2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Chicago — March

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

March is a good time to visit Chicago. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 8°C during the day. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. Wind can be noticeable, especially in exposed areas—bring a windbreaker. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

6.3
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

8°C

Avg Low

1°C

Rainy days

12days

Daylight

11.9h

Feels like 4°C / -4°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

90mm

Sunshine

8h/day

Humidity

69%

Humid
Sun Strength

5.7

High
Wind

26 km/h (gusts 46)

Is March a good time to visit Chicago?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Value Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

07:05

Sunset

18:56

11.9h daylight

Live March Forecast

LIVE

Forecast for your trip dates

Up to 14 days ahead

Visiting Chicago in March: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Things to Do in March

Events & Festivals

🎭
St. Patrick's Day (River Dyeing)
Saturday before March 17 Cultural

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
☕ Cozy cafes & local food scene
🏛️ Indoor attractions & shopping
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Chicago Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 0°C -5°C 10d (71mm) 5.1h
74% Humid
2.6 Moderate
Good
Feb 2°C -5°C 7d (45mm) 7.4h
69% Humid
4.4 Moderate
Good
Mar Current 8°C 1°C 12d (90mm) 8h
69% Humid
5.7 High
Good
Apr 12°C 5°C 12d (92mm) 9.4h
67% Humid
7.5 Very High
Good
May 18°C 10°C 11d (106mm) 10.6h
70% Humid
8.8 Very High
Excellent
Jun 25°C 17°C 9d (100mm) 12.3h
69% Humid
9.9 Very High
Excellent
Jul 26°C 19°C 11d (93mm) 12h
74% Humid
9.4 Very High
Good
Aug 26°C 19°C 8d (60mm) 11.7h
73% Humid
8.6 Very High
Good
Sep 23°C 15°C 7d (62mm) 9.9h
71% Humid
6.8 High
Excellent
Oct 17°C 9°C 10d (87mm) 7.9h
68% Humid
4.6 Moderate
Excellent
Nov 10°C 3°C 8d (53mm) 6.4h
68% Humid
3.1 Moderate
Good
Dec 4°C -2°C 9d (66mm) 4.9h
73% Humid
2.2 Moderate
Good

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3.4

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Chicago – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Chicago

Architectural marvels with Cloud Gate (The Bean) and Architecture boat tour, deep-dish pizza, lakefront, and world-class museums.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for March

Bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes. Thermal layers underneath give flexibility as you move between indoors and outdoors. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Moderate Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Chicago?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is March a good time to visit Chicago?
March is typically good for visiting Chicago, with average highs of 8°C and around 12 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Chicago in March?
Yes, nights in Chicago during March are cold, averaging 1°C. Pack warm layers, a coat, and consider thermal underwear for extended outdoor evenings. Restaurants and cafés have indoor seating, and many museums stay open late.
What should I pack for Chicago in March?
With highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C in March, we recommend: Warm winter coat, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Comfortable walking shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in March?
Chicago typically sees around 12 rainy days in March. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Chicago in March?
In March, Chicago gets approximately 11.9 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is March peak season in Chicago?
No, March is not peak season in Chicago. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: America/Chicago)

Last Updated: February 2026

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