Cook County, IL · Great Lakes

Foster Avenue Beach (Chicago)

Edgewater's family beach — half a mile of sand at the far north end of Lincoln Park where Foster Avenue meets the lake.

Today's Conditions

Skip the beach today.

Thunderstorms · NWS alert active · 44% rain

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 4pm, then patchy smoke and a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 4pm and 5pm, then patchy smoke and a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny. High near 81, with temperatures falling to around 76 in the afternoon. North northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Areas of smoke. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Weather

81°F air — ideal beach weather
44% 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

33 /100

skip

45 Sunbathe

16 Walk

28 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

81°F

Mostly Clear

Wind

15 mph

NNE

Rain

44%

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

30 CCE/100mL · Enterococcus

USGS · sampled 10mo ago

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:30 AM

Sunset

9:22 PM

Moon · 18%

Waxing Crescent

Neap tides — smaller range

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jul 18

81°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

44%

Sun Jul 19

74°

Areas Of Smoke

Mon Jul 20

86°

Patchy Smoke then Mostly Sunny

13%

Tue Jul 21

85°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

70%

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
optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 44% rain chance

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

Beach Info

Parking

Pay-and-display lot at Foster & LSD. CTA Bus 92 stops at Foster & Sheridan.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited on Chicago beaches.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

5200 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60640

Amenities

lifeguards (seasonal)restroomsshowersconcession (beach house)bike rentalsbike pathaccessible beach walk

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Foster Avenue Beach (Chicago) today?

Foster Avenue 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 Foster Avenue Beach (Chicago) dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited on Chicago beaches.

Is there an entry fee at Foster Avenue Beach (Chicago)?

Entry to Foster Avenue Beach (Chicago) is free.

Are there lifeguards at Foster Avenue Beach (Chicago)?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Foster Avenue 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 Foster Avenue Beach (Chicago)?

Amenities at Foster Avenue Beach (Chicago) include lifeguards (seasonal), restrooms, showers, concession (beach house), bike rentals, bike path, accessible beach walk.

When is the water warmest at Foster Avenue 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 Foster Avenue Beach (Chicago) located?

Foster Avenue Beach (Chicago) is in Cook County, IL, at 5200 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60640.