United States, North America
Chicago in March
The river turns green for the St. Patrick's Day parade weekend, the one big reason to come.
The straight answer
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Chicago. The river turns green for the St. Patrick's Day parade weekend, the one big reason to come.
- Weather
- Raw, highs near 47F (8C), snow still possible
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What March is like in Chicago
March is raw and unsettled. Highs sit near 47F (8C), and snow can still show up even as a few mild days hint at spring. The lakefront is chilly and the trees are bare. Crowds and prices stay low, except on St. Patrick's Day parade weekend, when the city packs downtown to watch the river turn green.
This month suits anyone who wants the green river and a lively parade, plus travelers happy with a museum-heavy trip. It is not a great pick for outdoor time or a beach feel. If you can wait, late May brings real warmth and the full summer season.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Chicago this month.
The green river
On St. Patrick's Day parade Saturday, usually the Saturday before or closest to March 17, the river is dyed bright green in the morning, then the parade runs downtown. Get a spot near the Michigan Avenue bridge early.
Spring break museum days
The Field Museum, MSI, and Shedd are great with kids on a cold day. Buy timed tickets online, since local spring breaks can fill them.
Quiet hotel rates
Outside parade weekend, hotels are still close to winter prices. It is a cheap time to try a neighborhood stay in Lincoln Park or the West Loop.
What to pack for March
- A warm, water-resistant jacket
- A hat and gloves for the parade morning by the river
- Waterproof shoes for slush or rain
- A light sweater for layering indoors
Our timing tip
For the river dyeing, be near the Michigan Avenue bridge by mid morning on parade Saturday, and book your hotel early if your trip covers that weekend.
Book Chicago for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in ChicagoOpens a hotel search for Chicago in March, 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 March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
St. Patrick's Day parade and river dyeing
The Saturday before or around March 17
The Chicago River turns bright green in the morning, then the parade runs downtown. Huge crowds.
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 March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Chicago?
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Chicago. The river turns green for the St. Patrick's Day parade weekend, the one big reason to come.
What is the weather like in Chicago in March?
Raw, highs near 47F (8C), snow still possible.
Is Chicago crowded in March?
March is one of the quieter months in Chicago; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Chicago in March?
St. Patrick's Day parade and river dyeing (the saturday before or around march 17).
Keep planning Chicago.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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