Cook County, IL · Great Lakes

Montrose Beach (Chicago)

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

Great day for a beach walk.

Cool but workable

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Mostly sunny. High near 70, with temperatures falling to around 68 in the afternoon. East wind around 10 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Weather

70°F air — cool but workable
Sunny skies — mostly sunny

74 /100

great

69 Sunbathe

80 Walk

80 Photo

Best for walking today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

70°F

Clear

Wind

10 mph

Rain

This Afternoon

UV Peak

9 Very High

High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m

Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM

Tomorrow

85°F

Mostly Sunny

Water

Water Temp

—

Water Quality

Clean

30 CCE/100mL · Enterococcus

USGS · sampled 9mo ago

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:16 AM

Sunset

9:20 PM

Moon · 87%

Waning Gibbous

Neap tides — smaller range

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jun 3

70°

Mostly Sunny

Thu Jun 4

85°

Mostly Sunny

Fri Jun 5

83°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

65%

Sat Jun 6

83°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

70%

Sun Jun 7

73°

Partly Sunny

Mon Jun 8

79°

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers

17%

Tue Jun 9

85°

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

24%

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high

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

lifeguardsrestroomsshowersconcessionbike pathdog beachbird sanctuary

7-Day Tide Chart →

Full high/low predictions for the next week at Montrose Beach (Chicago).

7-Day Weather →

Extended forecast for Montrose Beach (Chicago) from the National Weather Service.

Frequently Asked

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.