What is the current water temperature in Chicago?

Q: What is the current water temperature in Chicago?

As of now, in Chicago, the water temperature is 0.93°F. Swimming in water of this temperature is considered as extremely cold, and there's a substantial risk of hypothermia if exposed for more than a brief duration.

United States > Chicago

Water temperature in Chicago

Detailed information about the current water temperature in Chicago. The trend over the last two weeks, daily averages, and precise forecast of the water temperature changes. Gain a deeper understanding of seasonal dynamics with monthly statistical analyses covering recent years.

33.7

°F

February 12, 14:23

Trend:

stable

Yesterday:

33.7°F

Tomorrow:

33.5°F

Sunrise:

06:51

Sunset:

17:20

Day Length:

10 h. 29 min.

Chicago in February

Minimum:

33.7°F

Average:

37.4°F

Maximum:

40.2°F

Water temperature in Chicago today

As of now, in Chicago, the water temperature is 33.7°F. Swimming in water of this temperature is considered as extremely cold, and there's a substantial risk of hypothermia if exposed for more than a brief duration. Today's reading is about the same as the average recorded on this particular day in recent years. The water temperature remains approximately unchanged from yesterday. According to the forecast, we expect the temperature to fall a bit.

Recent water temperature and forecast

Today's water temperature slightly varies from the average of the past two weeks. It also falls within the range of the average temperature recorded for this date, suggesting a consistent weather trend. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 35.7°F on 2024, while the historical minimum was 32.4°F on 2016.

latest data

last year

Over the past two weeks, the water temperature has closely aligned with historical averages for those days. Over the next week, the forecast shows a steady trend, with temperatures staying close to the average of 33.5°F. Both minimum and maximum temperatures expected to be close to the average, offering a week of stable water conditions.

Daily water temperature in Chicago

Date	Current Year actual* / forecast**	last year	10 years average
Jan 29	33.6°F	35.5°F	34.4°F
Jan 30	33.6°F	34.8°F	34.3°F
Jan 31	33.6°F	33.2°F	34.1°F
Feb 1	33.7°F	33.9°F	34.3°F
Feb 2	33.7°F	33.0°F	33.9°F
Feb 3	33.7°F	33.1°F	34.1°F
Feb 4	33.7°F	33.2°F	33.8°F
Feb 5	33.7°F	32.6°F	33.8°F
Feb 6	33.6°F	32.7°F	33.7°F
Feb 7	33.7°F	33.2°F	34.0°F
Feb 8	33.7°F	32.3°F	33.6°F
Feb 9	33.7°F	32.6°F	33.7°F
Feb 10	33.7°F	32.6°F	33.9°F
Feb 11	33.7°F	32.4°F	33.8°F
Feb 12	33.7°F	32.6°F	33.7°F
Feb 13	33.5°F	32.8°F	33.5°F
Feb 14	33.5°F	32.6°F	33.5°F
Feb 15	33.4°F	32.0°F	33.4°F
Feb 16	33.5°F	32.0°F	33.6°F
Feb 17	33.4°F	32.1°F	33.4°F
Feb 18	33.5°F	32.5°F	33.5°F
Feb 19	33.5°F	32.8°F	33.5°F

* actual - actual temperature values

** forecast - projected values for the next week

Real-time coastal temperatures could deviate by several degrees from the provided readings. These deviations often become evident following intense rainfall or strong winds.

Our forecasting methodology leverages a mathematical model, that uses current water and weather conditions, historical records, wind intensity and direction.

Water temperature in Chicago by month

In Chicago, there are only 17 days through the year when the water is warm enough to be comfortable for swimming.

The warmest water in Chicago was recorded on August 17, 2025, reaching a 78.1°F. While the coldest temperature occurred on January 14, 2018, dipping to 32.0°F. The average readings by season are 36.7°F in Winter, 43.3°F in Spring, 68.9°F in Summer, and 59.3°F in Autumn.