78°
Sunny
0%
85
Cook County, IL · Great Lakes
North Avenue Beach (Chicago)
1600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Chicago's flagship beach — a half-mile of sand just south of Lincoln Park, the ocean-liner-shaped beach house with a rooftop restaurant, and the city's most active beach volleyball scene. Sand stays warm; lake water in July hits the low 70s. The Lakefront Trail runs along it.
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. Northwest wind 0 to 10 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
82°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Water Quality
Clean
30 CCE/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:25 AM
Sunset
9:25 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
82°
Sunny
0%
86
87°
Sunny
0%
84
86°
Sunny
2%
83
85°
Sunny
7%
83
85°
Mostly Sunny
13%
77
86°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
25%
45
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
Paid lot at North Ave & Inner Lake Shore Dr; CTA Bus 151 stops at Stockton & North Ave.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
1600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at North Avenue Beach (Chicago) today?
North Avenue 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 North Avenue Beach (Chicago) dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited.
Is there an entry fee at North Avenue Beach (Chicago)?
Entry to North Avenue Beach (Chicago) is free.
Are there lifeguards at North Avenue Beach (Chicago)?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol North Avenue 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 North Avenue Beach (Chicago)?
Amenities at North Avenue Beach (Chicago) include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, restaurant, volleyball, bike path, kayak rentals.
When is the water warmest at North Avenue 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 North Avenue Beach (Chicago) located?
North Avenue Beach (Chicago) is in Cook County, IL, at 1600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS