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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

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.

Lake Michigan water

Leelanau County, Michigan

Leelanau County is in Northwest Michigan, and is one of the most popular areas to visit in Michigan. This is the home of Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Lake Forest, Illinois

Lake Forest began as a town in 1857 and is a convenient destination for visitors travelling south to Chicago.

Kewaunee, Wisconsin

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

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.