84°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
46%
32
Cook County, IL · Great Lakes
Montrose Beach (Chicago)
4400 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60640
Chicago's largest beach — a wide arc of sand at the south end of Lincoln Park's Montrose Point. The Montrose Dog Beach is one of the few off-leash beaches in any major US city. Bird sanctuary on the point itself (a top Midwest birding spot during migration).
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · NWS alert active · 46% 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 84, with temperatures falling to around 78 in the afternoon. North northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. 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
- 84°F air — ideal beach weather
- 46% rain — rain likely at some point
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — beach hazards statement issued july 18 at 3:04pm cdt until july 19 at 10:00am cdt by nws chicago il
32 /100
skip
43 Sunbathe
14 Walk
27 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Beach Hazard Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:04PM CDT until July 19 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...High wave action and dangerous currents expected at Lake Michigan beaches. Waves 4 to 7 ft expected. * WHERE...In Illinois, Lake, Northern Cook and Central Cook Counties. In Indiana, Lake and Porter Counties. * WHEN...From 7 PM CDT this evening through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Swimming conditions will be life threatening, especially for inexperienced swimmers. For information on swim advisories or bans at Chicago beaches: www. cpdbeaches. com.
Weather alert in effect
Air Quality Alert issued July 18 at 12:31PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Air Quality Alert issued July 18 at 12:13AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Atmosphere
Air Temp
84°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
15 mph
NNE
Rain
46%
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
74°
Areas Of Smoke
0%
78
86°
Patchy Smoke then Mostly Sunny
12%
77
86°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
70%
17
73°
Sunny
4%
77
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 46% rain chance
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Free lot at Montrose Harbor and along Wilson Drive.
Dogs
Montrose Dog Beach is Chicago's only legal off-leash lakefront beach (fenced). DFA tag required ($5/year via Chicago Park District).
Entry Fee
Free
Address
4400 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60640
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Montrose Beach (Chicago) today?
Montrose 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 Montrose Beach (Chicago) dog-friendly?
Montrose Dog Beach is Chicago's only legal off-leash lakefront beach (fenced). DFA tag required ($5/year via Chicago Park District).
Is there an entry fee at Montrose Beach (Chicago)?
Entry to Montrose Beach (Chicago) is free.
Are there lifeguards at Montrose Beach (Chicago)?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Montrose 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 Montrose Beach (Chicago)?
Amenities at Montrose Beach (Chicago) include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, concession, bike path, dog beach, bird sanctuary.
When is the water warmest at Montrose 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 Montrose Beach (Chicago) located?
Montrose Beach (Chicago) is in Cook County, IL, at 4400 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60640.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS