United States, North America

Chicago in February

Still deep winter. Restaurant Week deals are the bright spot.

Think twiceCold, highs near 36F (2C), snow and gray

Chicago skyline, United States — ChicagoPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

February is a month to think twice about visiting Chicago. Still deep winter. Restaurant Week deals are the bright spot.

Weather: Cold, highs near 36F (2C), snow and gray
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What February is like in Chicago

February is still deep winter. Highs hover near 36F (2C), skies are often gray, and snow is common. The lakefront is cold and windy, and the architecture boat tours are not running. Prices stay near their annual low, and the city keeps going indoors: museums, theater, and restaurants are all open and easy to book.

This month works for couples, food lovers, and anyone chasing a cheap city break who is happy to spend most of the day inside. Restaurant Week deals are the bright spot. Families wanting parks, beaches, and a ballgame should skip it and plan for June or September, when the city is actually outdoors.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Chicago this month.

Restaurant Week deals

Set menus at good prices make it a smart month to try restaurants that are hard to book in summer. Reserve as soon as the list is out.

Shedd Aquarium on a quiet weekday

The aquarium is warm, calm, and far less crowded than in summer. Kids get close to the tanks without the elbowing.

Snowy skyline walks

A fresh snowfall on Millennium Park and the river makes for great photos. Go early before the paths turn to slush.

What to pack for February

An insulated, windproof winter coat
Waterproof boots for snow and slush
A warm hat, gloves, and a scarf or neck gaiter
Lip balm and hand cream for the dry cold

Our timing tip

Look for Restaurant Week dates as soon as they are announced and book your top picks right away, since the best tables go in days.

Book Chicago for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Chicago
Opens a hotel search for Chicago in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Chicago
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Chicago
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Chicago for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Chicago

Full guide

Chicago Architecture Center river cruise

Runs roughly spring through fall. The first and last departures of the day are the most comfortable in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Art Institute of Chicago

One of the great museums anywhere. Go at opening and head straight to the Impressionists before the crowds.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Millennium Park

Cloud Gate (the Bean), Crown Fountain, and free summer concerts at the Pritzker Pavilion. Early morning for photos.

Tickets and tours →

Field Museum

Home of SUE, one of the most complete T. rex skeletons ever found. Plan at least half a day.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

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.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Wrigley Field

A Cubs day game in summer is the classic Chicago afternoon. Tour days run when the team is away.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

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.