Lake Michigan water temperature

Lake Michigan, Waukegan Municipal Beach · Lake

The current water temperature at Lake Michigan is 21.1 °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.

21.1 °C

Measured: September 2, 2026 · continuously updated

💧 Water 21.1° · ☀️ Air 30.6°

Water quality

Official EPA rating: good

Nearby waters

Lake Michigan, Waukegan Buoy, IL · 0.6 km away21.1 °C Lake Michigan, Winthrop Harbor Buoy, IL · 14.3 km away17.3 °C Lake Michigan, Winthrop Harbor · 14.5 km away22.4 °C Lake Michigan, Wilmette · 28.6 km away22.7 °C Lake Michigan, Elder Lane Beach · 30.4 km away22.4 °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 21.1 °C. See live swimming conditions, weather and quality in the BrrChecker app.

How warm is the water at Lake Michigan?
Currently 21.1 °C (updated continuously).

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

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