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 12.11°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.

53.8

°F

May 9, 01:10

Trend:

increasing

Yesterday:

53.2°F

Tomorrow:

54.7°F

Sunrise:

05:36

Sunset:

19:59

Day Length:

14 h. 23 min.

Chicago in May

Minimum:

32.0°F

Average:

36.8°F

Maximum:

39.1°F

Water temperature in Chicago today

As of now, in Chicago, the water temperature is 53.8°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 6.3°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 is also close to the historical maximum temperature for this date. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 51.9°F on 2021, while the historical minimum was 46.3°F on 2023.

latest data

last year

The water temperature over the last two weeks displayed soome variability. While the two week average stayed close to the historical average, there were some days when the temperature was close to the maximum recorded over the past years. The forecast for the upcoming week suggests a gradual increase. The average temperature is expected to rise up to 55.7°F, with minimum temperature starting at 54.7°F, while the maximum might reach 56.7°F.

Daily water temperature in Chicago

Date	Current Year actual* / forecast**	last year	10 years average
Apr 25	48.1°F	45.3°F	44.4°F
Apr 26	45.7°F	46.7°F	44.8°F
Apr 27	45.0°F	45.8°F	44.8°F
Apr 28	43.2°F	45.9°F	44.8°F
Apr 29	43.4°F	46.9°F	44.8°F
Apr 30	44.7°F	46.6°F	45.3°F
May 1	44.8°F	46.4°F	45.3°F
May 2	45.4°F	46.2°F	45.7°F
May 3	46.4°F	45.9°F	46.0°F
May 4	48.5°F	45.5°F	46.2°F
May 5	49.5°F	44.6°F	46.5°F
May 6	50.8°F	45.9°F	46.9°F
May 7	51.6°F	45.6°F	46.9°F
May 8	53.2°F	46.0°F	46.9°F
May 9	53.8°F	46.3°F	47.5°F
May 10	54.7°F	48.5°F	48.4°F
May 11	54.9°F	49.3°F	48.6°F
May 12	55.5°F	51.4°F	49.2°F
May 13	55.8°F	52.1°F	49.5°F
May 14	55.8°F	51.1°F	49.6°F
May 15	56.3°F	51.0°F	50.0°F
May 16	56.7°F	51.1°F	50.4°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 3 days through the year when the water is warm enough to be comfortable for swimming.

The warmest water in Chicago was recorded on July 10, 2020, reaching a 78.0°F. While the coldest temperature occurred on January 4, 2014, dipping to 32.0°F. The average readings by season are 36.6°F in Winter, 42.7°F in Spring, 68.2°F in Summer, and 59.0°F in Autumn.