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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

White Lake, Michigan

In the White Lake Area, Montague and Whitehall are the sister towns and offer a small town feel with shops and restaurants to experience.

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.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is a bustling, popular city which brings any visitor plenty of sites to see, activities to do, and historical landmarks to explore.

Algoma, Wisconsin

Located just 35 minutes east of Green Bay, Algoma welcomes visitors to their sandy beaches, historic downtown, and fun festivals.

Manistique, Michigan

Manistique is a harbor town and was formerly known as a lumber transfer town as well as a popular commercial fishing port.

Tiscornia Park St. Joseph Lighthouse Molly Schuler Pate

St. Joseph, Michigan

With 3 top beaches including thousands of acres of State Park land, St. Joseph, Michigan, is the perfect destination for beach lovers.