Lake Michigan Destinations stock photo
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.
Lake Michigan Travel Regions
Michigan
- Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- Northern Michigan
- Northwest Michigan
- Central West Michigan
- Southwest Michigan
Wisconsin
Indiana & Illinois
Discover More Lake Michigan Destinations

Suttons Bay, Michigan
Suttons Bay, in Leelanau County, about midway up the eastern shore of Leelanau Peninsula and is a very popular destination in the summer time.

Waukegan, Illinois
North of Chicago, Waukegan is home to the Genessee Theatre, Great Lakes Naval Base, and mile long Waukegan Municipal Beach.

Douglas, Michigan
Known as the “Village of Friendliness since 1870”, Douglas offers a diversified variety of art galleries and fine dining.

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

Michigan City, Indiana
Surrounded by wandering dunes and singing sand, Michigan City welcomes you to Lake Michigan’s southern tip in grand style.

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.