What March feels like in Chicago
Early spring arrives in Chicago with March. It is cold outside for most of the day; indoor breaks come as a relief. Little changes after sunset — nights hover around freezing, so frost is common, only slightly below the daytime level. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Chicago in March
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Wet days average about 7.8 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. The yearly figure is similar, around 8.5 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in March
On 15 March the sun rises at about 7:04 am and sets around 6:56 pm local time, giving 11 h 51 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 1 h 17 min more daylight than mid-February. About 70% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How March compares to the rest of the year
March is the 4th coolest month of the year in Chicago. Compared with February, afternoons are 5.8°C (10.4°F) warmer, with 18 mm more rain. Temperatures keep climbing into April. The next month's average high: 11.8°C (53.2°F).
Who March suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Chicago in March
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Chicago in March?
Afternoons average 6.1°C (43°F) and nights about -1.1°C (30°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 4th coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Chicago in March?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 78 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Chicago in March?
Pack rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is March or April better for visiting Chicago?
March scores better on our climate ranking (#8 of 12 vs #9), rated Fair against Fair. April is warmer and has more rainy days.