Weather in Lake Michigan, Chicago, United States in January

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Visiting Lake Michigan, Chicago, United States in January

The weather in January is noticeably cooler than the previous month. January has average maximum temperatures of -0°C (32°F) which is too cold for sunbathing. The sunshine percentage is 40% making it very cloudy and overcast with some periods of sunshine. There are 3.8 hours of sunshine per day. It is not a good time for sunbathing in Lake Michigan.

January has total rainfall of 3.8cm (1.5inches) making it mostly dry but with short lived occasional showers. There are only 10.3 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of days.

Sea temperatures are a cold 4°C (39°F). January is too cold for swimming in Lake Michigan for any length of time, unless you have a wetsuit. The sea temperature in January is marginally cooler than the previous month and temperatures continue to drop slightly into February.

In January, the weather at Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois is cold and snowy, with strong winds and occasional snowstorms. The beach is not suitable for swimming, sunbathing, or water sports due to the frigid conditions. However, you may enjoy a brisk walk along the shore, taking in the beautiful winter landscape. Consider visiting Lake Michigan in the months of June, July, August, September, for the best beach weather. Also consider one of our other suggestions for January.

Can you sunbathe in Lake Michigan in January?

No, January is not a good time for sunbathing in Lake Michigan.

January has average maximum temperatures of -0°C (32°F) which is too cold for sunbathing. The sunshine percentage is 40% making it very cloudy and overcast with some periods of sunshine. There are 3.8 hours of sunshine per day. January has total rainfall of 3.8cm (1.5inches) making it mostly dry but with short lived occasional showers. There are only 10.3 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of days.

More about January temperature and sunshine.

Can you swim in Lake Michigan in January?

No, January is too cold for swimming in Lake Michigan for any length of time, with the sea water at 4°C (39°F), unless you have a wetsuit.

More about January sea temperatures.

Is January a good time to holiday in Lake Michigan?

No, January is not a good time for a holiday in Lake Michigan.

January has average maximum temperatures of -0°C (32°F) which is too cold for sunbathing. The sunshine percentage is 40% making it very cloudy and overcast with some periods of sunshine. There are 3.8 hours of sunshine per day. January has total rainfall of 3.8cm (1.5inches) making it mostly dry but with short lived occasional showers. There are only 10.3 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of days. It is not a good time for sunbathing in Lake Michigan. Sea temperatures are a cold 4°C (39°F). January is too cold for swimming in Lake Michigan for any length of time, unless you have a wetsuit.

More about the January temperatures and sunshine.

Is Lake Michigan warm in January?

No, Lake Michigan is too cold for sunbathing in January.

The average maximum temperature in Lake Michigan in January is -0°C (32°F). The average maximum temperature is 2°C (36°) in the previous month and 1°C (34°F) in the next month.

The average temperature in Lake Michigan in January is -4°C (25°F). The average temperature is -1°C (30°F) in the previous month and -3°C (27°F) in the next month.

More info about the January temperatures and sunshine.

How sunny is Lake Michigan in January?

The average day light hours per day in Lake Michigan in January are 9.5. The sunshine percentage is 40% making it very cloudy and overcast with some periods of sunshine. There are 3.8 hours of sunshine per day.

More about January sunshine.

Crowds in Lake Michigan in January

In January, the beach at Lake Michigan, Chicago, is practically empty due to the freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. People rarely visit the beach during this month, and there are no public holidays or special events that would draw a crowd.

Temperature in Lake Michigan in January

The weather in January is noticeably cooler than the previous month. The average maximum temperature in Lake Michigan in January is -0°C (32°F). The average maximum temperature is 2°C (36°F) in the previous month and 1°C (34°F) in the next month.

The average temperature in Lake Michigan in January is -4°C (25°F). The average temperature is -1°C (30°F) in the previous month and -3°C (27°F) in the next month.

The average minimum temperature in Lake Michigan in January is -7°C (19°F). The minimum temperature is -4°C (24°F) in the previous month and -6°C (21°F) in the next month.

Sunshine in Lake Michigan in January

The days in January are marginally longer than the previous month and the days continue to get a bit longer into February. January has marginally more hours of sunshine than the previous month and hours of sunshine continue to rise quickly into February. During January the average day light hours are 9.5 per day in Lake Michigan. The sunshine percentage is 40% making it very cloudy and overcast with some periods of sunshine. There are 3.8 hours of sunshine per day.

The ultraviolet index in Lake Michigan in January is typically 1.7 during January. An ultraviolet index reading of 0 to 2 indicates low danger from the sun's UV rays for the average person. Most people will be able to spend several hours in the sun with out a problem, however unprotected skin risks burning in less than 1 hour. Wear sunglasses on bright days. Only those that burn easily will need to apply sunscreen. Watch out for relections from water that may increase ultraviolet exposure.

Sea Temperature in Lake Michigan in January

The average sea water temperature in Lake Michigan in January is 4°C (39.2°F) which is extremely cold and not suitable for swimming. Taking a dip at this temperature would risk hypothermia. The sea temperature in January is marginally cooler than the previous month and temperatures continue to drop slightly into February.

Rainfall in Lake Michigan in January

January weather is slightly drier than the previous month. January has fewer days of rain than the previous month and rainy days continue to drop slightly into February. The average total rainfall in Lake Michigan in January is 3.8cm (1.5inches) and on average there are 10.3 rainy days in January making it a pretty wet time to visit the beach.

Humidity in Lake Michigan in January

The maximum dew point (an indicator of humidity) in Lake Michigan in January is -5°C (24°F) which is a bit dry for some. The dew point is -2°C (28°F) in the previous month and -4°C (-4°F) in the next month.

The average maximum relative humidity in Lake Michigan in January is typically 84%. The maximum relative humidity is 86.1% in the previous month and 84% in the next month.

The average relative humidity in Lake Michigan in January is typically 72%. The average relative humidity is 74.4% in the previous month and 70.6% in the next month.

Wind Speed in Lake Michigan in January

The average maximum wind speed in Lake Michigan in January is typically 29KM/H (18MPH). The average maximum wind speed is 28KM/H (18MPH) in the previous month and 29KM/H (18MPH) in the next month.

The average wind speed in Lake Michigan in January is typically 17KM/H (11MPH). The average wind speed is 16KM/H (10MPH) in the previous month and 16KM/H (10MPH) in the next month.

The average wind direction in Lake Michigan in January is from the West-Southwest.

Monthly Averages

Suggested Beaches in January

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