51°
Mostly Sunny
0%
53
Cook County, IL · Great Lakes
Montrose Beach (Chicago)
4400 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60640
Chicago's largest beach — a wide arc of sand at the south end of Lincoln Park's Montrose Point. The Montrose Dog Beach is one of the few off-leash beaches in any major US city. Bird sanctuary on the point itself (a top Midwest birding spot during migration).
Today's Conditions
Decent day for photography.
51°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Mostly sunny. High near 51, with temperatures falling to around 49 in the afternoon. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 42. West southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
Weather
- 51°F air — too cold to enjoy the beach
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
53 /100
ok
42 Sunbathe
66 Walk
68 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
51°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
5 to 10 mph
W
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
23 Good
PM2.5 (fine particles) · Chicago
UV Peak
2 Low
Peaks 10 AM · burn in ~100m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 11 AM
Tomorrow
59°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:30 AM
Sunset
4:38 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
59°
Mostly Sunny
0%
58
58°
Mostly Sunny
0%
60
61°
Sunny
0%
66
57°
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain
19%
52
51°
Chance Rain
53%
12
48°
Chance Rain
38%
22
What to Bring Today
- recommended Layers / windbreaker Only 51°F outside
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Free lot at Montrose Harbor and along Wilson Drive.
Dogs
Montrose Dog Beach is Chicago's only legal off-leash lakefront beach (fenced). DFA tag required ($5/year via Chicago Park District).
Entry Fee
Free
Address
4400 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60640
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Montrose Beach (Chicago) today?
Montrose 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 Montrose Beach (Chicago) dog-friendly?
Montrose Dog Beach is Chicago's only legal off-leash lakefront beach (fenced). DFA tag required ($5/year via Chicago Park District).
Is there an entry fee at Montrose Beach (Chicago)?
Entry to Montrose Beach (Chicago) is free.
Are there lifeguards at Montrose Beach (Chicago)?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Montrose 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 Montrose Beach (Chicago)?
Amenities at Montrose Beach (Chicago) include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, concession, bike path, dog beach, bird sanctuary.
When is the water warmest at Montrose 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 Montrose Beach (Chicago) located?
Montrose Beach (Chicago) is in Cook County, IL, at 4400 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60640.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS