Lake Michigan water temperature

Lake Michigan, Wilmette Buoy, IL · Lake

The current water temperature at Lake Michigan is 22.8 °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.

22.8 °C

Measured: August 31, 2026 · continuously updated

💧 Water 22.8° · ☀️ Air 28.6° · high today 30.9°

Temperature trend of recent weeks

Water quality

Official EPA rating: excellent

Measurement series & statistics

This measurement series includes 1398 data points since July 3, 2026.

Lowest recorded value: 16.1 °C on July 28, 2026 · highest value: 26.2 °C on July 17, 2026.

Nearby waters

Lake Michigan, Wilmette · 6.4 km away22.7 °C Lake Michigan, Ohio Street Beach · 23.5 km away23.8 °C Lake Michigan, Chicago Buoy · 23.6 km away23.0 °C Lake Michigan, Chicago Pier · 25.4 km away22.0 °C Chicago S & S Canal at Western Ave at Chicago, Illinois · 28.6 km away25.3 °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 22.8 °C. See live swimming conditions, weather and quality in the BrrChecker app.

How warm is the water at Lake Michigan?
Currently 22.8 °C (updated continuously).

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

← All waters