73°
Mostly Sunny
8%
84
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
73°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny. High near 73, with temperatures falling to around 71 in the afternoon. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 73°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
84 /100
great
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
73°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
5 to 10 mph
N
Rain
8%
Today
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
68°F
Chance Rain Showers
Water
Water Temp
—
Water Quality
Clean
30 CCE/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 9mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:16 AM
Sunset
9:29 PM
Moon · 80%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
68°
Chance Rain Showers
28%
63
71°
Mostly Sunny
4%
75
80°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
35%
52
98°
Mostly Sunny
3%
67
100°
Mostly Sunny
2%
67
100°
Sunny
13%
67
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — 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
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.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS