Cook County, IL · Great Lakes

63rd Street Beach (Chicago)

A Jackson Park beach defined by its 1919 Classical Revival beach house — a National Register pavilion with a colonnaded courtyard, interactive water fountains, and rentable meeting rooms.

Today's Conditions

Skip the beach today.

Thunderstorms · 60% 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. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Weather

84°F air — ideal beach weather
60% 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

22 /100

skip

33 Sunbathe

4 Walk

24 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

NWS · In effect through Jul 19, 9:00 AM

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.

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

84°F

Mostly Cloudy

Wind

15 mph

NNE

Rain

60%

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

Clean

4 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

Today Jul 18

84°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

60%

Sun Jul 19

74°

Areas Of Smoke

Mon Jul 20

86°

Patchy Smoke then Mostly Sunny

Tue Jul 21

85°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

73%

Wed Jul 22

74°

Sunny

Thu Jul 23

79°

Sunny

Fri Jul 24

81°

Slight Chance Rain Showers

15%

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
recommended Rain cover + dry bag 60% chance of rain

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Beach Info

Parking

Free lot off Hayes Drive.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited on Chicago beaches.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

6300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60649

Amenities

lifeguards (seasonal)restroomsshowersconcessionsinteractive water fountainshistoric beach housebike rentalsnon-motorized boat launch

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at 63rd Street Beach (Chicago) today?

63rd Street Beach (Chicago) 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 63rd Street Beach (Chicago) dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited on Chicago beaches.

Is there an entry fee at 63rd Street Beach (Chicago)?

Entry to 63rd Street Beach (Chicago) is free.

Are there lifeguards at 63rd Street Beach (Chicago)?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol 63rd Street Beach (Chicago) during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at 63rd Street Beach (Chicago)?

Amenities at 63rd Street Beach (Chicago) include lifeguards (seasonal), restrooms, showers, concessions, interactive water fountains, historic beach house, bike rentals, non-motorized boat launch.

When is the water warmest at 63rd Street Beach (Chicago)?

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 63rd Street Beach (Chicago) located?

63rd Street Beach (Chicago) is in Cook County, IL, at 6300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60649.