When is the best time to go to Chicago?

Famous for its icy winters, steamy summers and busy festival calendar, Chicago has something going on in every season. The Windy City changes mood with each passing month, but some things are constant – the city's lively nightlife, cultured museums and animated neighborhoods warrant a visit at any time of year.

Events such as Lollapalooza and the Chicago Blues Festival have put the city on the national festival map, but events fill every month of the year, from championship sports to special museum openings, cultural fairs and community festivals.

Chicago shines in the summertime, with hot, humid days but plenty of lakeshore beaches and parks where you can catch the breeze. The calmer spring and fall have their own charm, and winter sees lower tourist numbers and plenty of snow and ice along the lakefront, adding to the holiday magic.

If you're looking for a city break with phenomenal art and architecture, truly globe-trotting cuisine and exuberant festivals, Chicago will keep you busy at any time of year. Here's our guide to the top times to visit the Windy City.

Low season: November-April 

Best time to visit for holiday celebrations and cheaper accommodations

Although Chicago's winter temperatures hover around freezing point, the bitter wind blowing in off the lake can knock several dozen degrees off the highs due to the wind chill effect. Trees and bushes along the lakeshore become encrusted in ice and plumes of steam rise over the skyscrapers.

But while the chilly temperatures scare many tourists away, bargains abound, particularly for accommodation. Travelers will have their pick of the deals at hotels across the city throughout the winter months, and tables at top restaurants are easier to find.

In late November and December, the holiday season brings festive light shows to locations such as Lincoln Park Zoo, plus holiday markets and outdoor ice-skating rinks. The icy scenes along the lakeshore add some extra Chicago magic. Museums are less crowded, too, making the winter season the best time to explore the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the world's oldest, largest and most-visited art museums.

Michigan Avenue bustles with holiday shoppers and downtown shines with a million twinkling lights. Winter is the perfect time to warm up with some Chicago deep-dish pizza and form your own opinion on the city's feud with the New York-style pizza pie.

January is Chicago's coldest month, with temperatures dipping as low as 18ºF, and an icy wind blowing along the wind tunnels created by downtown's skyscrapers. This is also the city's snowiest month, with approximately 10 inches falling in an average year. Plan to stay inside as much as possible and enjoy all there is to eat and drink here.

The city is still deep in the throes of winter in February, but there are plenty of events to keep you busy, such as the Chinese New Year Parade, Cupid's Undie Run, and Chicago Theatre Week. Head up to the observation deck atop the former John Hancock Center for epic views over the frozen lake.

By March, many Chicago residents are wondering if the sun will ever shine again. Windy City-zens count the days during the grayest and windiest month when temperatures rarely top 37ºF. However, some fun events take the edge off the cold, including the city's famous St Patrick's Day parade, when the Chicago River gets a shamrock-green makeover with biodegradable dye.

As spring begins in April, the weather can be unpredictable. Be ready for sun, snow, or rain – or maybe all three in the same day. That doesn't put off sports fans, who flock to Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field for the opening of the baseball season.

Shoulder season: May & September-October

Best time to visit for culture without the crowds

Chicago has two shoulder seasons – in late spring and early fall – when the city is either shaking off the winter chill or getting ready for it. Both are excellent times to visit, particularly if you plan to explore the city's museums.

Temperatures are a manageable 50ºF to 70ºF degrees, and there's a buoyant mood in the city, although rain is often part of the forecast. Budget travelers can find good deals on airfares and hotel rooms, but keep an eye on the calendar; big sporting events and festivals can cause prices to spike.

In May, the weather finally warms up, spring rolls in, and everyone dashes to Chicago's parks, lakefront trails, baseball stadiums and beer gardens. Beaches open at the end of the month over the Memorial Day weekend and hotels see a rising number of travelers checking in. The better weather means a big turnout in the streets for community-focused festivals such as Mole de Mayo and Sueños Chicago.

Kids go back to school in September and beaches close after the Labor Day weekend, as Chicago's peak visitor season begins to wind down. There's still plenty on the cultural calendar though, with the Chicago Jazz Festival, and Riot Fest.

