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 1.66°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.

35.0

°F

December 29, 05:52

Trend:

increasing

Yesterday:

34.6°F

Tomorrow:

35.5°F

Sunrise:

07:18

Sunset:

16:28

Day Length:

9 h. 10 min.

Chicago in January

Minimum:

34.1°F

Average:

37.7°F

Maximum:

40.4°F

Water temperature in Chicago today

As of now, in Chicago, the water temperature is 35.0°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 2.5°F lower 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 considerably lower than the average registered over the last two weeks, indicating a slight cooling trend. It is also close to the historical minimum temperature for this date. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 41.3°F on 2015, while the historical minimum was 35.0°F on 2025.

latest data

last year

Observations from the last two weeks indicate that the water temperature was in proximity to the lowest values recorded on those days in the past. 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 1	35.2°F	36.3°F	37.7°F
Jan 2	34.8°F	36.3°F	37.3°F
Jan 3	34.7°F	37.7°F	37.2°F
Jan 4	34.7°F	36.4°F	37.2°F
Jan 5	34.6°F	35.8°F	37.1°F
Dec 15	38.9°F	39.7°F	40.9°F
Dec 16	39.5°F	39.7°F	40.7°F
Dec 17	36.4°F	39.8°F	40.4°F
Dec 18	37.0°F	39.4°F	40.4°F
Dec 19	37.4°F	39.4°F	40.4°F
Dec 20	36.1°F	39.4°F	39.9°F
Dec 21	36.1°F	39.5°F	39.9°F
Dec 22	36.6°F	39.1°F	39.3°F
Dec 23	36.2°F	38.6°F	39.0°F
Dec 24	36.5°F	37.9°F	38.7°F
Dec 25	35.1°F	37.3°F	38.6°F
Dec 26	35.5°F	36.6°F	38.1°F
Dec 27	35.1°F	35.9°F	37.7°F
Dec 28	34.6°F	35.3°F	37.2°F
Dec 29	35.0°F	35.7°F	37.5°F
Dec 30	35.5°F	35.9°F	38.0°F
Dec 31	35.4°F	36.1°F	37.9°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 18 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, 43.1°F in Spring, 68.7°F in Summer, and 59.3°F in Autumn.