Based on average water temperature observations over the past ten years, the warmest water temperature in Lake Michigan in July was 74.3F (in Green Bay), and the coldest 63.3F (in Kewaunee). Fish can be found in the deep cold waters of Lake Michigan in summer. [12], Some of the most studied early human inhabitants of the Lake Michigan region were the Hopewell Native Americans. There is a concern that the record-setting Great Lakes water temps could lead to the growth of cyanobacteria; specifically with high Saginaw Bay water temps. [Frankfort] [43], Like all of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is today used as a major mode of transport for bulk goods. Monthly Lake Michigan water temperature chart. This makes for pleasant swimming but curbs its temperature moderation along the shore. Parts of the shoreline are within the Hiawatha National Forest and the Manistee National Forest. Steelhead run begins after the salmon run. To find out the sea temperature today and in the coming days, go to Current sea temperature in Lake Michigan Lake Michigan surface temperature in July [24], Hydrologically Michigan and Huron are the same body of water (sometimes called Lake Michigan-Huron) but are normally considered distinct. Here weve plotted the entire dataset for interactive exploration. Great Lakes Basin (U.S.) Precipitation Trends, Photos of Whiting, IN from Jerry Robert Smith on Nov 11, 2019, Two right photos of Chicago, IL from Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Nov 30, 2019. Near South Shore Drive in Chicago, IL on Jan 11. The graph below shows the range of monthly water temperatures over several years. "Mackinac Bridge History, Facts and Figures", Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, "The World's 25 Largest Lakes, Side by Side", "Superior Watershed Partnership Projects", "Variations in Sediment Accumulation Rates and the Flux of Labile Organic Matter in Eastern Lake Superior Basins", "Possible mastodon carving found on rock", "Rock brings history to surface (pictures)", "Lake Michigan is warming. Local anglers can catch a variety of fish species in the lake during the fall months. The map shows Lake Michigan temperature water in some coastal cities in real time, To find out what the water temperature was in Lake Michigan any day over a period of the last ten years, select the month, If you want to plan a vacation on the beach and enjoy the warm sea, choose the day of the year, region and the minimum comfortable sea/ocean temperature that interests you. The warmest water temperature in Lake Michigan today is 37.4F (Benton Harbor), and the coldest temperature is 32.4F (Sturgeon Bay). Minimum water temperature (34F) in Lake Michigan it happens in March, maximum (73F) in July. One of the stones is said to have a carving resembling a mastodon. Lake Michigan water temperatures in spring vary from 44F to 69F. Since then, I've lived across the country and have continued learning about fishing. Discover the best time of day to catch bass, trout, catfish, panfish, walleye, carp, and many more depending on the season, moon phases, and weather. The water heats up in the afternoon during cold months. Beach Hazards Awareness * Fact - Actual value of water temperature, feels like 23F, Clouds (overcast clouds: 85-100%), feels like 22F, Clouds (overcast clouds: 85-100%), feels like 22F, Clouds (scattered clouds: 25-50%), feels like 23F, Clouds (scattered clouds: 25-50%), feels like 24F, Clouds (scattered clouds: 25-50%), feels like 27F, Clouds (scattered clouds: 25-50%), feels like 33F, Clouds (overcast clouds: 85-100%), feels like 34F, Clouds (overcast clouds: 85-100%), feels like 35F, Clouds (overcast clouds: 85-100%), feels like 26F, Clouds (broken clouds: 51-84%), feels like 24F, Clouds (broken clouds: 51-84%), feels like 27F, Clouds (overcast clouds: 85-100%), feels like 31F, Clouds (broken clouds: 51-84%), feels like 27F, Clouds (broken clouds: 51-84%), feels like 29F, Clouds (overcast clouds: 85-100%), feels like 24F, Clouds (overcast clouds: 85-100%), The warmest water today in United States recorded. Knowing the best and worst conditions can have an outsized impact on how many bass you will catch. [30] The monthly average high-water records were broken for several months in a row in 2020. Current water temperature in Grand Traverse Bay. The graph below shows the range of monthly Lake Michigan water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data. The fish will bite well during warm days. Steel mills and refineries operate near the Indiana shoreline. The word "Michigan" is believed to come from the Ojibwe word [11] (michi-gami or mishigami) meaning "great water". All that warm water is potential energy for precipitation production. Average water temperature in the first decade is 69F, in the middle of the month - 66F, and at the end - 63F. [Manistee] Several ferries currently operate on the Great Lakes to carry passengers to various islands, including Beaver Island and Bois Blanc Island (Michigan). If you have interesting photos of this place, you can upload them here. Cities on the shores of Lake Michigan include: The National Park Service maintains the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park. Earths lakes are warming at a feverish pace, with the Great Lakes leading the way Its looking more and more like the Great Lakes water temps are experiencing setting new records due to the effects of higher temperatures in the region. Can you swim in Lake Michigan in summer? Average monthly sea temperatures in Lake Michigan . 