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

60.9

°F

October 22, 15:58

Trend:

stable

Yesterday:

62.1°F

Tomorrow:

60.9°F

Sunrise:

07:11

Sunset:

17:59

Day Length:

10 h. 48 min.

Chicago in October

Minimum:

33.0°F

Average:

35.7°F

Maximum:

37.9°F

Water temperature in Chicago today

As of now, in Chicago, the water temperature is 60.9°F. Swimming in water of this temperature is generally concidered to be cool, and most people won't really enjoy it. Today's reading is 3.8°F higher 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 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 63.2°F on 2021, while the historical minimum was 52.6°F on 2019.

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. The forecast for the upcoming week shows a gradual cooling trend. The average temperature is expected to be 60.0°F, the minimum temperature may reach 58.9°F, and the maximum might stay at 60.9°F.

Daily water temperature in Chicago

Date Current Year

actual* / forecast**

last year 10 years average
Oct 8 48.8°F 66.8°F 61.2°F
Oct 9 47.3°F 66.2°F 60.6°F
Oct 10 46.0°F 65.8°F 60.4°F
Oct 11 43.9°F 65.4°F 59.8°F
Oct 12 41.6°F 65.2°F 59.4°F
Oct 13 38.6°F 64.9°F 58.9°F
Oct 14 48.7°F 64.6°F 59.3°F
Oct 15 54.2°F 63.2°F 59.6°F
Oct 16 56.0°F 61.9°F 59.1°F
Oct 17 59.1°F 61.1°F 58.9°F
Oct 18 62.2°F 60.6°F 59.0°F
Oct 19 62.4°F 60.5°F 58.5°F
Oct 20 60.7°F 60.3°F 58.0°F
Oct 21 62.1°F 60.0°F 57.7°F
Oct 22 60.9°F 60.1°F 57.1°F
Oct 23 60.9°F 60.4°F 57.1°F
Oct 24 60.7°F 60.1°F 56.9°F
Oct 25 60.4°F 59.7°F 56.6°F
Oct 26 60.2°F 60.0°F 56.4°F
Oct 27 59.8°F 59.8°F 56.0°F
Oct 28 59.3°F 58.6°F 55.4°F
Oct 29 58.9°F 58.0°F 55.1°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.