Swimming at South Haven Beach today
South Haven, Michigan
Updated 4:00 AM EDT
What decides a swimming score
Before you swim
At 61°F the water is cold enough that unprotected swimmers risk cold-water shock.
Swim near a staffed lifeguard tower, and check the National Weather Service surf-zone forecast for the official rip-current outlook — we report conditions, we don't forecast rip currents.
Better nearby for swimming
South Haven Beach is also scored for
About South Haven Beach
South Haven Beach sits on Lake Michigan, where the water runs from about 37°F in February to 73°F in July.
The water averages above 70°F in July and August — 2 months of the year — peaking around 73°F in July and dropping to about 37°F in February.
Today it is 61°F. That is 1° below the October average of 62°F here.
Frequently asked questions
Is South Haven Beach good for swimming today?
Swimmable, with care — we score it 64 out of 100 today. The limiting factor is water temperature at 61°F.
What makes a good swimming day?
We weight water temperature (40%), surf calmness (25%), uv exposure (15%) and combine them into one score. Conditions we cannot read are left out rather than guessed.
When is the best time of year to swim at South Haven Beach?
The water averages above 70°F in July and August — 2 months of the year — peaking around 73°F in July and dropping to about 37°F in February.