All data are in degrees Fahrenheit

en

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.
Water temperature in Chicago now

54.7

°F

May 24, 23:53

Trend:

increasing

Yesterday:

54.3°F

Tomorrow:

55.2°F

Sunrise:

05:23

Sunset:

20:12

Day Length:

14 h. 49 min.

Chicago in June

Minimum:

33.7°F

Average:

36.8°F

Maximum:

39.3°F

Water temperature in Chicago today

As of now, in Chicago, the water temperature is 54.7°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 1.3°F higher than the average recorded on this particular day in recent years. Since yesterday, there was a slight increase in temperature. This indicates a warming trend over the past day. 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 60.0°F on 2024, while the historical minimum was 48.0°F on 2020.

Over the last two weeks, the water temperature has stayed slightly above than historical averages for those days. The forecast for the upcoming week suggests a gradual increase. The average temperature is expected to rise up to 56.2°F, with minimum temperature starting at 55.2°F, while the maximum might reach 56.8°F.

Daily water temperature in Chicago

Date Current Year

actual* / forecast**

last year 10 years average
May 10 52.6°F 51.2°F 49.3°F
May 11 53.1°F 51.0°F 49.2°F
May 12 53.1°F 51.7°F 49.9°F
May 13 53.6°F 51.4°F 50.3°F
May 14 52.4°F 50.0°F 50.3°F
May 15 53.4°F 49.8°F 51.2°F
May 16 53.7°F 49.9°F 51.6°F
May 17 53.8°F 52.7°F 51.8°F
May 18 53.8°F 52.6°F 51.8°F
May 19 55.0°F 54.5°F 52.2°F
May 20 53.8°F 55.7°F 52.7°F
May 21 54.1°F 54.9°F 52.1°F
May 22 54.6°F 54.7°F 52.6°F
May 23 54.3°F 51.3°F 52.7°F
May 24 54.7°F 52.1°F 53.4°F
May 25 55.2°F 53.5°F 53.9°F
May 26 55.8°F 55.5°F 54.5°F
May 27 56.4°F 54.9°F 55.1°F
May 28 56.1°F 53.9°F 54.8°F
May 29 56.5°F 53.3°F 55.2°F
May 30 56.6°F 53.5°F 55.3°F
May 31 56.8°F 54.6°F 55.5°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, 43.4°F in Spring, 68.9°F in Summer, and 59.3°F in Autumn.