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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

Lake Michigan water

Muskegon County, Michigan

Muskegon County is located in West Michigan just above Ottawa County and is known for Michigan’s Adventure and the Lakes Mall.

New Buffalo, Michigan

New Buffalo, Michigan is notably known as the Gateway to Michigan and is included on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour.

Two Rivers, Wisconsin

Two Rivers’ slogan is “catch our friendly waves” since it is located along Lake Michigan and has plenty of beaches to explore.

Grand Haven Lighthouse

Grand Haven, Michigan

Grand Haven, Michigan is home to the annual Coast Guard Festival and offers beaches, water sports, fishing, and more.

Marinette, Wisconsin

Marinette is a historical place and offers a museum telling the stories of its past including an exhibit honoring “Queen Marinette”.

Lake Michigan water

Ozaukee County, Wisconsin

Ozaukee County is located in southeast Wisconsin and includes the communities of Belgium, Port Washington, and Cedarburg.