78°
Sunny
0%
85
Cook County, IL · Great Lakes
31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach)
3100 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60616
A wide South Side beach in Bronzeville, renamed Margaret T. Burroughs Beach in 2015 for the African-American artist and historian who co-founded the DuSable Museum.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
78°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Sunny, with a high near 78. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 69. North wind 0 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 78°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
84 /100
great
82 Sunbathe
87 Walk
72 Fish
82 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
78°F
Clear
Wind
5 to 10 mph
NE
Rain
0%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
82°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Water Quality
Above threshold
132 CCE/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:26 AM
Sunset
9:25 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
82°
Sunny
0%
86
88°
Sunny
0%
83
87°
Sunny
2%
82
88°
Sunny
8%
80
89°
Mostly Sunny
14%
76
89°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
24%
42
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Major
10:40 PM - 12:40 AM
Minor
3:40 AM - 4:40 AM
Major
11:20 AM - 1:20 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Paid harbor lot; free street parking on 31st St west of LSD.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on Chicago beaches.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
3100 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60616
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) today?
31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) 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 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on Chicago beaches.
Is there an entry fee at 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach)?
Entry to 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) is free.
Are there lifeguards at 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach)?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach)?
Amenities at 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) include lifeguards (seasonal), restrooms, showers, concession, fishing docks, harbor, playground, bike path.
When is the water warmest at 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach)?
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 31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) located?
31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) is in Cook County, IL, at 3100 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60616.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS