels in Chicago! If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit North Chicago, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. On holidays, the opening hours may be different, so check beforehand. Visiting Chicago in the Summer. For those that hate cold weather, I would probably avoid Chicago in the winter if you are able to visit another time. 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 average temperatures stay in the mild. 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! By April weather has probably started to warm up a bit, but the weather can still be unpredictable. If you are still not sure, feel free to ask me any questions in the comments below. 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. 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. By September, the worst of the trapped city heat has lifted and rainfall is low. Some years, June can still be cold. If attending one of these events is your reason for going, just be prepared for the heat, peak prices and tourist crowds! The Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day. Celebrate the country’s independence day by enjoying one of the many fireworks displays taking place throughout Chi-town. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. The Sheraton Grand Chicago hosts an annual event that includes autograph signings, meet-and-greets with the players and some cool exhibits. Chicago Tourism Chicago Accommodation Chicago Bed and Breakfast Chicago Holiday Rentals Chicago Holiday Packages Chicago Flights Chicago Restaurants Chicago Attractions Chicago Travel Forum Chicago Photos Chicago Map Chicago Guide All Chicago Hotels; Chicago … The best time for fall foliage is around the second week of October. You’ll find the music industry’s top acts along with plenty of food, drinks and party options! Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. A family-fun favorite, this free event gives away free kite kits for kids to build and fly their own uniquely-decorated kite. If you are able to plan a last minute visit, check the weather forecasts and book a trip if the weather is more mild. Non-food highlights include live music and performances on multiple stages. 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! 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. During your visit to the Park, enjoy over 2-acres of historic indoor gardens as well as 12-acres of outdoor seasonal gardens. Average temperatures in Chicago . Therefore, the optimal time to book a trip to the Windy City is when the temperatures rise. The average temperature ranges between 12 to 21 degree Celsius during these months. In other words, everybody feels right at home in Chicago. Since 1934, Chicago delights spectators on Thanksgiving morning with a grand parade with the top marching bands from all over the country, performances and crowd-pleasing gigantic inflatable balloons! Have a go with a few laps around the famous ice skating rink set up on Michigan Avenue every holiday season- it’s free! Light-covered stalls and huts offer delicious European delicacies and sweet treats, warm drinks, crafts, gifts and more. Leave a Reply Cancel reply. If you like to stay on the cutting edge of the music scene and discovering emerging artists, this is a good one! This is one of the two months with the fewer tourists and lower prices on hotels. If you’re looking for the biggest show and spectacle, head down to the famous Navy Pier. 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. January is usually the coldest month in Chicago. If you’re in Chicago this month, you must take advantage of this deal! One of the most popular events for the Chicago area’s music lovers, this 3-day fest entertains the crowds with top acts representing all musical genres. This annual celebration includes 10 days of multi-genre performances to highlight contemporary, innovative arts in Chicago in dance, theater, music and comedy. A fireworks show over the Chicago River tops off the schedule of events! Tourism starts to pick up in mid March for spring break and St. Patrick’s Day events. Fall is also considered one of the best times to visit the city. The temperatures are warm but not too hot. Final thoughts on the best time of year to visit Chicago, » The BEST Time to Visit Chicago! Pros: There are many holiday events and things to do in Chicago during late November, December and early January. October is cooler with variable weather, but still, a good time to visit before the average temperatures plummet. Gin lover. Final thoughts on the best time of year to visit Chicago . May tends to be one of the most pleasant months in terms of temperature. Average temperatures typically don’t go above 47℉ (8℃) and nights reach freezing levels at or below 32℉ (0℃). 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. 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. Chicago. What months are the best time to visit Chicago? Early October might still have summer like temperatures if you enjoy warm weather. 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. Weather: Average Temperature 27.7 °F, Average High Temperature 31 °F, Average Low Temperature 16.5 °F, Average Number of Days With Precipitation 10.5, Average Number of Days With Snow 8.2. 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. There’s an average of 10 days of rainfall, so some rain is highly possible, but you can expect a pleasant and comfortable temperature range of 55℉ (13℃) to 74℉ (23℃). This is truly a tropical oasis right in the heart of the Midwest! The last two years I visited in January/February. Read below for information about Chicago weather in May (Photo credit – timeout.com). 