All data are in degrees Fahrenheit

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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

39.8

°F

April 10, 14:26

Trend:

stable

Yesterday:

40.7°F

Tomorrow:

40.1°F

Sunrise:

06:19

Sunset:

19:26

Day Length:

13 h. 7 min.

Chicago in April

Minimum:

33.7°F

Average:

37.3°F

Maximum:

39.5°F

Water temperature in Chicago today

As of now, in Chicago, the water temperature is 39.8°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 1.0°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 rise a bit.

Recent water temperature and forecast

The water temperature today is above average for the last two weeks, showing a small increase in temperature. 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 43.2°F on 2020, while the historical minimum was 37.5°F on 2018.

Over the past two weeks, the water temperature has closely aligned with historical averages for those days. The forecast for the upcoming week suggests a gradual increase. The average temperature is expected to rise up to 41.2°F, with minimum temperature starting at 40.1°F, while the maximum might reach 41.9°F.

Daily water temperature in Chicago

Date Current Year

actual* / forecast**

last year 10 years average
Mar 27 35.4°F 39.8°F 37.8°F
Mar 28 38.5°F 39.8°F 38.5°F
Mar 29 38.6°F 38.5°F 38.6°F
Mar 30 37.4°F 39.0°F 38.7°F
Mar 31 39.8°F 37.7°F 38.7°F
Apr 1 39.5°F 39.8°F 39.1°F
Apr 2 39.3°F 41.5°F 39.4°F
Apr 3 39.1°F 41.1°F 39.5°F
Apr 4 38.9°F 41.3°F 39.5°F
Apr 5 39.7°F 42.7°F 39.5°F
Apr 6 41.8°F 42.0°F 40.0°F
Apr 7 42.0°F 43.0°F 40.4°F
Apr 8 41.3°F 43.4°F 40.6°F
Apr 9 40.7°F 41.7°F 40.9°F
Apr 10 39.8°F 41.5°F 40.7°F
Apr 11 40.1°F 41.3°F 41.1°F
Apr 12 40.3°F 41.8°F 41.3°F
Apr 13 41.1°F 42.3°F 42.1°F
Apr 14 41.2°F 42.0°F 42.1°F
Apr 15 41.9°F 43.8°F 42.9°F
Apr 16 41.8°F 43.7°F 42.8°F
Apr 17 41.9°F 44.7°F 42.9°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 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.