81°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
49%
31
Cook County, IL · Great Lakes
North Avenue Beach (Chicago)
1600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Chicago's flagship beach — a half-mile of sand just south of Lincoln Park, the ocean-liner-shaped beach house with a rooftop restaurant, and the city's most active beach volleyball scene. Sand stays warm; lake water in July hits the low 70s. The Lakefront Trail runs along it.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · NWS alert active · 49% 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. 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 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
- 81°F air — ideal beach weather
- 49% 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
31 /100
skip
42 Sunbathe
13 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
81°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
15 mph
NNE
Rain
49%
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
11%
77
85°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
71%
18
71°
Sunny
4%
67
76°
Sunny
1%
84
78°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
15%
75
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 49% rain chance
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Paid lot at North Ave & Inner Lake Shore Dr; CTA Bus 151 stops at Stockton & North Ave.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
1600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at North Avenue Beach (Chicago) today?
North 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 North Avenue Beach (Chicago) dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited.
Is there an entry fee at North Avenue Beach (Chicago)?
Entry to North Avenue Beach (Chicago) is free.
Are there lifeguards at North Avenue Beach (Chicago)?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol North 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 North Avenue Beach (Chicago)?
Amenities at North Avenue Beach (Chicago) include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, restaurant, volleyball, bike path, kayak rentals.
When is the water warmest at North 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 North Avenue Beach (Chicago) located?
North Avenue Beach (Chicago) is in Cook County, IL, at 1600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS