United States, North America
Chicago in October
The Chicago Marathon fills hotels one weekend. Otherwise beautiful early in the month, turning cold late.
The straight answer
October is a good month to visit Chicago. The Chicago Marathon fills hotels one weekend. Otherwise beautiful early in the month, turning cold late.
- Weather
- Crisp, highs near 62F (17C), fall color
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What October is like in Chicago
October starts beautifully and ends cold. Early in the month, highs are near 62F (17C), with crisp air and fall color in the parks. By late month, days turn gray and chilly. Crowds are moderate, except on Chicago Marathon weekend, when hotels across the city fill up and prices jump.
This month suits couples, runners, and anyone who likes a city in fall. Early October is the sweet spot. If you want warm days and a lake you can still enjoy, go in September instead; if the marathon is not your reason to come, avoid its weekend.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about Chicago this month.
Chicago Marathon
On a Sunday in early to mid October, one of the world's major marathons winds through the city's neighborhoods. Cheering along the route is a fun, free experience.
Fall color in the parks
Lincoln Park and the lakefront turn gold and red. A walk or bike ride along the trail is at its prettiest.
Last river cruises of the season
The architecture boat tours are still running before they pause for winter. Bring a warm layer for the late day boats.
What to pack for October
- A warm jacket and a sweater
- Long pants and closed shoes
- A light hat and gloves for late October
- A compact umbrella
Our timing tip
Check the marathon date before you book, and aim for the first half of the month, when the weather is warmest and the river tours are still running.
Book Chicago for October.
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- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in ChicagoOpens a hotel search for Chicago in October, 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 October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in October
Chicago Marathon
A Sunday in early to mid October
One of the world's major marathons. Book hotels early if your trip overlaps.
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 October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Chicago?
October is a good month to visit Chicago. The Chicago Marathon fills hotels one weekend. Otherwise beautiful early in the month, turning cold late.
What is the weather like in Chicago in October?
Crisp, highs near 62F (17C), fall color.
Is Chicago crowded in October?
Crowds in Chicago are moderate in October; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Chicago in October?
Chicago Marathon (a sunday in early to mid october).
Keep planning Chicago.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in October
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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