78°
Cloudy
3%
77
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
Ideal for photography.
78°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Cloudy, with a high near 78. West southwest wind around 10 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 78°F air — ideal beach weather
- Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too
77 /100
great
73 Sunbathe
81 Walk
86 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
78°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
10 mph
WSW
Rain
3%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
5 Moderate
Peaks 02 PM · burn in ~40m
Burn-free before 12 PM & after 03 PM
Tomorrow
74°F
Mostly Cloudy
Water
Water Temp
—
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:24 AM
Sunset
7:11 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
74°
Mostly Cloudy
2%
76
76°
Sunny
0%
84
82°
Mostly Sunny
13%
81
76°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
15%
79
85°
Chance Rain Showers
32%
59
78°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
47%
33
What to Bring Today
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
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