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 3.28°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.

37.9

°F

January 8, 10:26

Trend:

stable

Yesterday:

36.4°F

Tomorrow:

37.8°F

Sunrise:

07:18

Sunset:

16:37

Day Length:

9 h. 19 min.

Chicago in January

Minimum:

34.1°F

Average:

37.6°F

Maximum:

40.4°F

Water temperature in Chicago today

As of now, in Chicago, the water temperature is 37.9°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 1.6°F higher than the average recorded on this particular day in recent years. Since yesterday, there was a noticeable increase in temperature. This indicates a warming trend over the past day. According to the forecast, we expect the temperature to stay about the same.

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 38.6°F on 2024, while the historical minimum was 32.4°F on 2018.

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 minimum recorded over the past years. The forecast for the upcoming week shows a gradual cooling trend. The average temperature is expected to be 37.1°F, the minimum temperature may reach 36.7°F, and the maximum might stay at 37.8°F.

Daily water temperature in Chicago

Date	Current Year actual* / forecast**	last year	10 years average
Jan 1	35.9°F	36.3°F	37.6°F
Jan 2	36.2°F	36.3°F	37.4°F
Jan 3	36.7°F	37.7°F	37.4°F
Jan 4	36.9°F	36.4°F	37.3°F
Jan 5	37.0°F	35.8°F	37.1°F
Jan 6	36.1°F	35.7°F	36.8°F
Jan 7	36.4°F	35.6°F	36.7°F
Jan 8	37.9°F	35.5°F	36.3°F
Jan 9	37.8°F	33.7°F	36.2°F
Jan 10	37.4°F	34.1°F	35.9°F
Jan 11	37.1°F	34.0°F	35.5°F
Jan 12	37.0°F	33.9°F	35.4°F
Jan 13	36.9°F	34.1°F	35.3°F
Jan 14	36.7°F	33.6°F	35.1°F
Jan 15	36.8°F	33.8°F	35.3°F
Dec 25	35.1°F	37.3°F	38.1°F
Dec 26	35.5°F	36.6°F	37.7°F
Dec 27	35.1°F	35.9°F	37.3°F
Dec 28	34.6°F	35.3°F	36.9°F
Dec 29	35.0°F	35.7°F	37.1°F
Dec 30	35.3°F	35.9°F	37.5°F
Dec 31	35.6°F	36.1°F	37.5°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, 43.3°F in Spring, 68.9°F in Summer, and 59.3°F in Autumn.