Can you swim at Sleeping Bear Beach in December? — 19.0°C water
Yes, but expect a fresh dip
Average sea · December
19.0°C
Live water now
…
Recommended wetsuit
Shorty 2mm
mild
It depends. Sleeping Bear Beach sits around 19.0°C in December; 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 Sleeping Bear 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 Sleeping Bear Beach in December?
Sleeping Bear Beach averages 19.0°C in December, based on long-run climatology for the Lake Michigan.
Is the sea warm enough to swim at Sleeping Bear Beach in December?
It is swimmable but fresh; confident swimmers will be fine without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit at Sleeping Bear Beach in December?
A 2 mm shorty is comfortable for sessions over 30 minutes.
