What is the weather usually like in Chicago in March?

Q: What is the coldest month in Chicago?

Chicagos coldest month is January when the average temperature overnight is 14.3°F. In July, the warmest month, the average day time temperature rises to 83.5°F.

What's the weather like in Chicago in March?

Table of Contents Show

Monthly Averages in March
Where to stay in Chicago
Where to go in United States of America in March
Weather Forecasts for Chicago (Illinois)
Interested in more climate information?
Temperature
Ocean temperature
Is March a good month to go to Chicago?
What clothes to wear in Chicago in March?
What is the best month to go to Chicago?
What is the coldest month in Chicago?

Located in the state of Illinois on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago has a humid continental climate. Often known as the ‘Windy City’, Chicago’s weather can be very unpredictable, especially in March which falls between the winter and summer seasons. This time of year is often very cold and damp in the city and surrounding areas, so you’ll need to pack lots of warm layers.

Averages

In March, the average temperature in Chicago is a chilly 3°C, with highs of 8°C and lows dipping below freezing to -2°C at night. With such cold temperatures, make sure you bring a hat, scarf and gloves to stay warm, especially after dark. Around 70mm of rain is expected this month, but with half of all days in March forecast to be sunny, you’ll still see bright weather on your visit to the city in March.

The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Chicago in March is 0.1°C (32.18°F). The amount of rain in March is normal with an average of 68mm (2.7in). It rains on average a total of 12 days. Most people don't tend to visit Chicago during this period since it is known as a chilly month. The average maximum daytime temperature lies around 8.7°C (47.66°F). The sun will occasionally show itself with 189 hours of sunshine during the whole month.

So what to wear in March? Bring a rain jacket just in case since it will be raining a few days during this period. Also bring some warm clothes. Visitors traveling to Chicago should plan on bringing a totally waterproof rain jacket since it will often be raining. Also plan on bringing your warm clothes, it can be a bit chilly during this period.

No idea where to travel to this year? We now have a tool which suggests which destination suits your ideal climate conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

For other monthly average weather and what to do in March look at the numbers below.

Monthly Averages in March

Show in Fahrenheit

Min Temperature 0 °C

Max Temperature 8 °C

Chance of Rain 40%

Precipitation 68mm

Rainy Days 12

Sunshine Hours 189

Where to stay in Chicago

Where to go in United States of America in March

Find out more about the weather in United States of America in March and which places have the best weather conditions in this month.

What To Do

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do in March.

Weather Forecasts for Chicago (Illinois)

Interested in more climate information?

Weather and Climate provides you with all the information you need about the climate in Chicago.

Our site offers climate and forecast data for almost all countries in the world. Are you going to United States of America? On this website you can find historical weather averages for many cities in United States of America. Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which suggests which destination suits your ideal climate conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

March, the first month of the spring in Chicago, is still a cold month, with an average temperature varying between 41.5°F (5.3°C) and 32.2°F (0.1°C).

Temperature

In March, the average high-temperature increases from 32°F (0°C) in February to a still wintry 41.5°F (5.3°C). In Chicago, the average low-temperature is 32.2°F (0.1°C).

Humidity

In March, the average relative humidity in Chicago is 77%.

Rainfall

In Chicago, Illinois, in March, it is raining for 11.8 days, with typically 2.13" (54mm) of accumulated precipitation. In Chicago, during the entire year, the rain falls for 160.2 days and collects up to 36.97" (939mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

January through May, November and December are months with snowfall. In March, it is snowing for 6.1 days. Throughout March, 1.34" (34mm) of snow is accumulated. In Chicago, during the entire year, snow falls for 40.9 days and aggregates up to 13.9" (353mm) of snow.

Ocean temperature

In March, the average ocean temperature is 37.8°F (3.2°C).
Note: For swimming, this is considered life-threatening and very dangerous. The water feels painfully cold, and hyperventilation quickly occurs. A specialized swimsuit is mandatory to reduce thermal damage.

Daylight

In Chicago, Illinois, the average length of the day in March is 11h and 58min.
On the first day of March, sunrise is at 6:24 am and sunset at 5:40 pm CST. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:34 am and sunset at 7:14 pm CDT.
Note: On Sunday, March 13. 2022, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time lasts until Sunday, November 6. 2022, at 2:00 am; consequently, the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.

Sunshine

In March, the average sunshine in Chicago, Illinois, is 6.1h.

UV index

In Chicago, the average daily maximum UV index in March is 2. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal health vulnerability from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for the ordinary person.
Note: The daily maximum UV index of 2 in March interpret into the following advice:
For the majority, extended sun exposure is not of great concern. Infants and people with sensitive skin must always be protected. The solar radiation is most powerful near the mid-day, so the exposure to the direct Sun should be reduced accordingly. A wide-brim hat offers excellent sun protection for the eyes, ears, face, and neck. Sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection significantly reduce eye damage from sun exposure. Tightly woven, loose-fitting clothes provide additional protection from the Sun. Beware! The strength of the UV rays is increased nearly double-fold by the reflection of the snow.

Is March a good month to go to Chicago?

March is a great time to visit the Windy City, well ahead of the summer crowds and festival season without being in the depths of a Chicago winter. With winter chills starting to subside, though there will be some chilly days, March is the time when locals stop hibernating and start venturing out again.

What clothes to wear in Chicago in March?

What To Wear List for March.

Lighter jacket (necessary for warmer days).

Winter jacket..

Medium-thick socks..

Waterproof boots..

Long sleeve shirts..

Medium to thick pants..

Hat, gloves, scarf..

What is the best month to go to Chicago?

Best Season to Visit Chicago Weather-wise Most people enjoy the summer months the most, specifically late June through September. But, there are two small periods of time in the year that are equally enjoyable, in late May and early October, when crowds are small and the temperature is comfortable.

What is the coldest month in Chicago?

Chicago's coldest month is January when the average temperature overnight is 14.3°F. In July, the warmest month, the average day time temperature rises to 83.5°F.