Springfield in March
Good time to visit
March keeps you guessing with weather that changes hourly. The city starts waking up from winter hibernation, but mud season means some outdoor sites stay messy. It's transition month - not quite winter, definitely not spring yet.
Weather
March teases spring with wildly unpredictable weather - 70°F one day, snow the next. Rain becomes more frequent as snow tapers off, creating muddy conditions everywhere. The humidity starts climbing, and afternoon thunderstorms roll in without warning.
13°C high1°C low10 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$95/day average
Events & Festivals
- •St. Patrick's Day parade downtown
- •Illinois High School Basketball tournaments
- •Early spring training for minor league baseball
March Tips
- •Pack layers - you'll need them all in one day
- •Avoid scheduling outdoor activities in the afternoon when storms hit
- •Hotel prices start climbing as conference season begins
All Months
April through June gives you the best weather without the summer humidity that makes Illinois feel like a swamp. Spring brings the prairie wildflowers, and temperatures hover in the comfortable 60-75°F range. September and October are equally sweet — fall colors peak around mid-October, and you'll get crisp mornings perfect for walking the Lincoln sites. Summer gets sticky, with July temperatures pushing 85°F plus humidity that'll have you sweating through your shirt. But summer also brings the Illinois State Fair in August, which is genuinely worth planning around if you want to see Springfield at its most authentically Midwestern. Winter is cold and gray, though December brings holiday decorations to the historic sites. Spring break timing works well for families, and you'll avoid the summer tourist buses from Chicago.
Springfield Scores
Solo
5/10
Couples
5/10
Families
8/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
8/10
Luxury
4/10
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