Chicago in January: what to see and do during winter in the Windy City

January in Chicago might come with icy temperatures, but it also brings fewer crowds, better-value accommodation and a packed calendar of indoor attractions. From world-class museums and aquariums to skyline views and wintery park strolls, the Windy City proves it doesn’t hibernate. Here’s how to make the most of Chicago in January, without letting the cold slow you down.

By Ian Packham
Published: July 18, 2024
The Chicago skyline from the shores of Lake Michigan

Why visit Chicago in January?

Winter doesn’t stop Chicagoans getting out and about, and visitors willing to layer up are rewarded with a calmer, more local-feeling city. January is ideal if you prefer sightseeing without peak-season crowds, want better availability at major attractions or enjoy diving deep into museums, galleries and indoor experiences.

Many of Chicago’s biggest sights are open year-round, and with a Go City Chicago pass, you can mix must-sees with spontaneous pop-ins – perfect for winter days when you want flexibility.

In this guide to Chicago in January, you’ll find:

  • What the weather is really like – and how to dress so it doesn’t ruin your plans
  • The best indoor attractions to visit in winter, including museums and aquariums
  • Chicago parks and green spaces that still shine in January
  • Skyline viewpoints and architecture spots worth braving the cold for
  • Why January is a quieter, better-value time to visit the Windy City
  • How a Go City Chicago pass can help you explore more while staying flexible
chicago in the winter

Chicago in the winter is full of stunning photo ops too!

Weather in Chicago in January: what to expect (and how to dress)

Let’s be honest: January in Chicago is cold. Average temperatures hover around 30°F (-1°C), and thanks to the city’s famous wind, it can feel colder still. On especially crisp days, temperatures can dip into the teens – but this is all part of the experience.

The secret? Dress smart, not brave. Think thermal base layers, a proper winter coat, woollen accessories and weatherproof boots with good grip. Snowfall is usually manageable, and many days are bright and clear – perfect for skyline views and winter photography.

As the saying goes: there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing.

Warm up with world-class museums (and aquariums)

January is prime time for Chicago’s indoor attractions — and this is where the city really shines.

Shedd Aquarium

Right on the edge of Lake Michigan, Shedd Aquarium is a brilliant January choice. Fully enclosed (and delightfully warm), it takes you from the Great Lakes to tropical reefs and polar waters in a single visit. Beluga whales, sea otters, sharks and turtles are just some of the highlights.

The Field Museum

Next door, the Field Museum covers everything from ancient civilizations to cutting-edge science. Don’t miss Sue, the most complete T. rex skeleton ever discovered or the immersive exhibitions exploring human history and the natural world.

sue the t-rex in the field museum chicago

Say hi to Sue for us!

Art Institute of Chicago

A Chicago icon, the Art Institute of Chicago is essential year-round. From Impressionist masterpieces to modern American works, it’s the kind of museum you can wander for hours — or dip into for a focused visit before warming up with a coffee nearby.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)

For something more modern, the MCA focuses on art from 1945 to today. Its changing exhibitions mean no two visits are the same, and its location near Water Tower Place makes it easy to pair with shopping or a lakeside walk.

Don’t skip Chicago’s parks and green spaces

Winter strips Chicago’s parks back to their bones — but that’s part of their charm.

Millennium Park & Maggie Daley Park

Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) looks especially striking against a snowy or steel-grey skyline, and January is one of the best times to photograph it without crowds. Nearby, Maggie Daley Park’s skating ribbon offers a uniquely Chicago winter experience, winding through the park with skyline views.

the bean chicago

Parks can be just as fun in the snow, if not more!

Lincoln Park Conservatory

For instant colour and warmth, step into Lincoln Park Conservatory. Its Palm House and Orchid Room are lush year-round, making it a welcome tropical detour on a cold day.

Humboldt Park

Less touristy and more local, Humboldt Park is worth a wander for its architecture and cultural landmarks — including the Puerto Rican Arts and Culture building and its distinctive lagoons.

