So you’re planning a March trip to the Windy City? Let me tell you—Chicago in March is basically Mother Nature’s mood ring. One day you’re in a T-shirt, the next you’re wondering if winter forgot to leave.

March temps in Chicago typically hover between 26°F and 47°F. Yeah, that’s quite the spread, right? The average sits around 37°F, which sounds mild until that Lake Michigan wind smacks you in the face. Trust me, wind chill is the real enemy here—not the thermometer.

What’s the Average Temperature in Chicago in March?

March in Chicago averages between 28°F and 45°F

But here’s where it gets interesting. By late March, temperatures can climb into the 50s°F (around 10-15°C), and suddenly you’ve got people treating 50 degrees like it’s beach weather. You’ll see folks in shorts and t-shirts acting like winter never happened.

Does It Snow in Chicago in March?

Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Yessssss, but it’s complicated.

Chicago averages about 5-6 inches of snow in March, which honestly sounds worse than it usually is. Here’s what I’ve learned from multiple March visits—the snow in March is different from January snow. It’s wetter, heavier, and it doesn’t usually stick around long.

The Snow Situation Explained

March snowfall is basically Chicago’s last hurrah before spring.

You’ll get these random snowstorms that dump a few inches overnight, everyone freaks out for approximately 12 hours, and then the sun comes out and melts most of it.

FYI, the chances of seeing snow in March decrease as the month progresses. Early March? Pretty likely. Late March? Less so, but Chicago loves to surprise you. I’ve seen snow on March 28th that disappeared by noon the next day.

Here’s what you need to know about March snow:

It’s unpredictable: You could have three sunny days followed by a surprise snowstorm

It melts fast: The sun is stronger, and temperatures hover near freezing, so accumulation doesn’t last It’s slushy: Forget those Instagram-worthy snow scenes.

Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns

You know what’s wild? We’re all walking around checking weather apps every single day, but most of us couldn’t explain why it rains more in some places than others or what makes snow actually happen.

I mean, I spent years just accepting that weather “does its thing” without really getting it.

Then I started paying attention, and honestly, understanding precipitation patterns completely changed how I see those clouds rolling in.

What Actually Makes It Rain (Or Snow)

Here’s the thing—precipitation isn’t random chaos, even though it feels that way sometimes :). It all comes down to a few key ingredients working together.

You need moisture in the air, something to cool that air down, and particles for water to cling to. Simple enough, right?

When warm, moist air rises (because warm air is basically the overachiever of the atmosphere), it hits cooler temperatures higher up. That moisture condenses into tiny droplets around dust, pollen, or salt particles floating around.

Those droplets merge, get heavier, and boom—rain. If the temperature’s cold enough throughout the journey down, you get snow instead. IMO, it’s pretty elegant for something that seems so chaotic.

What to Wear and Packing Essentials for March in Chicago

What is Chicago’s snowiest month?

February is Chicago’s snowiest month, with an average snowfall of about 9.1 inches based on long-term climate data from 1991 to 2020.

Are There Special Events in Chicago in March?

Let’s Be Real: March in Chicago Hits Different
Chicago wakes up from its winter slumber in March, and honestly? The city transforms into an event-packed destination that catches most people off guard.

If you’ve been hibernating and wondering what’s actually happening in Chicago this March, you’re about to discover that this month is seriously underrated.

Whether you’re a local looking to shake things up or a visitor timing your trip perfectly, March events in Chicago offer something genuinely exciting for everyone.

St. Patrick’s Day Chaos (In the Best Way)

Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are basically legendary at this point. The city goes absolutely green—and I mean that literally. The Chicago River turns bright green thanks to an eco-friendly dye that’s

But here’s what makes it epic: you’ve got the parade itself, street parties everywhere, pub crawls that stretch for blocks, and honestly, the entire city feels like one giant party. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches down Columbus Drive, featuring floats, marching bands, and thousands of people in questionable green attire.

FYI, if you want to actually enjoy the experience, show up early and stake out a good spot. Trust me on this one.

Chicago’s Spring Food & Wine Events

March brings some seriously delicious events to Chicago’s food scene. Various restaurants and venues host wine tasting events, chef demonstrations, and culinary festivals throughout the month. These aren’t just about sipping wine—they’re about experiencing what Chicago’s culinary community has been cooking up.

I’ve personally attended a few of these, and they’re incredible opportunities to meet chefs, sample new dishes, and discover restaurants you’d never have tried otherwise. Many of these events include:

• Craft cocktail competitions
• Farm-to-table showcases
• International cuisine celebrations
• Cooking masterclasses

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