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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

Racine County, Wisconsin

Racine County, in the southeast corner of Wisconsin, includes communities like Racine, Caledonia, Burlington, Mount Pleasant, and Sturtevant.

kayaks on beach

Sister Bay, Wisconsin

Sister Bay is mostly known as Northern Door County’s largest village for food and drink. Be sure to visit Sister Bay, Wisconsin.

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.

Lake Michigan water

Benzie County, Michigan

Benzie county is located in Northwest Michigan and is considered one of the best places for outdoor activties in Michigan.

Beaver Island, Michigan

Beaver Island Michigan is located in Lake Michigan. It is the largest island in Lake Michigan and the third largest island in Michigan

Boyne City, Michigan

Boyne City is a jewel in the crown of Michigan and boasts an art district, street music in the summer, the Morel Festival, and more.