82°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
51%
30
Cook County, IL · Great Lakes
Oak Street Beach (Chicago)
Oak St & Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
The most famous of Chicago's 26 lakefront beaches — at the foot of the Gold Coast where Lake Shore Drive bends west. Wide sand, the iconic Chicago skyline rising directly behind, and the Lakefront Trail bike path running through. Cafe Oak Street has weekend bar service summer-long.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · 51% rain · NWS alert active
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 5pm, then patchy smoke and a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny. High near 82, with temperatures falling to around 77 in the afternoon. North northeast wind around 15 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
- 82°F air — ideal beach weather
- 51% rain — rain likely at some point
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued july 18 at 2:50pm cdt until july 19 at 4:00am cdt by nws chicago il
29 /100
skip
40 Sunbathe
11 Walk
27 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued July 18 at 2:50PM CDT until July 19 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Northeast winds to 25 kt and significant waves to 7 ft occasionally to 9 ft expected. * WHERE...Illinois and Indiana nearshore from Winthrop Harbor IL to Michigan City IN. * WHEN...From 7 PM this evening to 4 AM CDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
82°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
15 mph
NNE
Rain
51%
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
59 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
87°
Patchy Smoke then Mostly Sunny
10%
77
86°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
71%
17
71°
Sunny
4%
75
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 51% rain chance
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Paid garages off Michigan Ave. Easier: CTA Red Line to Chicago/State, then walk east 5 blocks.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on Chicago beaches. Designated dog beach at Montrose.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Oak St & Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Oak Street Beach (Chicago) today?
Oak Street 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 Oak Street Beach (Chicago) dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on Chicago beaches. Designated dog beach at Montrose.
Is there an entry fee at Oak Street Beach (Chicago)?
Entry to Oak Street Beach (Chicago) is free.
Are there lifeguards at Oak Street Beach (Chicago)?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Oak Street 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 Oak Street Beach (Chicago)?
Amenities at Oak Street Beach (Chicago) include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, cafe, bike path, volleyball.
When is the water warmest at Oak Street 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 Oak Street Beach (Chicago) located?
Oak Street Beach (Chicago) is in Cook County, IL, at Oak St & Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS