United States, North America
Chicago in April
Opening Day at Wrigley and Sox park, the first architecture boat tours, and tulips on Michigan Avenue. Pack for everything.
The straight answer
April is a quiet, good-value month to visit Chicago. Opening Day at Wrigley and Sox park, the first architecture boat tours, and tulips on Michigan Avenue. Pack for everything.
- Weather
- Cool and changeable, highs near 59F (15C)
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What April is like in Chicago
April is when Chicago starts to thaw. Highs reach about 59F (15C), but the weather swings a lot, and a sunny warm day can be followed by cold rain. Tulips bloom along Michigan Avenue, the first architecture boat tours of the season begin, and baseball comes back. Prices are rising from winter but crowds stay moderate.
This month suits baseball fans, architecture buffs, and travelers who like a city waking up. Pack for everything. If you want reliably warm days by the lake and beaches, wait for late May or June, which is the start of the city's best stretch.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Chicago this month.
Opening Day
Baseball returns at Wrigley Field and Sox park. A spring game is cold, so dress warmly, but the energy is great.
First river architecture cruises
The Chicago Architecture Center river cruise starts up for the season. Early season boats are less crowded than summer ones.
Tulips on Michigan Avenue
The planters along the Magnificent Mile fill with tulips. It is a nice reason to walk the avenue on a bright day.
What to pack for April
- A warm layer and a rain jacket for fast weather changes
- A beanie and light gloves for the ballpark and boat
- Comfortable walking shoes that handle puddles
- A compact umbrella
Our timing tip
Check the Cubs and Sox schedules before you book, and pick an afternoon game over a night game early in the season, when evenings by the lake get cold.
Book Chicago for April.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in ChicagoOpens a hotel search for Chicago in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in ChicagoWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in ChicagoTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Chicago for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Chicago
Chicago Architecture Center river cruise
Runs roughly spring through fall. The first and last departures of the day are the most comfortable in summer.
Art Institute of Chicago
One of the great museums anywhere. Go at opening and head straight to the Impressionists before the crowds.
Millennium Park
Cloud Gate (the Bean), Crown Fountain, and free summer concerts at the Pritzker Pavilion. Early morning for photos.
Field Museum
Home of SUE, one of the most complete T. rex skeletons ever found. Plan at least half a day.
Museum of Science and Industry
A real U-boat, a coal mine, and a huge model railroad. Best on weekdays outside school field trip season.
Wrigley Field
A Cubs day game in summer is the classic Chicago afternoon. Tour days run when the team is away.
Beat the crowds
- Check the convention calendar at McCormick Place. Big shows can double hotel rates for a week.
- Buy museum tickets online and arrive at opening. The Field, Shedd, and MSI fill fast on summer weekends and during school breaks.
- Stay in a neighborhood like Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, or the West Loop and ride the L downtown. Rates are often better than the Loop and River North.
- September gives you summer weather with far fewer visitors. It is the best-value warm month.
Know before you go
- Architecture boat tours and many river cruises run roughly spring through fall and pause in winter.
- Beaches are officially open with lifeguards from about Memorial Day to Labor Day. Outside that window, swimming is not supervised.
- Winter never shuts the city down. Museums, theater, and restaurants run full schedules, and the L keeps moving in all but the worst storms.
- Wrigley Field and Sox park tours depend on the baseball schedule; check game days before you plan.
Chicago in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Chicago?
April is a quiet, good-value month to visit Chicago. Opening Day at Wrigley and Sox park, the first architecture boat tours, and tulips on Michigan Avenue. Pack for everything.
What is the weather like in Chicago in April?
Cool and changeable, highs near 59F (15C).
Is Chicago crowded in April?
April is one of the quieter months in Chicago; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Chicago.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Visit Faye
Travel insurance.
FayeA missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.
- Visit Saily
eSIM data.
SailySet up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.
Our top-rated travel gear
Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.