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 4.19°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.

39.5

°F

December 21, 05:47

Trend:

stable

Yesterday:

39.4°F

Tomorrow:

38.7°F

Sunrise:

07:15

Sunset:

16:23

Day Length:

9 h. 8 min.

Chicago in December

Minimum:

32.0°F

Average:

35.1°F

Maximum:

38.5°F

Water temperature in Chicago today

As of now, in Chicago, the water temperature is 39.5°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 0.8°F lower 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 considerably lower than the average registered over the last two weeks, indicating a slight cooling 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 43.7°F on 2015, while the historical minimum was 37.4°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. The forecast for the upcoming week shows a gradual cooling trend. The average temperature is expected to be 37.9°F, the minimum temperature may reach 36.9°F, and the maximum might stay at 38.7°F.

Daily water temperature in Chicago

Date	Current Year actual* / forecast**	last year	10 years average
Dec 7	46.5°F	45.2°F	43.9°F
Dec 8	44.4°F	43.4°F	43.1°F
Dec 9	42.8°F	43.2°F	42.7°F
Dec 10	40.9°F	43.8°F	42.4°F
Dec 11	40.6°F	43.5°F	42.1°F
Dec 12	40.2°F	43.0°F	41.6°F
Dec 13	39.9°F	42.5°F	41.2°F
Dec 14	39.6°F	41.8°F	40.9°F
Dec 15	39.7°F	41.4°F	41.0°F
Dec 16	39.7°F	41.3°F	40.7°F
Dec 17	39.8°F	41.4°F	40.9°F
Dec 18	39.4°F	41.9°F	40.8°F
Dec 19	39.4°F	41.9°F	40.7°F
Dec 20	39.4°F	41.5°F	40.3°F
Dec 21	39.5°F	41.7°F	40.3°F
Dec 22	38.7°F	40.7°F	39.5°F
Dec 23	38.4°F	40.0°F	39.2°F
Dec 24	38.2°F	39.2°F	39.0°F
Dec 25	38.2°F	40.5°F	39.0°F
Dec 26	37.6°F	39.7°F	38.4°F
Dec 27	37.4°F	40.3°F	38.2°F
Dec 28	36.9°F	40.8°F	37.7°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 5 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, 42.8°F in Spring, 68.3°F in Summer, and 59.3°F in Autumn.