Head to the heights (clear winter views included)

Cold air often means clearer skies – great news for skyline lovers.

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

One of the city’s most famous experiences, Skydeck Chicago sits on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower. On a clear January day, views can stretch across four states. Feeling brave? Step out onto The Ledge, a series of glass boxes extending from the building – an unforgettable (and very Chicago) moment.

For more architecture spotting, simply walking through downtown reveals buildings made famous in films like Home Alone, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and The Dark Knight.

skydeck chicago

Not a bad way to see the view, right?

Winter in Chicago: underrated, undercrowded, unforgettable

January in Chicago isn’t about rushing from one outdoor sight to the next – it’s about slowing down, soaking up culture and enjoying the city the way locals do. With fewer crowds, shorter queues and plenty of indoor attractions included on a Go City Chicago pass, it’s an ideal time to explore deeper.

Wrap up warm, plan smart, and you’ll discover a Windy City that’s just as compelling in winter – if not more so.

Enjoyed this little slice of Chicago?    

Take your trip to the next level with our guide to Chicago's best food markets, or check out our 3-day Chicago itinerary,  all filled with visitor hacks and money-saving tips.    

With Go City® Chicago, you can skip the stress and save big on must-see attraction tickets, plus get dozens of other top tours and experiences, all on one easy-to-use pass.    

💰 Find out more about the Chicago pass vs individual tickets!
🗓️ Let us plan your trip for you!

