Can you swim at Oak Street Beach in January? — 18.0°C water

Yes, but expect a fresh dip
Average sea · January
18.0°C
Live water now
Recommended wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
mild

It depends. Oak Street Beach sits around 18.0°C in January; confident swimmers will be fine, casual bathers may prefer short sessions.

Monthly averages set expectations, but the specific beach today depends on wind, swell and recent weather. Check the live value at the top of this page or open the Oak Street Beach live page for full conditions.

Best months to swim
May · June · July · August · September · October · November

Frequently asked questions

What is the average sea temperature at Oak Street Beach in January?

Oak Street Beach averages 18.0°C in January, based on long-run climatology for the Lake Michigan.

Is the sea warm enough to swim at Oak Street Beach in January?

It is swimmable but fresh; confident swimmers will be fine without a wetsuit.

Do I need a wetsuit at Oak Street Beach in January?

A 2 mm shorty is comfortable for sessions over 30 minutes.