Best time to visit Chicago without the crowds

Best match

Chicago Marathon weekend (second Sun in Oct) — 50,000 runners through every neighbourhood.

#1 for without crowds

Best match

The best Chicago month — 24°C lake breeze, jazz festival, Bears season opens at Soldier Field.

#2 for without crowds

Best match

St Patrick's Day weekend — Chicago River dyed green, every Irish bar in Bridgeport packed.

#3 for without crowds

Best match

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (Sat before Thanksgiving) — Mickey Mouse pushes the button, holidays begin.

#4 for without crowds

Worth considering

Christkindlmarket fills Daley Plaza, Macy's windows on State Street, ice rink at Maggie Daley Park.

#5 for without crowds

Strong option

Patio culture explodes — 20°C lakefront, Riverwalk wine bars reopen, Memorial Day starts summer.

#6 for without crowds

Strong option

Cubs season opens at Wrigley — first rooftop game and 14°C lakefront jogs.

#7 for without crowds

Avoid

The Hawk arrives — lake-effect wind chill hits -25°C, but Restaurant Week and museums are at their cheapest.

#8 for without crowds

Avoid

Coldest month statistically — Chicago River dyed green begins planning, museum culture peaks.

#9 for without crowds

Strong option

Festival summer begins — Blues Fest (Jun), Pride Parade, beach culture at Oak Street and North Avenue.

#10 for without crowds

Strong option

Air & Water Show fills the lakefront sky — Blue Angels rip past Navy Pier at 500mph.

#11 for without crowds

Worth considering

Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, 4 July fireworks at Navy Pier — the city at maximum volume.

#12 for without crowds