TripVibzWorst times to visit Chicago
The weeks, days and hours locals would tell you to avoid in Chicago — and what to do instead.
Say it here and visitors will actually read it. One sentence is enough.
Add your takeChicago month by month
Festivals, conventions, weather and price seasons that change what a visit is like. Researched by the TripVibz editors from official event and weather sources.
January
Winter cold — avoid. Daytime highs sit in the low 30s with biting wind off the lake. Hotel and airfare rates are at their lowest, so it suits museum-focused trips.
February
Winter cold — avoid. Daytime highs sit in the low 30s with biting wind off the lake. Hotel and airfare rates are at their lowest, so it suits museum-focused trips.
March
St. Patrick's Day river dyeing — busy. The Saturday before St. Patrick's Day. The Chicago River is dyed green in the morning, followed by the downtown parade; arrive early for a view.
Winter cold — avoid. Daytime highs sit in the low 30s with biting wind off the lake. Hotel and airfare rates are at their lowest, so it suits museum-focused trips.
April
Spring shoulder season — good. Highs from the high 50s to low 70s, reasonable hotel rates and moderate crowds. May is rainy, so pack an umbrella.
May
Spring shoulder season — good. Highs from the high 50s to low 70s, reasonable hotel rates and moderate crowds. May is rainy, so pack an umbrella.
June
Summer peak season — busy. The city's peak tourist season, with the highest hotel prices and rooms hard to find. Book three or four weeks ahead; heat waves can be humid.
July
Lollapalooza — busy. Four days spanning the end of July and start of August in Grant Park, right by downtown and the Loop.
Summer peak season — busy. The city's peak tourist season, with the highest hotel prices and rooms hard to find. Book three or four weeks ahead; heat waves can be humid.
August
Lollapalooza — busy. Four days spanning the end of July and start of August in Grant Park, right by downtown and the Loop.
Summer peak season — busy. The city's peak tourist season, with the highest hotel prices and rooms hard to find. Book three or four weeks ahead; heat waves can be humid.
Air and Water Show — busy. A weekend in mid-August. The free lakefront air show centers on North Avenue Beach and usually draws very large crowds.
September
Fall shoulder season — good. Highs in the 60s and 70s, fewer crowds and lower room rates after summer. Some outdoor attractions cut hours late in the season.
October
Chicago Marathon — busy. Second Sunday of October. Expect street closures along the course through the city's neighborhoods.
Fall shoulder season — good. Highs in the 60s and 70s, fewer crowds and lower room rates after summer. Some outdoor attractions cut hours late in the season.
November
Winter cold — avoid. Daytime highs sit in the low 30s with biting wind off the lake. Hotel and airfare rates are at their lowest, so it suits museum-focused trips.
December
Winter cold — avoid. Daytime highs sit in the low 30s with biting wind off the lake. Hotel and airfare rates are at their lowest, so it suits museum-focused trips.