March can be a good time to visit Chicago, depending on your preferences and interests. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
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Off-Season Rates: March is generally considered the off-season for tourism in Chicago, so you may be able to find deals on flights, accommodation, and attractions.
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Smaller Crowds: Since it’s the off-season, tourist attractions tend to be less crowded, allowing you to avoid long lines and wait times. This can make it easier to visit popular museums, landmarks, and restaurants.
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Cultural Events: March hosts several cultural events, including the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Chicago Humanities Festival, and the Chicago Flower & Garden Show. These events offer a chance to experience the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
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Beautiful Parks: While the weather may not be ideal for outdoor activities, Chicago’s parks are still worth exploring in March. You can stroll through Millennium Park, admire the architecture in Grant Park, or take a walk along the Chicago lakefront.
Cons:
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Unpredictable Weather: Chicago weather in March is often unpredictable. Temperatures can range from mild to chilly, and it’s common to experience rain, snow, or both. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and pack layers of clothing.
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Limited Outdoor Activities: Due to the unpredictable weather, outdoor activities such as boat tours and cruises may be limited or unavailable. However, there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep you entertained, such as museums, theaters, and shopping malls.
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Windy City: Chicago is known for its windy weather, and March can be particularly windy. Be prepared for strong gusts of wind, especially near the lakefront.
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Fewer Hours of Daylight: March has shorter daylight hours compared to the summer months. This means you’ll have less time to explore outdoor attractions during the day.
Overall, March can be a good time to visit Chicago if you’re looking for deals, smaller crowds, and cultural events. However, be prepared for unpredictable weather and limited outdoor activities.
Weather In Chicago During March
In March, Chicago typically experiences a mix of cold and mild weather. Here’s a general overview:
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Average Temperature: The average temperature in Chicago during March is around 37°F (3°C).
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Highs and Lows: Average high temperatures typically fall between 45°F (7°C) and 50°F (10°C), while average low temperatures range from 25°F (-4°C) to 30°F (-1°C).
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Precipitation: Chicago receives an average of 3.5 inches (8.9 centimeters) of precipitation in March, which can include rain, snow, or a mix of both.
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Snowfall: While snow is possible in March, it decreases significantly compared to winter months. On average, Chicago receives around 4.5 inches (11.4 centimeters) of snowfall in March.
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Wind: Winds tend to be moderate in March, with average wind speeds ranging from 10 to 15 miles per hour (16 to 24 kilometers per hour).
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Sunshine: The average number of sunny days in Chicago during March is around 15, with cloudy or partly cloudy conditions being common.
It’s important to note that weather conditions can vary year to year, and it’s always a good idea to check the local forecast before planning outdoor activities.
Things To Do In Chicago In March
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Chicago Restaurant Week: Held annually in March, Chicago Restaurant Week allows diners to enjoy special multi-course menus at over 300 participating restaurants throughout the city.
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St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations: Chicago’s large Irish population and vibrant Irish culture make it a great place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The city hosts a variety of events, including parades, festivals, and pub crawls.
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Shamrock Shuffle: This 8K run/walk is held annually on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. The race starts and finishes in Grant Park and winds its way through the streets of downtown Chicago, with over 30,000 participants each year.
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Irish Music and Dance Festival: This annual festival showcases traditional Irish music, dance, and culture. It features performances by Irish musicians and dancers, as well as workshops, classes, and demonstrations.
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Chicago Flower and Garden Show: This annual event is held in March at Navy Pier. It features displays of flowers, plants, and garden art, as well as talks by gardening experts and demonstrations of gardening techniques.
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Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House Chicago: This annual event is held in March and offers free admission to over 200 buildings throughout the city, including many that are not normally open to the public. It’s a great opportunity to explore Chicago’s world-renowned architecture.
Tourism In Chicago, United States During March
- Weather: March in Chicago is typically cold and rainy, with average temperatures ranging from 36°F to 48°F. Snowfall is also possible, but it is usually light.
- Crowds: Chicago is a popular tourist destination year-round, but March is a relatively quiet time. This means that you will be able to enjoy the city’s attractions without having to deal with large crowds.
- Prices: Hotel prices in Chicago are typically lower in March than they are during the summer months. This makes it a great time to visit if you are looking to save money.
- Things to do: There are plenty of things to do in Chicago in March. Some of the most popular attractions include:
- The Art Institute of Chicago: This world-renowned museum houses a collection of over 300,000 works of art from around the world.
- The Field Museum: This natural history museum is home to over 20 million specimens, including dinosaurs, mummies, and fossils.
- The Shedd Aquarium: This aquarium is home to over 30,000 aquatic creatures, including sharks, penguins, and dolphins.
- Millennium Park: This public park is home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as “The Bean.”
- Navy Pier: This pier is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the Ferris wheel and the carousel.
- Special events: There are a number of special events that take place in Chicago in March. Some of the most popular events include:
- The St. Patrick’s Day Parade: This parade is one of the largest in the United States, and it features floats, marching bands, and Irish dancers.
- The Chicago Flower & Garden Show: This show features over 100 exhibits of flowers, plants, and garden art.
- The Chicago Auto Show: This show is one of the largest auto shows in the United States, and it features over 1,000 vehicles from all over the world.
Overall, March is a great time to visit Chicago. The weather is mild, the crowds are small, and the prices are lower. There are also plenty of things to do and see in the city.