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 1.83°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.

35.3

°F

January 22, 10:30

Trend:

decreasing

Yesterday:

35.6°F

Tomorrow:

35.2°F

Sunrise:

07:12

Sunset:

16:53

Day Length:

9 h. 41 min.

Chicago in January

Minimum:

34.1°F

Average:

37.6°F

Maximum:

40.4°F

Water temperature in Chicago today

As of now, in Chicago, the water temperature is 35.3°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 0.5°F higher than 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 stay about the same.

Recent water temperature and forecast

Today's water temperature is slightly lower than the average registered over the last two weeks, indicating a slight cooling trend. 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 36.1°F on 2024, while the historical minimum was 33.3°F on 2018.

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 35.0°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 8	37.9°F	35.5°F	36.5°F
Jan 9	36.7°F	33.7°F	36.3°F
Jan 10	36.5°F	34.1°F	35.9°F
Jan 11	36.4°F	34.0°F	35.6°F
Jan 12	35.9°F	33.9°F	35.5°F
Jan 13	35.4°F	34.1°F	35.3°F
Jan 14	35.7°F	33.6°F	35.2°F
Jan 15	35.7°F	33.8°F	35.3°F
Jan 16	35.1°F	34.0°F	35.2°F
Jan 17	35.1°F	34.4°F	35.1°F
Jan 18	35.1°F	34.8°F	35.1°F
Jan 19	35.7°F	34.8°F	35.0°F
Jan 20	35.9°F	34.8°F	35.1°F
Jan 21	35.6°F	34.3°F	34.9°F
Jan 22	35.3°F	34.3°F	34.8°F
Jan 23	35.2°F	34.1°F	34.7°F
Jan 24	35.0°F	34.2°F	34.5°F
Jan 25	35.0°F	34.2°F	34.5°F
Jan 26	34.9°F	34.3°F	34.4°F
Jan 27	35.0°F	33.8°F	34.5°F
Jan 28	35.0°F	34.0°F	34.4°F
Jan 29	35.0°F	35.5°F	34.5°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.