84°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
56%
26
Cook County, IL · Great Lakes
31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach)
3100 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60616
A wide South Side beach in Bronzeville, renamed Margaret T. Burroughs Beach in 2015 for the African-American artist and historian who co-founded the DuSable Museum.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · 56% rain · NWS alert active
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 5pm, then patchy smoke and a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny. High near 84, with temperatures falling to around 77 in the afternoon. North northeast wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
Areas of smoke and a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 84°F air — ideal beach weather
- 56% rain — rain likely at some point
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued july 18 at 2:50pm cdt until july 19 at 4:00am cdt by nws chicago il
25 /100
skip
36 Sunbathe
7 Walk
0 Fish
25 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued July 18 at 2:50PM CDT until July 19 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Northeast winds to 25 kt and significant waves to 7 ft occasionally to 9 ft expected. * WHERE...Illinois and Indiana nearshore from Winthrop Harbor IL to Michigan City IN. * WHEN...From 7 PM this evening to 4 AM CDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
84°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
15 mph
NNE
Rain
56%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
74°F
Areas Of Smoke
Water
Water Temp
—
Water Quality
Above threshold
132 CCE/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:30 AM
Sunset
9:21 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
74°
Areas Of Smoke
0%
78
86°
Patchy Smoke then Mostly Sunny
8%
78
86°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
72%
17
74°
Sunny
4%
71
79°
Sunny
1%
85
81°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
15%
76
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 56% rain chance
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Minor
11:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Major
4:20 AM - 6:20 AM
Minor
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Major
4:40 PM - 6:40 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Paid harbor lot; free street parking on 31st St west of LSD.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on Chicago beaches.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
3100 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60616
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) today?
31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on Chicago beaches.
Is there an entry fee at 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach)?
Entry to 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) is free.
Are there lifeguards at 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach)?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach)?
Amenities at 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) include lifeguards (seasonal), restrooms, showers, concession, fishing docks, harbor, playground, bike path.
When is the water warmest at 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach)?
Great Lakes water temperatures peak in late July and August at roughly 68-74°F near shore — cool compared to the ocean. Best swimming window is mid-July to late August.
Where is 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) located?
31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) is in Cook County, IL, at 3100 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60616.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS