North Avenue Beach Conditions Today
Live water temperature, waves, and UV for North Avenue Beach, Illinois
Updated 6:03 AM CDT
Current conditions
Best time to go today
Morning now
6 AM – 11 AM
93/100
- 67°F, wind 4 mph
- Moderate UV (4)
- Clear skies
Midday
11 AM – 3 PM
95/100
- 78°F, wind 9 mph
- Clear skies
- ⚠ UV reaches 6 — high
Afternoon
3 PM – 7 PM
98/100
- 80°F, wind 9 mph
- Clear skies
- Golden hour before sunset
Best for
Swim risk
NWS LOT Surf Zone Forecast, issued 2026-08-28. Always follow lifeguard instructions and posted flags.
Tides
North Avenue Beach is on Lake Michigan, and the Great Lakes are non-tidal — the true astronomical tide is under two inches. Water level here moves with wind and barometric pressure (seiches), not a tide table. Why the Great Lakes have no tides
About North Avenue Beach
North Avenue Beach sits on Lake Michigan, where the water runs from about 36°F in January to 74°F in August.
The water averages above 70°F in July, August and September — 3 months of the year — peaking around 74°F in August and dropping to about 36°F in January.
Today it is 74°F. That is right on the August average of 74°F for this beach.
Frequently asked questions
Is today a good beach day at North Avenue Beach?
We score today 98 out of 100 — great. The best window is afternoon (3 PM – 7 PM).
How warm is the water at North Avenue Beach?
About 74°F. That is right on the August average of 74°F for this beach.
Is it safe to swim at North Avenue Beach today?
The National Weather Service rates the swim risk at North Avenue Beach as low for today. Low risk is not no risk: rip currents still form near groins, jetties and piers.