Lake Michigan Water Temperature
(Today) 2024
The water will feel tepid. Swimming will be tolerable without a wetsuit, although it will take a little getting used to. If you intend to stay in the water for a while a 3/2mm wetsuit will be ideal.
*Live data from Ludington Buoy, MI: 19.7°C / 67.5°F
Current weather
(overcast clouds)
The measurements for the water temperature in Lake Michigan, Michigan are provided by the daily satellite readings provided by the NOAA. The temperatures given are the sea surface temperature (SST) which is most relevant to recreational users.
*Live data may vary from satellite readings for a number of reasons. These include local factors, depth of smapling and time of day.
Water temp by month
Monthly average max / min water temperatures
The graph below shows the range of monthly Lake Michigan water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min °C | 2.4 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 4.9 | 14.9 | 19.4 | 16.1 | 9 | 4.6 | 1.7 |
| Max °C | 4.5 | 4 | 4.2 | 4.8 | 7.4 | 17.8 | 24.3 | 23.5 | 22.6 | 16.3 | 11.7 | 7.6 |
| Min °F | 37.1 | 35.6 | 35.4 | 36.8 | 37.9 | 45.9 | 62.6 | 68.5 | 63.5 | 51.1 | 43.1 | 37.4 |
| Max °F | 39.2 | 38.2 | 38.4 | 39.5 | 43.2 | 58.8 | 72 | 72.6 | 70 | 58.4 | 50.2 | 43.3 |
The warmest water temperature is in August with an average around 70.5°F / 21.4°C. The coldest month is February with an average water temperature of 36.9°F / 2.7°C.
