Ultimate Travel Guide to Chicago in March
Chicago in March is that in-between season—winter’s still hanging on, but hints of spring start sneaking in. There’s a laid-back buzz to the city right now; crowds are lighter than in summer, and hotel prices won’t make your eyes water.
If you’re planning your next trip to the Windy City, here’s the ultimate guide on visiting Chicago in March.
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Weather
Chicago weather in March is a mixed bag. Early in the month, you’re looking at real winter: mornings in the mid-20s F (-4°C to -3°C), and daytime highs hovering around 40°F (4-5°C).
By late March, it’s a little warmer—mornings in the mid-30s F (1-2°C), afternoons climbing to the low or even mid-50s F (11-12°C).
You’ll get about 13 days with at least some sun, 11 days with rain or snow, maybe 4 days with real snow, and just a couple with heavy rain (over half an inch).
Is Chicago Crowded In March?
March is that sweet spot before Chicago’s summer crowds descend. The city feels a little more open, hotel deals are easier to snag, and you can get a table at popular spots without a week’s notice.
But then there’s St. Patrick’s Day—everything changes. Chicago’s Irish roots run deep, so the St. Paddy’s celebrations are no joke. The city turns into a giant party for about two weeks, with three parades and a river that turns green.
During St. Patrick’s Day weekend, hotels fill up fast and prices spike; downtown is packed, especially by the river; bars and restaurants are standing-room-only unless you have a reservation. Public transit gets crowded, and flights cost more than usual.
If you’re aiming for mid-March, book everything way in advance. Outside of the green madness, March is pretty mellow.
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Where To Stay
Choosing your home base can make a big difference, and March usually means better hotel deals than summer. Make sure you check out this in-depth guide on where to stay in Chicago.
The Loop is a solid pick for first-timers since you’re in the middle of the action. Museums, Millennium Park, and deep-dish joints are all within walking distance. The Langham Chicago is where you might want to hang out in the lobby, and it’s just a couple of blocks from the shopping madness of Michigan Avenue.
River North is great if you’re after nightlife and art galleries. The neighborhood’s got some history—used to be called “Little Hell” back in the day—but now it’s all trendy restaurants and high-rise views. Trump International is hard to miss, towering over the river with a heated indoor pool and epic city views.
Traveling with kids? South Loop keeps things a bit more relaxed and puts you close to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and McCormick Place. Marriott Marquis has everything you need on-site, including multiple restaurants and rooms overlooking the skyline or lake.
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Best Things To Do In Chicago
Chicago doesn’t really do boring—there’s always something going on, even in March. Snap that selfie with Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) in Millennium Park, then wander through downtown’s greatest hits.
The Art Institute of Chicago is packed with Impressionist masterpieces, while the Field Museum has SUE, the T. rex that gets all the attention.
For March-specific fun, you’ve got the downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the river dyeing ceremony (yes, it’s as wild as it sounds), the Northwest Side Irish Parade, and those perfect “Chicagohenge” sunsets from the Columbus Drive and Michigan Avenue bridges.
Navy Pier is a crowd-pleaser with the Centennial Wheel, Chicago Children’s Museum, and lakeside dining. The Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium are both worth a visit and right on the lakefront.
If you’re into architecture, the Chicago Architecture Center and a downtown walking tour will keep you busy. The Chicago Riverwalk is lined with spots to grab a drink or bite right on the water.
Lincoln Park is a breath of fresh air with its free zoo, conservatory, and plenty of green space. If you need a dose of spring, the Garfield Park Conservatory is a warm escape under glass.
Sports fans can catch the Bulls at United Center, or you can dig into local history at the Chicago History Museum. The 360 Chicago observation deck gives you killer views from 1,000 feet up—if you’re not afraid of heights, that is.
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How To Get Around
Chicago’s grid makes figuring out directions almost foolproof. Madison Street splits the city north and south; State Street divides it east and west.
The Chicago Transit Authority has 146 rail stations on eight color-coded ‘L’ lines. Blue and Red lines run all night; Blue gets you from O’Hare to downtown in about 40 minutes, while Red connects the North and South Sides.
CTA buses cover over 1,500 miles and 10,000 stops. You can pay with the Ventra app, your phone, or a reloadable Ventra card from any station vending machine.
March weather can be a pain, but the Chicago Pedway is a lifesaver—an underground network connecting 40+ downtown blocks, so you can walk about five miles without braving the wind or rain.
If you need to get somewhere quickly, grab a Divvy bike from one of 950+ stations—there are classic pedal bikes, e-bikes, and even electric scooters, all available 24/7.
Uber and Lyft are everywhere, and old-school taxis still roam the streets (they take cards, and you can use the ARRO or Curb apps to hail one if you don’t feel like waving your arm around).
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What To Pack
March in Chicago is a bit of a wild card; one day you’re bracing for icy winds, the next you’re peeling off layers by noon.
Clothing Basics: A heavy, waterproof winter coat. Toss in two or three cozy sweaters or fleece jackets. Don’t underestimate how much a scarf, hat, and gloves can help when the wind picks up.
Four or five pairs of warm socks should do the trick, and sturdy waterproof boots—or closed-toe shoes at the very least—are a must for slushy sidewalks.
Mix up three or four long-sleeve shirts with a couple of short-sleeve ones for layering. Two or three pairs of jeans or warm pants will keep you covered. If you tend to get cold, a set or two of thermal underwear won’t go unused. Seven pairs of underwear and pajamas round out the basics.
Nice-To-Have Items: An umbrella can be a lifesaver for sudden rain or snow. A portable phone charger keeps you powered up on long days out, and a reusable water bottle is practical.
A small backpack or crossbody bag is handy for stashing layers. Sunglasses might seem optimistic, but the glare off snow or water can be intense.
