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 17.54°F. Swimming in water of this temperature is generally concidered to be cool, and most people won't really enjoy it.

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.

63.6

°F

October 12, 17:03

Trend:

stable

Yesterday:

63.4°F

Tomorrow:

63.0°F

Sunrise:

06:59

Sunset:

18:14

Day Length:

11 h. 15 min.

Chicago in October

Minimum:

33.0°F

Average:

35.9°F

Maximum:

37.9°F

Water temperature in Chicago today

As of now, in Chicago, the water temperature is 63.6°F. Swimming in water of this temperature is generally concidered to be cool, and most people won't really enjoy it. Today's reading is 4.2°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 fall a bit.

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 is also close to the historical maximum temperature for this date. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 67.0°F on 2021, while the historical minimum was 41.6°F on 2025.

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 63.3°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
Sep 28	64.0°F	61.9°F	66.0°F
Sep 29	64.1°F	60.3°F	65.3°F
Sep 30	64.2°F	60.3°F	64.8°F
Oct 1	64.1°F	59.9°F	64.8°F
Oct 2	64.2°F	57.6°F	64.2°F
Oct 3	64.0°F	57.1°F	63.9°F
Oct 4	64.0°F	56.5°F	63.8°F
Oct 5	64.0°F	55.7°F	63.4°F
Oct 6	63.8°F	54.2°F	62.9°F
Oct 7	63.6°F	51.9°F	62.0°F
Oct 8	63.6°F	48.8°F	61.5°F
Oct 9	63.4°F	47.3°F	60.9°F
Oct 10	63.4°F	46.0°F	60.7°F
Oct 11	63.4°F	43.9°F	60.1°F
Oct 12	63.6°F	41.6°F	59.4°F
Oct 13	63.0°F	38.6°F	58.8°F
Oct 14	63.5°F	48.7°F	59.3°F
Oct 15	63.8°F	54.2°F	59.6°F
Oct 16	63.4°F	56.0°F	59.2°F
Oct 17	63.2°F	59.1°F	59.0°F
Oct 18	63.4°F	62.2°F	59.2°F
Oct 19	62.9°F	62.4°F	58.6°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 15 days through the year when the water is warm enough to be comfortable for swimming.

The warmest water in Chicago was recorded on July 18, 2026, reaching a 78.7°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, 43.4°F in Spring, 68.9°F in Summer, and 59.3°F in Autumn.