Hottest (avg)
#9 / 12
Chicago in March
March weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 12h
What to expect
As spring continues, March brings, where temperatures are climbing noticeably. Daytime highs average 7°C / 44°F, dropping to -1°C / 29°F at night.
Skies are often overcast, and you should be prepared for regular rainfall (approx. 12 wet days).
March in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Chicago.
Wettest (avg)
#8 / 12
Daylight Hours
#7 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#7 / 12
Highest UV
#7 / 12
Most Humid
#5 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 12.0 hours
- UV index (max)
- 6
- Typical sun hours
- 05:59 – 17:57
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 12
- Cloud cover
- 64%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 73%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is March a good time to visit Chicago?
Typical March days in Chicago reach highs of 6°C (43°F) with nights around -1°C (30°F). It usually feels chilly by day and very cold after dark. Overall, March sits in the middle of the Chicago climate range.
What are temperatures like in March?
Daytime temperatures in March typically peak near 6°C (43°F), while nights drop to around -1°C (30°F). Expect chilly afternoons and very cold evenings.
How much does it rain in March?
Rainfall in March averages 71 mm (2.8 in) across roughly 12 days. Overall it is a quite rainy time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in March?
You can expect about 12 hours of daylight in March. Sunrise is typically around 05:59 and sunset near 17:57. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing.
Does the weather change during March?
March often starts off a little cooler and becomes noticeably warmer by the end of the month.
How strong is the sun in March?
UV levels are moderate (around 6); sunscreen and sunglasses are still a good idea.
Is it windy in March?
In March, average wind speeds are around 17 km/h (11 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 61 km/h (38 mph). On the ground, it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.