Best time to visit Chicago on a budget
When to visit Chicago for lower prices on flights, accommodation, and food — without sacrificing too much on weather or atmosphere.
Best month
October
Chicago Marathon weekend (second Sun in Oct) — 50,000 runners through every neighbourhood.
↑Chicago Marathon — World Marathon Majors event, the entire city stops to watch
↑Lincoln Park and the lakefront in red-and-gold maple
↑Hotel rates moderate except marathon weekend
All months ranked — Cheap travel
Best match
Chicago Marathon weekend (second Sun in Oct) — 50,000 runners through every neighbourhood.
#1 for cheap travel
Best match
St Patrick's Day weekend — Chicago River dyed green, every Irish bar in Bridgeport packed.
#2 for cheap travel
Best match
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (Sat before Thanksgiving) — Mickey Mouse pushes the button, holidays begin.
#3 for cheap travel
Avoid
The Hawk arrives — lake-effect wind chill hits -25°C, but Restaurant Week and museums are at their cheapest.
#4 for cheap travel
Avoid
Coldest month statistically — Chicago River dyed green begins planning, museum culture peaks.
#5 for cheap travel
Worth considering
Christkindlmarket fills Daley Plaza, Macy's windows on State Street, ice rink at Maggie Daley Park.
#6 for cheap travel
Best match
The best Chicago month — 24°C lake breeze, jazz festival, Bears season opens at Soldier Field.
#7 for cheap travel
Best match
Cubs season opens at Wrigley — first rooftop game and 14°C lakefront jogs.
#8 for cheap travel
Strong option
Patio culture explodes — 20°C lakefront, Riverwalk wine bars reopen, Memorial Day starts summer.
#9 for cheap travel
Strong option
Festival summer begins — Blues Fest (Jun), Pride Parade, beach culture at Oak Street and North Avenue.
#10 for cheap travel
Worth considering
Air & Water Show fills the lakefront sky — Blue Angels rip past Navy Pier at 500mph.
#11 for cheap travel
Worth considering
Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, 4 July fireworks at Navy Pier — the city at maximum volume.
#12 for cheap travel