Lake Michigan water temperature

Lake Michigan, Elder Lane Beach · Lake

The current water temperature at Lake Michigan is 22.4 °C (as of September 2, 2026, source: NOAA NDBC · Proxy).

Lakes stratify in summer: bathing-warm on top, markedly colder a few metres down. Measurements are taken at the surface — right where you swim.

22.4 °C

Measured: September 2, 2026 · continuously updated

💧 Water 22.4° · ☀️ Air 33.0°

Water quality

Official EPA rating: poor

Nearby waters

Lake Michigan, Wilmette Buoy, IL · 0.9 km away22.4 °C Lake Michigan, Wilmette · 6.4 km away22.7 °C Lake Michigan, Ohio Street Beach · 24.4 km away23.1 °C Lake Michigan, Chicago Buoy · 24.5 km away24.0 °C Lake Michigan, Chicago Pier · 26.3 km away22.0 °C

More measuring points: Lake Michigan

Cook Nuclear Plant Buoy, Stevensville, M24.2 °C Chicago Buoy24.0 °C Central Beach23.6 °C Crescent Dune Beach23.6 °C Michigan City23.6 °C Michigan City Buoy, IN23.6 °C

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim at Lake Michigan right now?
The current water temperature is 22.4 °C. See live swimming conditions, weather and quality in the BrrChecker app.

How warm is the water at Lake Michigan?
Currently 22.4 °C (updated continuously).

How is the water quality at Lake Michigan?
The official classification is: poor.

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