Lake Michigan water temperature

Lake Michigan, Ohio Street Beach · Lake

The current water temperature at Lake Michigan is 17.3 °C (as of October 14, 2026, source: Chicago Park District).

Official sample from September 26, 2026: 22.9 °C · current reading from Chicago Buoy (104 m away).

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

17.3 °C

Measured: October 14, 2026 · continuously updated

💧 Water 17.3° · ☀️ Air 17.2° · high today 23.4°

Temperature trend of recent weeks

Water quality

Official EPA rating: poor

Measurement series & statistics

This measurement series includes 968 data points since August 15, 2026.

Lowest recorded value: 19.4 °C on September 4, 2026 · highest value: 33.3 °C on September 12, 2026.

Nearby waters

Lake Michigan, Chicago Buoy · 0.1 km away17.3 °C Lake Michigan, Chicago Pier · 4.1 km away22.0 °C Chicago S & S Canal, Western Ave at Chicago, Illinois · 8.7 km away20.1 °C Lake Michigan, Wilmette Buoy, IL · 23.5 km away17.8 °C Lake Michigan, Elder Lane Beach · 24.4 km away17.8 °C

More measuring points: Lake Michigan

Michigan City23.6 °C Wilmette22.7 °C Little Traverse Bay22.4 °C Winthrop Harbor22.4 °C Chicago Pier22.0 °C McGulpin Point North, MI Wave21.1 °C

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim at Lake Michigan right now?
The current water temperature is 17.3 °C. See live swimming conditions, weather and quality in the BrrChecker app.

How warm is the water at Lake Michigan?
Currently 17.3 °C (updated continuously).

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

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