Chicago Weather in March
Chicago in March sees low temperatures, with highs around 8°C (46°F) and overnight lows of -1°C (30°F). Snow/rainfall is fairly high at around 64 mm (2.5 in) on average, so pack waterproofs just in case.
Rainfall in Chicago in March
Snow/rain is expected on roughly 11 days, totalling around 64 mm (2.5 in) for the month. Rain this month is fairly typical, a standard mix of wet and dry days with no particularly heavy or persistent showers.
Temperature in Chicago in March
March in Chicago brings low temperatures, with highs of 8°C (46°F) and nights around -1°C (30°F). Cold conditions persist throughout the day, so warm clothing is important from the moment you head outside. Nights drop below freezing to -1°C (30°F). An extra blanket is worth packing if you're unsure about the heating where you're staying.
Sunshine in Chicago in March
The month experiences a moderate amount of sunlight, with 189 hours of sunshine. This provides a nice balance between sunshine and clouds.
Wind Speed in Chicago in March
Average wind conditions reach 6 m/s (12 knots) in March. This creates notably windy weather that is clearly felt and can influence daily activities. Keep in mind this is an average. Some days are less intense, while others can be quite gusty.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. September typically offers the best weather for Chicago.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Chicago's climate page.
Chicago Temperature in March
Min Temperature
-1°C (30°F)
Max Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Chance of Rain
35%
Precipitation
64 mm (2.5 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Humidity
70%
Windspeed
6 m/s (12 knots)
Sunshine
189 hours
Percentage Sunshine
51%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Chicago typically rise from around 4°C (39°F) at the start of March to approximately 12°C (54°F) by the end. Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -5°C (23°F) to 3°C (37°F).
Average temperatures in March
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in March
Historical weather for Chicago in March
Browse day-by-day weather records for Chicago spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Chicago historical weather extremes in March
Based on weather observations in Chicago between 1976 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes during March.
Best Places in the United States of America in March
Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in March →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Chicago in March
We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Chicago in March. You could start with thermal underwear or a good base layer to keep your core warm on the cooler days this month. Maybe also add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.What To Do in Chicago in March
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Chicago's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Chicago climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
