Lake Michigan water temperature

Lake Michigan, McGulpin Point North, MI (253) · Lake

The current water temperature at Lake Michigan is 17.8 °C (as of September 1, 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.

17.8 °C

Measured: September 1, 2026 · continuously updated

💧 Water 17.8° · ☀️ Air 19.4° · high today 25.8°

Temperature trend of recent weeks

Measurement series & statistics

This measurement series includes 1423 data points since July 3, 2026.

Lowest recorded value: 17.6 °C on July 3, 2026 · highest value: 23.4 °C on August 13, 2026.

Nearby waters

Lake Michigan, McGulpin Point North, MI Wave · 3.1 km away21.1 °C Lake Michigan, Mackinac Straits West, Mackinaw City, MI · 4.8 km away18.2 °C Lake Michigan, Mackinaw City · 5.2 km away19.3 °C Lake Michigan, Mackinac Straits West · 5.7 km away20.6 °C Lake Michigan, Little Traverse Bay Buoy, MI · 42.0 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 17.8 °C. See live swimming conditions, weather and quality in the BrrChecker app.

How warm is the water at Lake Michigan?
Currently 17.8 °C (updated continuously).

← All waters