When’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Chicago?

Did you know that there are 100 neighborhoods in Chicago, Illinois, making it a perfect place to travel to?  

Chicago is located off of the coast of Lake Michigan and is a beautiful city to visit with plenty of wildlife and activity.  

If you are planning a trip to Chicago and want to make the most of it, you will need to pick the best time. 

Continue reading to learn about the best time of year to visit Chicago, depending on what you want to do! 

Enjoy the Pier 

If you are looking for the best time of year to visit Chicago for enjoying the pier, you should go in spring or summer.    

Since you’ll be standing at the edge of the lake in a windy city, you will appreciate the warmer air on the pier. The cool breezes coming off of Lake Michigan will keep you comfortable on the pier under the hot sun. 

Checking this spot out in the winter won’t be as exciting because the pier gets covered in ice and can be dangerous to walk on. Another reason to visit the pier during spring and summer is that there are more events and vendors. 

Visit Museums

If you want to visit some of the best museums in the world, a trip to Chicago is perfect.

Although you can visit the museums at any time, the fall and winter are recommended. Most of the museums will give discounts to members or visitors during this time of year because they don’t get as much traffic. Since so many people travel to the city when it gets warmer, the museums can also get packed with crowds. 

The Chicago Field Museum of Natural History and the Art Institute are the most popular attractions. The Shedd Aquarium is also a spot that you don’t want to miss.

Going to the Field Museum of Natural History is fun during the holidays. This is because they have collections of trees that are decorated for each country and culture. 

Shop Downtown 

There are hundreds of stores in the city, making it a great place to get holiday and personal shopping done. 

If you are wanting to get the best shopping experience in Chicago, you should visit during the fall or winter. During the fall, most stores have larger stock and better deals with the holidays around the corner. Winter is another opportunity to go shopping because this is the slow time for most stores and you don’t have to worry about the crowds or high prices. 

The summer isn’t an ideal time to go shopping in Chicago because it gets too warm to comfortably carry around your purchases. 

Enjoy Sporting Events 

If you are wondering when to visit Chicago for the sporting events, spring is the best time. 

This city has 8 major league sports, including two MLB teams! Wrigley Field is on most people’s lists for traveling to Chicago. Sporting events are a way of life in this town and you can almost always find a game to attend.

When you are looking to attend a certain game or event, check the tickets in advance in case they are outside of the spring season.  

Explore the Parks

It’s crazy to believe it, but there are actually about 600 parks located in Chicago! 

Although some of these parks are small, some of them are large and include botanical gardens or areas for children to play. There’s plenty of nature to explore in the spring and summer in the parks, so don’t forget to pack plenty of water and wear your walking shoes. 

Another reason to visit the parks in Chicago is that you can see musicians and street performers. There is always something exciting going on at the parks, especially when fairs and festivals are going on. 

Spend Time with the Kids

Taking a trip to Chicago with the kids can be extremely fun and there are activities to do year-round.

No matter what time of year it is, Chicago is a fun place for children to explore. The spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities but there is plenty to do during the holidays. If you are looking for a spooky adventure and want to let your kids have fun, the Pier is a great place to stop by in the fall. 

Sightseeing

If you are hoping to get some sightseeing done in Chicago, the summer and winter are the best times to visit.

Although the spring might seem like a good time to visit, there is a lot of rain during those months that will make your travels miserable. During the fall, the wind and thunderstorms also get severe and can put a damper on sightseeing, especially if walking is your main method of travel. 

Many people recommend getting a party boat rental for your summer trips. Party boats are a perfect way to enjoy time with friends and get beautiful views of the city. Wintertime is also fun to go sightseeing in Chicago because you can get a wintery view of a huge city and take in all of the holiday magic. 

While you are sightseeing, don’t forget to stop by the Cloud Gate. The Cloud Gate is located in Millenium Park, it looks like a giant bean or magnet. 

Do You Know the Best Time of Year to Visit Chicago?

Figuring out the best time of year to visit Chicago will largely depend on what you are wanting to do.

Whether you want to go sightseeing, watch a baseball game, or go shopping downtown, there is a perfect time to go. Paying attention to the time of year will let you plan your trip with fun activities and adventures. 

Don’t be afraid to try something new in Chi-town, this is a fun city with plenty to explore. 

Be sure that you check out our blog for more articles about things to do in Chicago and how to plan your next vacation!