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.
Lake Michigan Travel Regions
Michigan
- Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- Northern Michigan
- Northwest Michigan
- Central West Michigan
- Southwest Michigan
Wisconsin
Indiana & Illinois
Discover More Lake Michigan Destinations

Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Grand Traverse county is located in Northwest Michigan and visitors flock to this region for its beauty and multitude of activities.

Kewaunee, Wisconsin
Kewaunee, Wisconsin offers a variety of activities for all seasons including deep water fishing, biking, hiking, kayaking, and more.

Door County, Wisconsin
The small towns, quaint surroundings, and nautical feel of Door County, Wisconsin have earned it the name “Cape Cod of the Midwest.”

Leland, Michigan
The charming town of Leland is a great “walking around” town. Spend the day exploring Historical Fishtown, local wineries, beaches, and more!

East Chicago, Indiana
East Chicago, Indiana is part of the Indiana Lakeshore along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. Be sure to visit the nearby Indiana Sand Dunes.

Waukegan, Illinois
North of Chicago, Waukegan is home to the Genessee Theatre, Great Lakes Naval Base, and mile long Waukegan Municipal Beach.