In the winter, Chicago offers a stunning frozen landscape, featuring beautiful scenes of ice-covered trees, sculptures encased in ice, fountains transformed into cascades of icicles, Lake Michigan covered in ice, and other breathtaking winter vistas.
Despite the beautiful weather scenes, low temperatures can lead to building closures and incidents involving burst pipes, which in the past have flooded parts of the city.
If you’re planning a trip to the “Windy City,” winter may not be the best time to visit. The intense cold, with sub-zero temperatures, can become unbearable within minutes. Still, if you enjoy the cold and don’t mind braving the chill, winter offers a unique chance to experience a side of Chicago you won’t see any other time of year. With fewer tourists around, visiting during this season can also be more budget-friendly. While navigating the city — known for its iconic architecture — might be more challenging in winter, the upside is that you’ll get to experience Chicago more like a local.
That said, if winter isn’t your favorite season and you prefer milder temperatures, we recommend visiting in autumn or summer, a time when you can enjoy long walks through the city’s most iconic spots.
Recommended Hotels
Discover the city under a blanket of snow. Stay at the Riu Plaza Chicago, situated in the heart of downtown Chicago. It has a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and a bar.
Imagine walking along the snowy Magnificent Mile, ice-skating in Millennium Park, and then warming up at the River Hotel, which offers modern rooms, incredible views, and a perfect base for exploring everything the city has to offer.
For a comfortable stay, choose the Club Quarters Hotel Wacker at Michigan, which offers rooms with city or river views.
