Lake Michigan water temperature

Lake Michigan, Mackinac Straits West, Mackinaw City, MI · Lake

The current water temperature at Lake Michigan is 18.2 °C (as of August 31, 2026, source: NOAA NDBC).

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

18.2 °C

Measured: August 31, 2026 · continuously updated

💧 Water 18.2° · ☀️ Air 19.4° · high today 25.8°

Temperature trend of recent weeks

Lake Michigan — Photo: Michael Barera · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Measurement series & statistics

This measurement series includes 1412 data points since July 3, 2026.

Lowest recorded value: 16.7 °C on July 23, 2026 · highest value: 22.8 °C on August 14, 2026.

Nearby waters

Lake Michigan, Mackinaw City · 1.1 km away19.3 °C Lake Michigan, McGulpin Point North, MI (253) · 4.8 km away17.8 °C Lake Michigan, McGulpin Point North, MI Wave · 5.3 km away21.1 °C Lake Michigan, Mackinac Straits West · 5.6 km away20.6 °C Lake Michigan, Little Traverse Bay Buoy, MI · 45.5 km away21.6 °C

More measuring points: Lake Michigan

South Green Bay, WI24.0 °C Ohio Street Beach23.8 °C Michigan City23.6 °C Chicago Buoy23.0 °C Southern Lake Michigan Spotter23.0 °C Michigan City Buoy, IN22.8 °C

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim at Lake Michigan right now?
The current water temperature is 18.2 °C. See live swimming conditions, weather and quality in the BrrChecker app.

How warm is the water at Lake Michigan?
Currently 18.2 °C (updated continuously).

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