Chicago is brimming with vibrant green spaces, glistening waterfronts, world-class museums, gorgeous architecture, scenic outdoor eating, thrilling events, and much more. We’ve paired local destinations and activities with each season, so you can start planning an interactive, immersive, and fun experience perfect for both adults and kids.
Take advantage of each season and go on an outdoor adventure. Here's just a glimpse of what you may see and do in each season.
April temperatures are normally in the 50s°F, but May temperatures can reach over 70°F. Rainfall ranges between 3.5 and 3.8 inches. Are you looking for a vacation that is equal parts fun, learning, and fresh air?
Visit The Garfield Park Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show which is one of the country's largest and most picturesque botanical gardens. Thousands of plant species from throughout the world are on display in eight indoor display gardens. Moreover, one of Chicago's gorgeous routes, such as the 18-mile Lakefront Trail or The 606, an elevated park and trail that goes through four neighborhoods are ideal for walking, running, or biking.
Temperatures during the summer range from 78 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, with rainfall ranging from 3.7 to 4.3 inches. Here's how to make the most of your time in Chicago this summer.
Create sandcastles at Foster Beach, relax at North Avenue Beach's stylish Shore Club Chicago or simply take in the sights at Oak Street Beach. Also, the annual Bud Billiken Parade has been running great since 1929, with an emphasis on the end of summer and the beginning of the school year. The parade, which features bands, floats, drill teams, dancers, and tons of excitement, proceeds along two miles of Martin Luther King Drive as a commemoration of African American culture and heritage.
The average temperature during this season starts at about 70°F and steadily drops into the mid-40s°F as winter approaches. Rainfall is expected to be between 2.7 and 3.3 inches. The leaves in Millennium Park become golden, a fresh breeze sweeps along the lake, and the city is bustling with fun happenings.
Visit Chicago Botanic Garden's Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns and Chi-Town Movies Drive-Music In's Box of Horrors for some Halloween fun. For those looking to carve jack-o-lanterns or bake a pie, venture through the new Pumpkin Walk at Lincoln Park Zoo and Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch in Pingree Grove.
The average amount of snowfall each year is about 37 inches. The average daily high temperature is between 30 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. In Chicago, there are many ways to enjoy the winter.
Put on your skates and slide down through a snowy wonderland along with Maggie Daley Park's sinuous Skating Ribbon and neighborhood skating rinks. Polar bears and snow monkeys can also be seen playing outside Chicago's free Lincoln Park Zoo during these winter months.