United States Chicago Weather in March (winter ending) — Climate Guide
March (winter ending) in Chicago is Transitioning
Chicago Weather in March (winter ending) — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 7° / -3°
- Rainfall
- 70mm · 11 days
- Crowds
- Quiet
As of 2026, Chicago in March (winter ending) averages a high of 7°C and low of -3°C with 70mm of rain over about 11 days. Late winter / early spring — high 7°C, low -3°C. Lighter down coat or trench + sweater + waterproof shoes. Daylight saving begins (2nd Sunday).
March (winter ending) is Transitioning for Chicago.
**St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is legendary** — the Chicago River dyed green (started 1962), parade through downtown, biggest Irish-American celebration outside of Boston. Late March transitions to spring; some Architecture Cruise sailings begin late month.
Travel score
Chicago March (winter ending) Weather Stats
Avg High
7°C
Avg Low
-3°C
Rainy Days
11
70mm total
Sunshine
6h
Daily avg
Humidity
67%
Cool + variable
UV Index
3
Moderate
Wind
17 km/h
Gusts 36
Sea Temp
3°C
Avg water temp
Snow Days
5
Monthly avg
Crowds
Quiet
At attractions
March (winter ending) Sunrise & Sunset
Expect about 5 snow days this month. Bring slip-resistant shoes and warm gear.
Air Quality
PM2.5
10 μg/m³
PM10
20 μg/m³
Status
Good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
4°C
Nighttime
-6°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
17 km/h
Max gust 36 km/h
Activities Recommended for March (winter ending)
March (winter ending) Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- St. Patrick's Day Parade (defining March event)
- Hotel rates still low-season
- Architecture Cruise returns late month
Cons
- Still chilly + windy
- Some rain returns
- Snowstorms possible
March (winter ending) Events & Festivals
- St. Patrick's Day Parade (Mar 17, Chicago River dyed green)
- Spring training (Cubs at Sloan Park, Arizona)
Chicago in March (winter ending) — Full Picture
**St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is legendary** — the Chicago River dyed green (started 1962), parade through downtown, biggest Irish-American celebration outside of Boston. Late March transitions to spring; some Architecture Cruise sailings begin late month.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Late winter / early spring — high 7°C, low -3°C. Lighter down coat or trench + sweater + waterproof shoes. Daylight saving begins (2nd Sunday).
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
Current13.7°C
3.7°C
11.7/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
27.7°C
17.7°C
10/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
15.7°C
6.7°C
9.7/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
0.3°C
-8°C
9.3/mo
Chicago Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -1° | -10° | 10d·50mm | 4h | 73% | 1 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 1° | -9° | 9d·45mm | 5h | 71% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 7° | -3° | 11d·70mm | 6h | 67% | 3 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 14° | 4° | 12d·95mm | 7h | 64% | 5 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| May (excellent) (Best) | 20° | 10° | 12d·105mm | 9h | 64% | 7 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| June (early summer) (Best) | 26° | 16° | 11d·100mm | 10h | 65% | 8 | Busy | Peak |
| July (peak summer) (Best) | 29° | 19° | 10d·100mm | 10h | 67% | 9 | Very busy | Peak |
| August (Lollapalooza) (Best) | 28° | 18° | 9d·100mm | 9h | 68% | 8 | Very busy | Peak |
| September (best month) (Best) | 24° | 13° | 9d·95mm | 9h | 67% | 6 | Busy | Shoulder |
| 16° | 7° | 10d·80mm | 7h | 67% | 4 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 7° | 0° | 10d·70mm | 5h | 73% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 1° | -5° | 9d·60mm | 4h | 75% | 1 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Chicago March (winter ending) Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is March (winter ending) a good time to visit Chicago?
Chicago in March (winter ending) is Transitioning. Tourist crowds are quiet and flight/hotel prices are low season.
What's the average temperature in Chicago in March (winter ending)?
Chicago March (winter ending) averages a high of 7°C and a low of -3°C.
Does it rain much in Chicago in March (winter ending)?
Chicago March (winter ending) averages 70mm of rainfall over about 11 rainy days.
What should I wear in Chicago in March (winter ending)?
Late winter / early spring — high 7°C, low -3°C. Lighter down coat or trench + sweater + waterproof shoes. Daylight saving begins (2nd Sunday).
What time are sunrise and sunset in Chicago in March (winter ending)?
Chicago March (winter ending) sunrise is 06:50 and sunset is 19:00, with 12h 10m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Chicago in March (winter ending)?
Chicago March (winter ending) air quality (AQI) averages 35, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 10μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Chicago in March (winter ending)?
In March (winter ending), Chicago is great for St. Patrick's Day Parade + green river, Museums, Architecture Cruise (late month).
Is March (winter ending) peak season in Chicago?
Chicago March (winter ending) crowds are quiet and prices are low season. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Chicago
View Other Months
Planning a March (winter ending) trip to Chicago?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.