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! These great museums in Chicago are perfect for learning a little more. Early April can be crowded because some schools are on spring break. The second best time to visit Chicago weather-wise is early fall – in September and October. Weather: Average Temperature 27.7 °F, Average High Temperature 35.3 °F, Average Low Temperature 20.1 °F, Average Number of Days With Precipitation 8.8, Average Number of Days With Snow 5.9, Festivals and Events: Chicago Theater Week, Chicago Auto Show (postponed to Spring 2021), Chicago Chinese New Year Celebration. Spring (especially May) is also a good time to visit for more pleasant temperatures. Considered by many to be Chicago’s most notable landmark, the Windy City’s beloved Buckingham Fountain gets turned back on after being off since mid-October. These are our favorite day trips from Chicago! But extreme cold and dealing with snow are not the ideal travel conditions for everyone. March weather is very unpredictable. Bring the kids to Cricket Hill in Lincoln Park and have some good old-fashioned kite flying fun. The best time to visit Chicago. The temperature might be below freezing and there might be snow on the ground. Winter is very cold – yes, it snows! From September through the end of October the temperatures are warm and hotel rates are reasonable. Navy Pier has free fireworks during the summer only. The city is magical and vibrant in a different way, and you may find that it makes for the perfect way to experience the Windy City. The St. Patty’s Day parade is one of the largest in the entire country and showcases thousands of marching bands, floats, and plenty of marching leprechauns. If you want to avoid fellow tourists at popular tourist attractions visit in mid to late January and February. However, early spring weather can be very unpredictable, the temperatures can be more moderate and pleasant or they can be a continuation of winter. Read below for information about Chicago weather in March (Photo credit – feelthebreezeoftuscany.com). Hopefully you now have a general idea of the season you want to visit Chicago. Best Time to Visit Chicago for The Performing Arts: Chicago has one of the hottest theater scenes in the nation. Once you have a general idea of what season you would like to visit, check out my month by month guide. The Skydeck is open to visitors 365 days a year. For anyone who loves comic books, anime, video games and anything of the sort, this one’s for you! Let this guide help you decide the best time to visit the Windy City. What is the best time to visit Chicago weather-wise? If you are staying downtown, there will be traffic and it will be crowded with people doing holiday shopping or coming to Chicago for holiday events. When you’re searching for free things to do in Chicago, festivals are always a good bet. 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. 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. The warmest time of year is generally mid July where highs are regularly around 86.9°F (30.5°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 69.4°F (20.8°C) at night. Visitors to Chicago in early autumn (September and early October) can still enjoy many of the same outdoor activities that you can enjoy in the summer (architecture river cruise, outdoor festivals, the beach, dining at outdoor patios and rooftops) without the crowds. Tourists begin flocking to the Windy City in June as summer conditions take over the city. When is the best time of year to visit Chicago? If your Chicago plans involve visiting in November, be sure to pack for cold, wet and possibly snowy weather. July is Chicago’s hottest – and most crowded – month. Whenever you go to Chicago, there's an array of attractions, restaurants and hotels ready to deliver a memorable vacation. There’s an average of 8 inches of snow and only about 3 hours of daily sunshine. Wondering what is the best time to visit Chicago? 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. October is also a great time to visit Chicago in terms of weather. If you do not like cold weather, January is not a great time to visit. , representing the months when it’s not too cold (like in the winter) and not too hot (like in the summer). Average temperatures range from 39℉ (4℃) to 57℉ (14℃). But it’s fun to watch, so take advantage of the high energy and help cheer on the athletes! Get some shots of the all-green waters of the grand Chicago River that are dyed annually around St. Patrick’s Day. Boats dump orange powder into the water – and voilà – the entire river turns into a green St. Patrick’s Day phenomenon! If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Chicago, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. It could also definitely be their own Chicago-style hot dogs and Chicago-style deep dish pizza! The temperature can also change drastically from day to day and even hour to hour. Celebrity chefs entertain with live cooking demonstrations of their favorite dishes. Unfortunately, it is more likely to rain in June than later in the summer. 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). 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. As spring’s cold and rainy weather passes and summertime vibes enter the scene, May might be the best time to visit Chicago! Attractions include an indoor ice skating rink, rides, giant slides and holiday decor as far as the eye can see! (Photo credit – 10best.com). Average temperatures are an outright-cold 15℉ (-1℃) to 30℉ (-9℃) – and with that high wind factor – brrrrr! Low Prices – You are most likely to find hotel bargains in January and February because there are fewer tourists visiting Chicago. 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). Best time of year to visit . This year wasn’t too bad at all, but the year before it was brutally cold! 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. Find hotel bargains in January and February ), attractions will be updating it regularly,!! What months are the best time of year to visit Chicago and November ) is a month. Extreme cold and dealing with snow are not the ideal travel conditions for everyone some of the year visit! Of times and both times it was during the busy summer season starts in.! 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