Lake Michigan water temperature

Lake Michigan, Ohio Street Beach · Lake

The current water temperature at Lake Michigan is 24.3 °C (as of August 29, 2026, source: Chicago Park District).

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

24.3 °C

Measured: August 29, 2026 · continuously updated

💧 Water 24.3° · ☀️ Air 24.8°

Temperature trend of recent weeks

Water quality

Official EPA rating: poor

Nearby waters

Lake Michigan, Chicago Buoy · 0.1 km away23.3 °C Lake Michigan, Chicago Pier · 4.1 km away22.0 °C Chicago S & S Canal at Western Ave at Chicago, Illinois · 8.7 km away25.0 °C Lake Michigan, Wilmette Buoy, IL · 23.5 km away23.2 °C Lake Michigan, Wilmette · 27.0 km away22.7 °C

More measuring points: Lake Michigan

Michigan City23.6 °C Michigan City Buoy, IN23.5 °C Chicago Buoy23.3 °C Waukegan Buoy, IL23.3 °C Wilmette Buoy, IL23.2 °C Cook Nuclear Plant Buoy, Stevensville, M23.1 °C

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim at Lake Michigan right now?
The current water temperature is 24.3 °C. See live swimming conditions, weather and quality in the BrrChecker app.

How warm is the water at Lake Michigan?
Currently 24.3 °C (updated continuously).

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

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