Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Cook County, IL · Great Lakes
Ohio Street Beach (Chicago)
600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
A small beach in Streeterville next to Jane Addams Memorial Park — its unusual east-facing orientation behind the breakwater makes it the calmest, shallowest swim in Chicago.
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
Best for sunbathing today
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
Water
Sun & Moon
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Areas Of Smoke
Patchy Smoke then Mostly Sunny
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Sunny
Sunny
Slight Chance Rain Showers
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 Streeterville garages. Easy walk from Navy Pier and Magnificent Mile.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on Chicago beaches.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Ohio Street Beach (Chicago) today?
Ohio 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 Ohio Street Beach (Chicago) dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on Chicago beaches.
Is there an entry fee at Ohio Street Beach (Chicago)?
Entry to Ohio Street Beach (Chicago) is free.
Are there lifeguards at Ohio Street Beach (Chicago)?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Ohio 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 Ohio Street Beach (Chicago)?
Amenities at Ohio Street Beach (Chicago) include lifeguards (seasonal), restrooms, lockers/changing, restaurant (Caffe Oliva), kayak/SUP rentals, umbrella/chair rentals, accessible beach walk.
When is the water warmest at Ohio 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 Ohio Street Beach (Chicago) located?
Ohio Street Beach (Chicago) is in Cook County, IL, at 600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS