When to Go

The Climate

When I tell people from more temperate climates that I live in Chicago, their first question is how I handle the winters. Actually, winters here are no worse than in other northern cities, but it still isn't exactly prime tourist season. I tell friends the ideal time to visit is summer or fall. Summer offers a nonstop selection of special events and outdoor activities; the only downside is that you'll be dealing with the biggest crowds and periods of hot, muggy weather. Autumn days are generally sunny, and the crowds at major tourist attractions grow thinner -- you don't have to worry about snow until late November at the earliest. Spring is extremely unpredictable, with dramatic fluctuations of cold and warm weather, and usually lots of rain. If your top priority is indoor cultural sights, winter's not such a bad time to visit: no lines at museums, the cheapest rates at hotels, and the pride that comes with slogging through the slush with the natives.

Chicagoans like to joke that if you don't like the weather, just wait an hour -- it will change. (In spring and autumn, I've been known to use my car's heat in the morning and the air-conditioning in the afternoon.) The key is to be prepared for a wide range of weather with clothing that can take you from a sunny morning to a chilly, drizzly evening. As close to your departure as possible, check the local weather forecast at the websites of the Chicago Tribune newspaper (www.chicagotribune.com) or the Weather Channel (www.weather.com).

Major Convention Dates

Listed below are Chicago's major (30,000 visitors or more) conventions for 2009, with projected attendance figures. Plan ahead because hotel rooms and restaurant reservations can be hard to come by when the big shows are in town -- and even if you snag a room, you'll be paying top price. Contact the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (tel. 877/CHICAGO or 877/244-2246; www.choosechicago.com) to double-check the latest info before you commit to your travel dates as convention schedules can change.

Event 2009 Dates Expected Attendance

International Heating and Air-Conditioning Show Jan 26-28 60,000

Chicago Dental Society Feb 26-Mar 1 30,000

International Home and Housewares Show Mar 22-24 60,000

Cosmetologists Chicago Mar 28-30 65,000

National Restaurant Association Show May 16-19 75,000

Neo-Con -- World's Trade Fair June 15-17 40,000

The Plastics Exposition and Conference June 22-26 90,000

Print '09 Sept 11-16 70,000

FabTech International Nov 15-18 30,000

Radiological Society of North America Nov 29-Dec 4 60,000