52.5, 11.4], series: { In early summer, its possible to fish for steelhead at any time of the day. You can travel to the Lake Michigan area by plane, train, car or boat. National Weather Service [13] In the earliest European maps of the region, the name of Lake Illinois has been found in addition to that of "Michigan", named for the Illinois Confederation of tribes. The most recent period with similar lake levels was1986-1987. Climate Plots, Education The warmest water temperature is in August with an average around 70.5F / 21.4C. Its more comfortable to fish during the morning hours in summer because anglers can avoid heat. [Central Region] Accessed: 4/12/2022. During the summer, water warms and stratifies, or separates into layers warmer, lighter water on top, and colder, heavier water on the bottom. This was, in order of volume: iron ore, grain and potash. As a result of improvements to the Welland Canal in 1918, an invasion of sea lampreys and overharvesting, there has been a decline in native lake trout populations, ultimately causing an increase in the population of another invasive species, the alewife. Yellow perch goes to warmer waters in winter. the shaded band shows the range of monthly average water levels, and the line in the middle shows the 0.4], Heat Safety. In recent years, at the beginning of the month, the temperature value here is at around 71F, and by the end of the month the water warms up to 61F. [32] Since then water levels rebounded, rising more than 6 feet (1.8 metres) to historical record high levels.[34][31]. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of cookies. The 30-year, deep-water temperature dataset overlaying this photo (the "heartbeat of Lake Michigan") reveals a hidden story about how the lake's deep waters are responding to climate change. Lake Superior's long-term average surface water temperature is around 46 degrees now, but the lake is. Fishing on the lake is very productive as well. [Leland] For more inland areas such as marinas, protected harbors, and the lower reaches of some rivers, the average lake level plus storm surge is important. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Lake Erie, please check out this helpful article. 32.7, Chicago, IL on Jan 11. The nearest airport is located in a 75 kilometers. They sought refuge west and north of Lake Michigan. The hottest month of the year in Lake Michigan Beach is July, with an average high of 80F and low of 63F. [31], Lake levels tend to be the lowest in winter. Since then, he has authored a vast range of content and established a loyal base of 75,000 visitors per month. [41] Michigan's commercial fishery today consists mainly of 150 tribe-licensed commercial fishing operations through the Chippewa-Ottawa Resource Authority and tribes belonging to the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, which harvest 50 percent of the Great Lakes commercial catch in Michigan waters, and 45 state-licensed commercial fishing enterprises. Lake Michigan water temperatures in spring vary from 32F to 54F. A lot of anglers choose to fish in the lake in the morning during the summer months. [Holland/Saugatuck] Average water temperature in the first decade is 68F, in the middle of the month - 70F, and at the end - 71F. At the start of the year, only 3% of the Great Lakes were covered in . 34.2, Area temps along the Lake Huron shore can typically be around 10 degrees cooler than inland. With clear water, sunlight manages to penetrate the depths and grow the algae at the bottom of the lake. 4: { color: '#FFCC66', targetAxisIndex:1, lineWidth: 0 }, Even minor events on the lake may cause flooding of low-lying areas near the lake such as beaches . The best time of a day to fish for steelhead in Lake Michigan in December is between morning and afternoon. Max: 4.2C / 39.6F Avg: 2.7C / 36.9F A lot of steelhead can be found in the rivers around the lake. The coldest month is February with an average water temperature of 36.9F / 2.7C. Lowest - in Kotzebue, there water temperature now 28F. Water temperature in Lake Michigan (United States) in June Notice that temperatures follow a seasonal pattern that repeats yearly. var chart_waterF = document.getElementById('chart_waterF'); The Manistee National Forest section of the shoreline includes the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness. 4.2, Want to Know the Best Time of Day to Fish? For a complete breakdown of the quality of fishing in Lake Michigan, check out this article. 2023 Copyright Freshwater Fishing Advice, link to Best Water Temperatures for Perch Fishing (Complete Guide), link to Seasonal Guide: Best Times to Catch Big Bass. Lake Michigan water temperature in June Environmental problems can still plague the lake. In general, this water temperature is unacceptable for swimming. Salmon fishing is excellent in July. Water temperature in Lake Michigan (United States) in September Its possible to catch salmon species in the waters of Lake Michigan. Also, water cools down in the afternoon during hot months. Global Land One-kilometer Base Elevation (GLOBE) v.1. Once you arrive here, you will find that there is no shortage of activities or entertainment. Student Opportunities Current weather. You can find out detailed data on how the water temperature in Lake Michigan changes in each specific month: The warmest water today in United States recorded in Cutler, its value is 79F. 53.1, [10] It is shared, from west to east, by the U.S. states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Water Temperatures Lake Michigan Rising Last 30 years - AccuWeather Counted together, it is the largest body of fresh water in the world by surface area. Significant events (such as January 11, 2020) now have the potential to flood roadways and structures near the shore that are typically not at risk. It would be better to plan Lake Michigan fishing adventures for March April. , This experimental product is still in development, Lake Michigan Regions St. Clair. 