78°
Sunny
0%
85
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 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. West northwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
Weather
- 78°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
84 /100
great
82 Sunbathe
87 Walk
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
83°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Water Quality
Clean
30 CCE/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:25 AM
Sunset
9:26 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
83°
Sunny
0%
86
87°
Sunny
0%
84
86°
Sunny
2%
83
87°
Sunny
7%
81
87°
Mostly Sunny
14%
79
88°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
25%
43
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).
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