Annual average weather for Lake Michigan, Chicago, United States

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Annual Average Weather for Lake Michigan, Chicago, United States

The annual average maximum daily temperature is 15.3°C (59.6°F) which is a little too chilly for sunbathing. The annual average water temperature is typically 9.0°C (48.2°F) which is very cold and bracing, it's not recommended you swim with out a full wet suit. Annually there are on average 12.1 days of rain per month and 7.2 hours of sun per day.

When is the best time to visit Lake Michigan?

The best months to visit Lake Michigan are June, July, August, September, for the best beach weather, the most sunshine and optimal sunbathing and swimming conditions with the least chance of rain.

The weather is perfect for sunbathing in the months from June to August when the maximum temperature reaches above 26°C (72°F)

The sea is best for swimming between June and October when the sea temperature is above the average 9°C (48°F) which is very cold and bracing, it's not recommended you swim with out a full wet suit.

Can you sunbathe in Lake Michigan year round?

No, you can't sunbathe in Lake Michigan all year round. Some months are too cold for sunbathing, however you might enjoy other beach activities such as taking a walk, going hiking along trails or just enjoying the scenery.

The weather is best for sunbathing in the months from June to August when the maximum temperature reaches above 26°C (72°F)

More info about the annual temperatures and sunshine.

Can you swim in Lake Michigan year round?

No, you can't swim in Lake Michigan all year round.

The warmest sea water temperatures in Lake Michigan are found in August when they peak at 20°C (68°F) and lowest in February when they dip to 3°C (37°F).

The sea temperature is above average for swimming between June and October when the sea temperature is above 9°C (48°F) which is very cold and bracing, it's not recommended you swim with out a full wet suit.

More info about the annual sea temperatures

When is the hottest month in Lake Michigan?

The hottest month in Lake Michigan is July when the average maximum temperature is very warm and perfect for sunbathing on clear days 29°C (85°F), average temperature is 24°C (76°F) and average minimum temperature is 20°C (68°F).

More info about the annual temperatures and sunshine.

When is the coldest month in Lake Michigan?

The coolest month in Lake Michigan is January when the average maximum temperature is -0°C (32°F), average temperature is -4°C (25°F) and average minimum temperature is -7°C (19°F).

More info about the annual temperatures and sunshine

When is the sunniest month in Lake Michigan?

The sunniest days in Lake Michigan are in July which has the most hours of sunshine per day. In July the sunshine percentage is 74% making it sunny and pleasant most of the time. The hours of sunshine per day are 11.0hrs making the days very long and bright.

More info about the annual sunshine.

When is the least sunny month in Lake Michigan?

December has the least sunshine. In December the sunshine percentage is 39% making it very cloudy and overcast with some periods of sunshine. There are 3.6 hours of sunshine per day.

More info about the annual sunshine.

When is the driest month in Lake Michigan?

The driest month in Lake Michigan is January with 3.8cm (1.5inches) of rain and February has the fewest days of rain with 10.2 days with some rain, a pretty wet time to visit the beach.

More info about the annual rainfall

When is the wettest month in Lake Michigan?

The wettest month in Lake Michigan is August with 11.5cm (4.5inches) of rain and June has the most days of rain with 13.8 days with some rain, a pretty wet time to visit the beach.

More info about the annual rainfall.

When is the sea the coldest in Lake Michigan?

The coldest sea water temperatures in Lake Michigan are found in February when they dip to 3°C (37°F) which is extremely cold and not suitable for swimming. Taking a dip at this temperature would risk hypothermia.

More info about the annual sea temperatures.

When is the sea the warmest in Lake Michigan?

The warmest sea water temperatures in Lake Michigan are found in August when they peak at 20°C (68°F) which is comfortable for swimming though some may prefer warmer water.

More info about the annual sea temperatures.

When is the most humid month in Lake Michigan?

The most humid month in Lake Michigan is July with a dew point (an indicator of humidity) of 19°C (66°F) which is somewhat uncomfortable for most people in cities but fine on a beach.

More info about the annual humidity.

When is the least humid month in Lake Michigan?

The least humid month in Lake Michigan is January with a dew point of -5°C (24°F) which is a bit dry for some.

More info about the annual humidity.

When is the windiest month in Lake Michigan?

The most windy month in Lake Michigan is April when the average maximum windspeed is 33KM/H (20MPH) and the average wind speed is 18KM/H (11MPH).

More info about the annual wind conditions.

Annual Temperature for Lake Michigan

The hottest month in Lake Michigan is July when the average maximum temperature is 29°C (85°F), average temperature is 24°C (76°F) and average minimum temperature is 20°C (68°F).

The coolest month in Lake Michigan is January when the average maximum temperature is -0°C (-0°F), average temperature is -4°C (25°F) and average minimum temperature is -7°C (19°F).

Annual Sunshine for Lake Michigan

The longest days in Lake Michigan are in June, with an average of 15.2 hours of daylight per day. December has the shortest days with an average of 9.2 hours of daylight per day.

The sunniest days in Lake Michigan are in July which has the most hours of sunshine per day. The sunshine percentage is 74% making it sunny and pleasant most of the time. The hours of sunshine per day are 11.0hrs making the days very long and bright.

December has the least sunshine. The sunshine percentage is 39% making it very cloudy and overcast with some periods of sunshine. There are 3.6 hours of sunshine per day.

The ultraviolet index is the highest in June when it reaches 9.7 and lowest in December when it reaches 1.5.

An ultraviolet index reading of 8 to 10 indicates a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Unprotected skin risks burning in less than 15 minutes. Take extra precautions because unprotected skin and eyes will be damaged and can burn quickly. Tanning will be safest before 10am and after 4pm but only with a good application of sun screen. For those with sensitive skin stay in the shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days. Watch out for relections from water that may increase ultraviolet exposure.

Annual Sea Temperature for Lake Michigan

The warmest sea water temperatures in Lake Michigan are found in August when they peak at 20°C (68°F) and lowest in February when they dip to 3°C (37°F).

The sea is best for swimming between June and October when the temperature is above 9°C (48°F) which is very cold and bracing, it's not recommended you swim with out a full wet suit.

Annual Rainfall for Lake Michigan

The wettest month in Lake Michigan is August with 11.5cm (4.5inches) of rain and June has the most days of rain with 13.8 days with some rain, a pretty wet time to visit the beach.

The driest month in Lake Michigan is January with 3.8cm (1.5inches) of rain and February has the fewest days of rain with 10.2 days with some rain, a pretty wet time to visit the beach.

Annual Humidity for Lake Michigan

The most humid month in Lake Michigan is July with a dew point (an indicator of humidity) of 19°C (66°F) which is somewhat uncomfortable for most people in cities but fine on a beach.

The least humid month in Lake Michigan is January with a dew point of -5°C (24°F) which is a bit dry for some.

Annual Wind Speed for Lake Michigan

The most windy month in Lake Michigan is April when the average maximum windspeed is 33KM/H (20MPH) and the average wind speed is 18KM/H (11MPH).

The least windy month in Lake Michigan is September when the average maximum windspeed is 25KM/H (16MPH) and the average wind speed is 13KM/H (8MPH).

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