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Is Lake Michigan cold?
The latest NASA JPL satellite analysis, dated November 3, 2026, gives 56°F (13.1°C) at the nearest water pixel. That is very cold water.
Between 50°F and 60°F, rated very dangerous to immediately life-threatening: the range where most unacclimated people have a maximum cold shock response. Temperature is only one factor: check rip current and surf alerts, and swim near lifeguards.
How cold is too cold to swim?Water temperature through the year
Average water temperature by month, satellite 2016–2025. Warmest in August.
Water temperatures around Lake Michigan
The 9 stations listed below report 52–58°F. Each reported within the last six hours. These readings describe the listed locations; conditions at individual beaches can differ.
| Station | Water | Type | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Inland | 57°F | tide station | 2 h ago |
| NORTH MICHIGAN- Halfway between North Manitou and Washington Islands. | 55°F | buoy | 86 min ago |
| Menominee | 55°F | tide station | 2 h ago |
| Rawley Point East, WI (269) | 52°F | buoy | 2 h ago |
| Holland Buoy, MI | 58°F | buoy | 86 min ago |
| Holland | 58°F | tide station | 2 h ago |
| South Michigan Spotter | 58°F | buoy | 86 min ago |
| South Haven Buoy, MI | 58°F | buoy | 86 min ago |
| Cook Nuclear Plant Buoy, Stevensville, MI | 57°F | buoy | 86 min ago |
Average water temperature by month
| Month | Average | Coldest year | Warmest year |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F | 38°F | 40°F |
| February | 38°F | 36°F | 40°F |
| March | 37°F | 35°F | 39°F |
| April | 38°F | 37°F | 40°F |
| May | 42°F | 38°F | 47°F |
| June | 54°F | 48°F | 58°F |
| July | 67°F | 65°F | 70°F |
| August | 71°F | 69°F | 74°F |
| September | 68°F | 65°F | 70°F |
| October | 59°F | 55°F | 63°F |
| November | 48°F | 44°F | 52°F |
| December | 42°F | 40°F | 43°F |
Water temperatures nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Michigan cold?
The latest NASA JPL satellite analysis, dated November 3, 2026, gives 56°F (13.1°C) at the nearest water pixel. That is very cold water. Between 50°F and 60°F, rated very dangerous to immediately life-threatening: the range where most unacclimated people have a maximum cold shock response. Temperature is only one factor: check rip current and surf alerts, and swim near lifeguards. How cold is too cold?
When is the water warmest at Lake Michigan?
Based on satellite data from 2016 to 2025, the water is warmest in August (average 71°F) and coldest in March (average 37°F).
Where does this water temperature come from?
We show NASA JPL’s daily MUR satellite analysis for the nearest water, about 0.0 mi away, when no suitable current in-water sensor is available. Satellite values are typically a degree or two cooler than afternoon readings at the shore. Satellite vs. buoy temperatures.
Sources: NASA JPL MUR satellite analysis; NOAA National Data Buoy Center; forecast and alerts from the National Weather Service. Readings are provisional. All Michigan water temperatures · Methodology