Cook County, IL · Great Lakes

North Avenue Beach (Chicago)

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

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 67 in the afternoon. East wind around 10 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low around 64, with temperatures rising to around 66 overnight. South southeast wind 5 to 15 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

Mostly Sunny

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

6:17 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

63%

Sat Jun 6

83°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

71%

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

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

lifeguardsrestroomsshowersrestaurantvolleyballbike pathkayak rentals

7-Day Tide Chart →

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

7-Day Weather →

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

Frequently Asked

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.