Ian Packham
Go City Travel Expert

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Chicago in March

The long winter may be coming to an end, but there's still a chill in the windy city. March in Chicago can be cold, but boy, can it be fun. Don't believe us? How dare you. We will not stand by this insolence. Let us show you why you are wrong. Read on, and discover just why Chicago in March can be a magical time to visit the city! Featuring: St Patrick's Day Museums The aquarium Ice skating Art galleries and more! Chicago in March: What to Expect May is when temperatures will start to climb. Generally, you'll find tops of around 45°F, or 7°C, and dips of around 28°F, or -2°C. So, it's going to be cold. Pack some big warm coats, hats, and boots. This is compounded by rainfall and some snow too. So, maybe make sure that warm jacket is waterproof too! Chicago in March: What to Do St Patrick's Day Let's kick things off with the luck of the Irish. Of course, we're talking about St Patrick's Day! One of the many times when people get together, eat, drink, and be merry. While it falls on the 17th of the month, Chicago dedicates around a fortnight to the St Paddy's celebrations. It starts with the Chicago River turning green, because of course it does. And, between the bars and restaurants flying the green flag, the festivities culminate with the Downtown St Patrick's Day Parade and the South Side Parade, where everyone shares the love and the laughs. St Paddy's is a busy time of year in Chicago, so expect crowds all over the shop. However, if you can get past all that, you're in for a grand old time! Museums As the weather can be unkind this time of year, why not step inside and warm yourself with the fire of history and learning? Chicago has plenty of fantastic museums you should visit. The Field Museum has the world's most famous Tyrannosaurus Rex housed within. Dare you face the beast? It also contains plenty of historical artifacts from Ancient Egypt and China, so go see what all the fuss is about! Or, swap history for science at the Museum of Science and Industry. It's the US' largest science museum, and you'll find a huge amount of fun and intrigue inside. Control a tornado, see your heartbeat on a giant 3D-modeled heart, and explore the history of scientific breakthroughs and discoveries. If, however, you want to learn more about the city itself, head on over to the Chicago History Museum! Learn about Chicago's history on the national and international stage, read about the Great Fire that tore through the city in the 19th century, and all about one of the country's best presidents, Abraham Lincoln. All that and much more awaits you, so go there and enjoy the learning. Shedd Aquarium Another indoor adventure worth experiencing is at the Shedd Aquarium. Through its doors, you'll find another world of underwater wonder. Come face to face with exciting creatures like sharks, stingrays, and fish you've never seen before. At the Waters of the World exhibition, you'll discover the diverse ecosystems that call the ocean home throughout the world. Plunge into the Caribbean Reef, and meet the sea turtles, sharks, and eels that call it home. In Amazon Rising, you'll learn about the species that live in the river, and how seasonal climate shifts affect their lives. And, for the little ones, the Polar Play Zone lets kids live out their polar fantasies by zipping up a penguin suit and living a day in the life of their favorite birds! Ice skating As winter makes way for spring, the city's waters inevitably begin to thaw. However, if temperatures don't pick up too much, it's the perfect time to check out Chicago's excellent ice skating! Makeshift rinks pop up all over the city, so take your pick. There's the Maggie Daley Park skating ribbon, a huge ribbon-shaped course that gives you plenty of space to stretch your skates, pirouette, or frantically try and stay upright as your weak legs struggle to find balance. Alternatively, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is a more popular choice, as it's closer to the city's action. It's right by Cloud Gate, locally known as The Bean. If you don't know it by name, you've probably seen it. It's a giant, metallic, bean-shaped sculpture that's been featured in many films and TV shows. Why not capture the perfect snap of The Bean, as you fall down right in front of it? It is worth noting that you should check ahead before you visit any outdoor icerink in Chicago, as warmer temperatures may shut them down early. See some art If skating sounds too cold, or bold, for you, retreat to the warmth and safety inside, and get some culture in you. Chicago is a city full of art, so go see it. At the Art Institute of Chicago, you'll find one of the world's most renowned museums. Featuring inspiring works from the past and present, you're sure to find something amazing inside. While they have a number of mainstay exhibitions, they also have a seasonal rotation of awe-inspiring exhibits, so be sure to check what's on before venturing forth. Alternatively, check out the Museum of Contemporary Art. Out with the old and in with the new is the mantra here. See works from the 20th century all the way to today, with over 2,500 pieces on display. Much like many modern art institutions, you'll find a mix of media here, from film to canvas and sculpture too. And, this museum also doubles as a performing arts venue, with a massive amphitheater featuring acts from across the globe! When you've had enough art for one day, or you want to give your legs a rest, go grab a bite to eat at the museum's onsite restaurant, Marisol. Check out the Planetarium And finally, for the scientifically-minded and cosmos-curious, we end today's list with the perfect answer to Chicago's cold March. The Adler Planetarium helps visitors travel time and space itself, as they learn about the big black we see in the night sky. Through interactive exhibits, you'll explore the greatest hits of our galaxy, all 91 billion light-years of it, and get hands-on with replica space technology used today. Chicago's Night Sky is a massive exhibit that showcases how we as humans have related to the night sky throughout history. The Universe: A Walk Through Space and Time gives you insight into the beginning of everything, and how galaxies have changed throughout the history of the universe. And for the little ones, there's Planet Explorers, which gives them the chance to understand space in fun and unique ways. And that's what you need to know about Chicago in March!
Dom Bewley
shedd
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Free Things To Do Near Shedd Aquarium

Add these free activities around Shedd—the perfect post‑aquarium outing.
A Chicago store and window display
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Best Chicago Souvenirs

Taking a trip to Chicago soon? It’s likely you’ll want to take something back home with you that reminds you of your trip. It’s equally likely you’ll want to buy a small item for friends and family you left behind. If you want to find souvenirs made in Chicago rather than tacky plastic items that have no real link with the city, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got some fantastic ideas for the best Chicago souvenirs below! Edible Chicago souvenirs The main problem with edible gifts from the windy city is having the willpower to avoid consuming them all before you’ve even left downtown. Don’t be put off by the long lines which often stretch down the street from the Garrett Popcorn shops on West Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. Dishing up their ‘Chicago Mix’, half cheese and half caramel, to the people of the city since 1949, they’re clearly doing something right. Small bags cost as little as $3, though the souvenir skyline tins make a great keepsake long after the popcorn itself is all gone. They also have outlets at O’Hare Airport. With a pedigree dating back even further is Fannie Mae chocolates, which have been Chicago based since first opening in 1920. Head to one of their city center stores and you’ve got the option of creating your own mix of pixies, mint meltaways and vanilla buttercreams. At the upper end of the chocolate market is the Chicago-only Vosges Haut-Chocolat. With each chocolate hand-finished, the company is particularly well-known for their truffles, with flavors as diverse as hazelnut and balsamic vinegar and ginger with wasabi. As some indication of price, a box of 16 truffles will set you back around $50. On the savory front, The Spice House on North Wells Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (close to Chicago History Museum) offers more than the usual cooking herbs and spices. Their team has created a range of Chicago-themed blends that will brighten up your home cooking for weeks to come. Drinkable Chicago souvenirs The same can be said for another much-loved Wells Street store, Old Town Oil. Specializing in small-batch olive oils and vinegars from farms across the globe, they have some very tasty-looking gift boxes, and can even produce custom bottle labels. Oils and vinegars won’t quench your thirst, but beers will, with Goose Island an award-winning craft brewery set up to bring good beers to the Chicago streets. Using 15 different yeasts to turn the sugars into alcohol before aging the beer in bourbon barrels for extra flavor, visitors are welcome to the brewery tap room on Fulton Street or its Clybourn brewhouse to sample their selection of seasonal and year-round beers. With over 100 international prizes to its name, the Koval Distillery has come a hell of a long way since starting up in 2008 as the first new distillery in the city since the 1800s. Their copper vats produce whiskeys, gins and specialty spirits using organic grains. Everything from soaking of the grain to bottling takes place in house so the dedicated team are able to keep track of every step to produce their signature clean flavors. Jewelry and curios The Field Museum is another great place to keep a lookout for souvenirs. Its store is awash with goodies, though we’ve chosen to focus our attention on their jewelry selection. Linking back to the museum’s incredible natural history collection, it ranges from T-Rex earrings to necklaces and pendants threaded with natural stones such as quartz and onyx. Echoing the form of Chicago’s favorite piece of public art – Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate – Tiffany & Co’s Chicago store sells sterling silver bean pendants designed by Elsa Peretti. If the price tag stops you stepping beyond the window displays, various other outlets do similar pieces in base metals. But if it’s a wall in your house you’re thinking of decorating, the store at the Museum of Contemporary Art has a variety of art-based items, from $10 fridge magnets to mobiles based on Bauhaus and surrealist principles which would provide a dash of color to any room. Wearable Chicago souvenirs A sports mad city with professional basketball, ice hockey, baseball and American football teams, getting tickets to a game is an unmissable Chicago experience. And to remember it, what could be better than your very own jersey? Each stadium and arena have their own store, but you can also find items linked to all Chicago’s teams at stores including Clark Street Sports. So whether it’s an oversized foam finger or an official wristband emblazoned with the Chicago Cubs logo, odds are you’ll find it here. Thanks to an array of nationwide and boutique local stores, fashionistas can also take something home that will forever remind them of their time in the windy city. Independent Wolfbait & B-Girls is a marketplace offering the wares of 250 local artisans, including clothing you won’t find anywhere else and an almost endless pick of potential gifts. Other quirky establishments include Optimo Fine Hats, offering custom headgear for men whatever the occasion. Grabbing a T-shirt with the Chicago skyline will help your little ones remember their trip to Chicago, or make them want to visit themselves one day if they weren’t with you. Other items linked to the city’s architecture include ever-popular snow globes containing representations of the Willis Tower and Skydeck amongst other landmark buildings. Spend on the things that count with the best Chicago souvenirs The best Chicago souvenirs are those which continuously remind you of all the good times you had at the city’s attractions. That good time will be made all the better if you’ve visited them with Go City. Explore the city in this way and you’ll be able to take advantage of substantial savings on entrance admission to many of the top attractions and things to do. So why not check out our pass options and join the thousands of visitors who have already done just this?
Ian Packham

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