Lake Michigan Destinations stock photo

Lake Michigan Water Temperatures for Northeast Wisconsin

Lake Michigan is a vast, fresh water lake that is a haven for swimmers, boaters, and fishermen.

Though not as warm as the oceans, temperatures of Lake Michigan do rise to the high 60s in July and August to make swimming enjoyable, and definitely refreshing! Rarely do temperatures make it to the 70s, unless air temperatures stay up in the 90s for many continuous days.

If Lake Michigan is still too chilly for your taste, head to the inland lakes where temperatures will usually be much warmer. Smaller lakes tends to warm more quickly than Lake Michigan.

You have likely been hearing about the historic water levels in Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes, and many of your favorite beaches have nearly disappeared as Lake Michigan has advanced. But don’t be discouraged–most every Lake Michigan destination has an abundance of beaches and parks, so you can usually find at least one or two big beaches which still have ample sand and long shorelines for walking, relaxing, rock-hunting, and swimming.

There are instances of shore erosion around the entire lake, and reports of the rising waters engulfing the edges of some parks where the sidewalks may now be under few inches of water. The docks at many marinas have been affected, and the piers to lighthouses are often closed on windy days, because the waves are washing over the piers, making them unsafe to walk on.

The rising lake levels remind us of the power of nature.

Discover More Lake Michigan Destinations

Whiting, Indiana

Whiting is a small town with a lot of personality. Stand on its beach and you’ll get a grand view of Chicago’s skyline.

St. Ignace, Michigan

Located in the Straits of Mackinac, and known as the “Gateway” to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, St. Ignace has more than 300 years of history.

Mackinac Bridge Mackinaw City

Mackinaw City, Michigan

With Lake Michigan on one side and Lake Huron on the other side, Mackinaw City is a true Great Lakes highlight.

Manistee Lighthouse

Manistee, Michigan

The “Victorian Port City” of Manistee is part of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour and is also the gateway to scenic highway M-22.

Elberta, Michigan

Along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, across the lake from Frankfort, the Village of Elberta is a pleasant destination with much to see and do.

Winthrop Harbor

Egg Harbor, Wisconsin

Egg Harbor is known as one of the best small towns in America. It boasts a new marina and an expanded, freshly renovated beach.