68.4, Average annual water temperature on the coast in Lake Michigan is 48F, by the seasons: in winter 38F, in spring 38F, in summer 62F, in autumn 54F. 70.3, During this twelve-month period, water levels ranged from 1.38to 0.71 feet (4222cm) below Chart Datum. ', 'AVG', 'Min.' The total amount of shipping on the lakes has been on a downward trend for several years. The best time of the day to go fishing on Lake Michigan in spring is between early morning and midday. You may have heard #LakeMichigan is warmer than usual for this . Fishing is productive in the late spring and during the summer months. 78.6, Data Download - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fish go to the shallow waters of Lake Michigan and rivers in the fall. Anglers usually choose to enjoy ice fishing in the lakes harbors and ports. "Where to Find Petoskey Stones in Michigan." 58.8, 0.3], September: Its possible to catch a trophy Chinook salmon in September. Drought Monitor, Past Weather August is the month with the highest water temperature at 77.9F / 25.5C. Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, website, https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/glcfs/. Time of day and wind direction may have a temporary local effect as can water flows from neraby rivers. Information Quality Since then, I've lived across the country and have really taken that passion for fishing to a new level. Great Lakes passenger steamers have been operating since the mid-19th century. 50.2, A lot of fish can be found in the Muskegon River. Photos will be available to all users after verification by the moderator. Average monthly sea temperatures in Lake Michigan Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec C: 3.4: 2.7: 2.7: 3.4: 4.7: 11.3: 19.6: 21.4: 19.3: [30] The all-time low-water mark was eclipsed in January 2013. Lake Michigan's average water temperature reached 75.1 degrees on July 8, nearly 11 degrees above normal, and the warmest mark on record so early in the year. Where there are no beaches or marinas, stone or concrete revetments protect the shoreline from erosion. ['October', With an average temperature of roughly 59F, Lake Superior is at an all-time high for this time of year. [St.Joseph] The Mackinac Bridge is generally considered the dividing line between them. 11.2, The formation needed more study before it could be authenticated. Please try another search. Fish gets active in the spring and early summer. [Muskegon/Grand Haven] Despite their vast size, large sections of the Great Lakes freeze in winter, interrupting most shipping. Klump reached the bottom via submersible as part of a research expedition. Salmon can be found in large schools this month. Anglers spend a whole day on fishing and have a good chance to catch a trophy. 7, This is Lawrence J Timmerman (MWC) airport. 40.5: 52.3: 67.3: 70.5: 66.7: 54.7: 46.6: 40.3: Monthly average max / min water temperatures. Our report for Great Lakes is compiled using satellite data together with in-situ observations to get the most reliable daily data of sea surface temperatures, surf forecasts, current temperatures and weather forecasts. Surface data comes from NDBC buoy 45007. Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers, Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The coldest month is February with an average water temperature of 36.9F / 2.7C. Pleasure boats can enter or exit the Great Lakes by way of the Erie Canal and Hudson River in New York. Current water temperature in Michigan Minimum water temperature (34F) in Lake Michigan it happens in March, maximum (73F) in July. In the late 1960s, successful stocking programs for Pacific salmon led to the development of Lake Michigan's charter fishing industry. Contact Us. Fish starts feeding actively at the beginning of the month. Lake Michigan beaches in Northern Michigan are the only place in the world, aside from a few inland lakes in that region, where Petoskey stones, the Michigan state stone, can be found.[39]. Study: Depths Of Lake Michigan Are Getting Warmer - NY State of Politics var options = { Michigans Water temperatures in all five Great Lakes have been hovering at record-high fall levels since October, roughly five to six degrees above average. [24], The sand dunes located on the east shore of Lake Michigan are the largest freshwater dune system in the world. Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan is the best in spring and the early fall. google.visualization.events.addListener(chart, 'ready', function () {chart_waterF.innerHTML= '';}); Several lakes appear to be warming faster than. Anglers can fish for brown trout and lake trout as well as Coho salmon and Chinook salmon in May. There is a forecast of water temperature changes for the next few days, as well as historical data of sea surface temperature are available for all days of the last years. var data = google.visualization.arrayToDataTable([ Sharma co-authored a startling article entitled Forecasting the Permanent Loss of Lake Ice in the Northern Hemisphere Within the 21st Century. March: Steelhead spawning run starts in March. NOTE: During winter months, stage and discharge may be significantly affected by backwater from ice, resulting in incorrect discharge data. June is a good time to target coho salmon as well as rainbow trout. On the other hand if you are an adrenalin junky, then go ahead and try out the swimming, hiking and horse back riding activities. If you do make sure you are wearing a top end drysuit and all the accessories. Fire The lakes were 29in (0.74m) below their long-term average and had declined 17 inches since January 2012. ['March', Great Lakes water levels are based upon a combination of multiple factors, including precipitation, evaporation, river flow into the lakes, river flow out of the lakes, and other diversions. Water temperature in Lake Michigan in August Lake Michigan average November sea temperature [Michigan City] October: A lot of salmon can be found in the Muskegon River between the middle of October. The normal low-water mark is 1.00 foot (30cm) below datum (577.5 ft or 176.0 m). USGS Current Water Data for Michigan. Get Five Decades Of Great Lakes Ice Cover Data. Below are the cities and resorts in Lake Michigan with the values of water temperature today and yesterday. As air temperatures trend upward, global lake surface water temperatures (LSWT) have warmed by an average of 0.21 C/decade 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Lighthouse Place Outlet Shopping Mall, Blue Chip Hotel, Blue Chip Casino, Michigan City Marina, Michigan City East Pierhead Light, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Monkey Island, Australian Aviary, Alligators, Petting Yard, Hawks, Otters, Cougars, Bears, Wolves, Bengal tiger, Lions, Fallow deer, Zebras, Australian Walk About: Wallaby and Emu, Bald eagles, Bobcats, Upper Aviary, Tortoise, Raptors. Every fall, the lake experiences a turnover a mixing of the layers that results in similar temperatures throughout. 65.7, . Lake Michigan is one of the largest lakes in North America and is home to some of the best trout and salmon fishing in the country. Air temperatures in Michigan vary from 58F to 82F during the summer months. air temperature is around 72.5F / 22.5C, August is the month with the highest temperature. The weather forecast is shown in local time in Lake Michigan. 11.7, Photo courtesy of Matt Zuro. The normal high-water mark is 2.00 feet (0.61m) above datum (577.5ft (176.0m)). Based on average water temperature observations over the past ten years, the warmest water temperature in Lake Michigan in July was 74.3F (in Green Bay), and the coldest 63.3F (in Kewaunee). Winter is a great time to experience ice fishing on Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan is connected by the Illinois Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico via the Illinois River and the Mississippi River. However, many fish species dont bite well during midday hours in summer. January: Steelhead is preparing for spawning season after the fall run in January. Photos will be available to all users after verification by the moderator. It makes sense to fish in Muskegon Lake port. I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really loved fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. [40] Many seasonal residents have summer homes along the waterfront and return to other homes for the winter. 39.4, Study: Depths Of Lake Michigan Are Getting Warmer. El Nino Large dune formations can be seen in many state parks, national forests and national parks along the Indiana and Michigan shoreline. . Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. 2.4, ], However, anglers cant spend too much time fishing if they choose to start their adventures in the afternoon. Fishing for rainbow trout is always exciting. Lake Michigan Sea Temperature | October Average | United States Average annual water temperature on the coast in Lake Michigan is 48F, by the seasons: in winter 38F, in spring 38F, in summer 62F, in autumn 54F. Subsurface data is collected on an hourly basis (before 1995 it was every three hours) and is shown here as monthly averages. June is the month with the lowest precipitation of 0in / 0mm and January with the maximum precipitation in a year with 1.8in / 45.6mm. Multiple locations were found. National Briefing WATERTEMPERATURE.NET - Wordwide Water Temperatures. It started in 2009 as a fun-loving site covering Michigan's Upper Thumb. Salmon fishing is very productive between late morning and afternoon hours. The lakes were frozen 11 days later and thawed seven days sooner. [36], Lake Michigan has many beaches. Statistics - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration A warmer lake could also potentially lead to a longer lake effect snow season, as it will take longer for the lake to cool off to freezing temps and begin to create ice cover.. A lot of Chinook and Coho salmons can be found in the lake. The bar chart below shows the average monthly sea temperatures at Lake Michigan over the year. Summer is the best season for trophy-class salmon. Water temperature range in Lake Michigan in March is from 28 to 42 degrees. October was the hottest on record in a number of areas. 4.1], [14] During the 1640s and 1650s, the Beaver Wars over the fur trade with the European colonies, initiated by the Iroquois, forced a massive demographic shift as their western neighbors fled the violence.