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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

Zion, Illinois

Sitting on Illinois’ border with Wisconsin sits Zion. One of the only cities in the world to be fully planned before being built.

Peshtigo, Wisconsin

One attraction of importance to Peshtigo is the Peshtigo Fire Museum, which reflects the city during the time period after a devastating fire.

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.

South Haven, Michigan

South Haven has always been a port city due to its location on Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Black River.

Lake Michigan water

Porter County Indiana

Porter County, Indiana is popular for the Indiana Dunes National Park. Porter County, Indiana is part of the Southern Lake Michigan Circle Tour.

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.