Temperatures drop even further in October, averaging 53ºF, and the baseball season is over, but basketball and hockey fill the gap at the end of the month. Chicago Bears games and tailgate parties are still in full swing, while more active types put their energy into the Chicago Marathon.

High season: June-August

Best time to visit for festivals, beaches and baseball

Warm weather and a packed festival calendar make summer the peak time to visit Chicago. When school's out, families descend on Chicago's beaches in droves for fun in the sun, and museums are often crowded with locals and visitors. Expect to pay top rates for hotels and vacation rentals. You'll also need to book sought-after restaurant tables and theater tickets well in advance.

In June, schools let out and festival season ramps up. The temperature creeps towards 80ºF, but it rains on a third of the days. That doesn't deter the people from partying during Chicago's spirited pride celebrations.

One of the most popular ways to see the city in summer is on a boat tour, and one of the best is run by the Chicago Architecture Center. Make the most of the city's many parks – art-filled Millennium Park marks the start of a chain of parklands running south from downtown, following the banks of Lake Michigan.

July is the month Chicagoans wait for all year. Festivals rock Chicago's neighborhoods every weekend, with top billing going to Lollapalooza. Millennium Park has concerts downtown nightly, Taste of Chicago attracts visitors from all around the world, and fireflies glow everywhere. It can be hot and humid, but with so much to enjoy, who cares?

August is a time for warm, sometimes sizzling weather, concerts, festivals, baseball games, and beach frolicking. Tourists are still in Chicago en masse, so lodging prices are high, and lines can be long. Enthusiastic Cubs fans fill the stands at Wrigley Field (or stake out seats on the Wrigley Rooftops overlooking the stadium if they can't get seats inside).

Visiting Chicago: a month-by-month guide

Here are the best times to visit and what you can expect throughout the year in Chicago. All events are subject to change.

January

January is the coldest month to visit Chicago, with temperatures ranging from 18°F to 31°F. While the weather is chilly, the accommodation and flight prices are most affordable at this time of year. Consider ice skating at Millennium Park, attending a Chicago Blackhawks game or strolling through Lincoln Park Zoo's ZooLights. 

Key events: Light Up The Lake, Annual Polar Plunge, Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights

February

The cold weather continues, but so do lower flight and accommodation prices, making February a great month for budget travel. Explore the impressive collection at the Art Institute of Chicago without the crowds, or check out the Space Exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. Visit the the Chicago Auto Show, one of the oldest car shows in the country, to see what everyone will be driving in the coming years, or get discounted show tickets to dozens of on and off-Broadway shows during Chicago Theatre Week. Book tickets in advance, as both of these activities sell out quickly even in winter. 

Key events: Chicago Auto Show, Chicago Theatre Week, Cupid’s Undie Run

March

In March, the city shifts from harsh winter weather to more bearable average temperatures ranging from 27°F to 42°F, although Chicago’s “march madness” of weather means you can experience rain, snow, wind and sun. However, there’s still plenty to do, including the Chicago Wine Festival at the Museum of Science and Industry, the Chicago Flower & Garden show, and the endless celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day. Since 1962, the city has dyed the Chicago River green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. While the dye used to last for nearly a month back in the 60s, it only lasts for a few hours today. Watch the festive St. Patrick’s Day Parade proceed down Columbus Drive and enjoy music from the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, an Irish band that has led the parade since it started in 1956.

Key events: St. Patricks Day Parade & River Dyeing, Chicago Wine Festival 

April

Nearing the end of the low season, April temperatures average around 36°F to 52°F, and the city welcomes spring. The end of April brings milder weather, perfect for boat tours like the Chicago River Architecture Tour. There will be fewer crowds around the city compared to the summer months, so take advantage of these at the Chicago Art Institute and the Museum of Science and Industry. The Chicago Cubs home opener takes place in early April – a great way to experience the Chicago spirit with baseball and a beer. 

