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 2.59°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.

36.7

°F

March 9, 13:20

Trend:

stable

Yesterday:

37.0°F

Tomorrow:

37.0°F

Sunrise:

07:13

Sunset:

18:50

Day Length:

11 h. 37 min.

Chicago in March

Minimum:

33.4°F

Average:

37.4°F

Maximum:

39.8°F

Water temperature in Chicago today

As of now, in Chicago, the water temperature is 36.7°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 0.3°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 rise a bit.

Recent water temperature and forecast

Today's water temperature is notably higher than the average recorded over the past two weeks, indicating a significant warming 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 39.0°F on 2024, while the historical minimum was 34.3°F on 2019.

latest data

last year

Over the last two weeks, the water temperature has stayed slightly lower than historical averages for those days. Over the next week, the forecast shows a steady trend, with temperatures staying close to the average of 36.9°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
Feb 23	34.0°F	33.2°F	33.9°F
Feb 24	33.0°F	33.3°F	33.9°F
Feb 25	32.9°F	33.4°F	33.9°F
Feb 26	33.3°F	35.2°F	34.1°F
Feb 27	33.1°F	34.9°F	34.4°F
Feb 28	33.6°F	34.4°F	34.4°F
Mar 1	33.4°F	33.0°F	34.5°F
Mar 2	33.8°F	33.7°F	34.7°F
Mar 3	33.6°F	33.4°F	34.5°F
Mar 4	33.7°F	33.3°F	34.7°F
Mar 5	34.4°F	33.3°F	34.9°F
Mar 6	34.8°F	33.3°F	35.0°F
Mar 7	35.8°F	34.9°F	35.2°F
Mar 8	37.0°F	34.8°F	35.9°F
Mar 9	36.7°F	36.1°F	36.3°F
Mar 10	37.0°F	37.0°F	36.7°F
Mar 11	36.7°F	36.9°F	36.4°F
Mar 12	36.9°F	38.0°F	36.6°F
Mar 13	36.6°F	37.7°F	36.3°F
Mar 14	36.9°F	37.9°F	36.6°F
Mar 15	37.2°F	40.0°F	36.8°F
Mar 16	37.2°F	39.4°F	36.9°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.