Best Time to Go
Chicago, much like New York City, is an active city year-round. If you're not
afraid of the weather, winter is a beautiful time to visit as the city is
decorated for Christmas. However, it can get downright cold during the winter so
you may find yourself spending more time indoors.
Summer, which is peak tourist season, is full of outdoor activities and
festivals. There's at least one neighborhood celebration or city-wide music
festival every weekend from May through September. It gets rather hot during the
summer months, but there's plenty of opportunity for outdoor adventure. If
you're planning a trip based on the weather, the best time to visit Chicago is
during the spring or fall, when moderate temperatures make it a pleasant
destination spot.
Average Weather
Chicago is known for its blustery winters. Occassionally, the city's
blizzard-like conditions top news stories across the country. If you're visiting
during the winter, expect temperatures to hover in the teens and fall well below
zero with the wind chill. It's not always this cold in the winter. There have
been a few mild winters when temperatures have clocked in at 30 degrees.
Summers are muggy and hot. The humidity makes it rather uncomfortable during
the summer months--when the temperature reaches a high of 90 almost daily.
You'll find temperatures between 47-70 as spring gives way to summer. This is
an ideal time to hit the Windy City.
Transportation
Cars are convenient for travelers who plan to take in the Chicago suburbs or
outlying city neighborhoods. Otherwise, it can become a nuisance. If you're
planning to stay in the Loop, Lincoln Park or the Near North Side, don't bother
with a car -- besides parking can get rather expensive at $7-$15 per day.
So, you decided not to bring your car. Now what? You can catch a ride on the
city's subway system or the EL, commuter trains, public buses and suburban bus
lines. The fare for these is $1.50. If you opt for the subway or the El, you'll
need a fare card, which can be purchased at any station.
Taxis are also an option in Chicago. Fairly easy to hail, all taxis are
metered and the base fare is $1.60, plus $1.40 for each additional mile. This
can be rather pricey so if you can avoid taking a taxi, do it.
In-Season Costs
Like most big cities, Chicago is expensive. Like most big cities, there are some
bargains to be had -- if you're willing to look. Downtown, or Loop, hotels cater
to the business crowd and are usually higher in price than most others. You can
find some bargains around O'Hare International Airport, and with the vast
transportation systems in place, it really makes no difference how close you
stay to all the action. You're really only a short train ride away.
Day Trips
Most visitors to Chicago will find so much to do within the city's limits that
they will scarcely find time for day trips. However, if you're visiting for a
decent amount of time, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the big city with
a trip to Fox River Valley. Fox River Valley is home to a number of small,
historic towns along the Fox River. These towns, filled with restaurants and
quaint shops, are the perfect weekend escape.