Key events: Chicago Cubs home opener game, Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, The Great Chicago Egg Hunt

May

May is the best time to explore the city’s cultural spots without the crowds. Temperatures average from 50°F to 65°F, and you can expect some rainy days. Enjoy Chicago’s Mayfest, an annual festival in the Lincoln Park neighborhood filled with food, live music, an artisan market and the Armitage Art Show. Run, bike or walk the Lakefront Trail along the Chicago River and watch the Memorial Day Parade along State Street. 

Key events: Mayfest, Illinois Craft Beer Week, Maifest, Memorial Day Parade, Mole de Mayo, Sueños Music Festival

June

June kicks off peak season, a time of year best for relaxing on Chicago’s beaches, enjoying music festivals and watching baseball. The weather is warm, but the heat isn’t intense, with temperatures around 60°F to the mid-70s°F. Enjoy one of many music festivals in June, including Chicago SummerDance, the Chicago Gospel Music Festival and the Chicago Blues Festival. Make time for the Chicago Pride Parade in Boystown, one of Chicago's most LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods.

Key events: Chicago Blues Festival, Maifest, Chicago Pride Parade, Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo

July

July is one of the hottest months in Chicago, with temperatures averaging 68°F to 84°F. Rent a kayak, take a river cruise or walk along the Chicago River. It’s also a great time to visit one of Chicago’s beautiful beaches on the shores of Lake Michigan, such as North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach and Montrose Beach. Enjoy the outdoors at a summer music festival (many start in July or August), like Lollapalooza. 

Key events: Lollapalooza (depending on start date), Ravenswood on Tap, Horner Brew Fest, Square Roots Festival, Tacos y Tamales Festival, Argyle Night Market, Wicker Park Fest

August

August marks the end of high season in Chicago, and the city is filled with kayaking and paddleboating, exciting cultural events like the Chicago Jazz Festival and unique opportunities like Chicago’s SummerDance, an outdoor dance festival that features dance lessons and live music. Temperatures range from 68°F to  84°F. On the lakefront, check out the Chicago Air and Water Show, which features incredible performances from military jets and pilots. Watch fireworks at Navy Pier or enjoy an outdoor movie night at Millennium Park or Grant Park. 

Key events: Chicago Air and Water Show, Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago’s SummerDance, Argyle Night Market

September

Shoulder season kicks off in September, an excellent time to visit Chicago for fun cultural events like the Chicago Underground Film Festival, and more affordable accommodation and flights. The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures averaging around 58°F to 75°F. Experience Chicago’s rich jazz heritage at the Chicago Jazz Festival or unite with fellow food lovers at the Taste of Chicago food festival.

Key events: Chicago Underground Film Festival, Taste of Chicago, Chicago Jazz Festival, Argyle Night Market, Lakeview East Festival of the Arts 

October

The city transitions fully to autumn, with daytime temperatures hovering around 50°F to 60°F (dipping into the 40s°F at night). In October, enjoy fall events like Navy Pier’s Haunted House, ghost tours with Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tours and trick-or-treating at Lincoln Park’s Boo at the Zoo. Check out Lincoln Park’s Apple Fest, Navy Pier’s annual Halloween Bash or the Chicago Marathon. 

Key events: Chicago International Film Festival, Lincoln Park’s Apple Fest, Navy Pier Halloween Bash, Chicago Marathon 

November

Kicking off the low season, November welcomes visitors with cooler temperatures, affordable accommodation and the start of holiday festivities. Start with the Thanksgiving Parade, which travels down North Michigan Avenue with beloved Disney characters, marching bands, Santa Claus, fireworks and one million lights on The Magnificent Mile’s 200+ trees. 

Key events: Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, The Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer, Thanksgiving Parade, Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights, Riot Fest

December 

Chicago becomes a festive winter wonderland with cold temperatures, potential for snow and festive holiday activities. Visit Millennium Park for the Christmas tree lighting, buy gifts for your loved ones at the German Christmas market (Christkindlmarket), watch The Nutcracker at the Joffrey Ballet or cozy up by the firepits at Light Up The Lake. 

Key events: Light Up The Lake, Christkindlmarkt, Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights