Can you swim at Traverse City 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. Traverse City 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 Traverse City 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 Traverse City Beach in December?

Traverse City Beach averages 19.0°C in December, based on long-run climatology for the Lake Michigan.

Is the sea warm enough to swim at Traverse City Beach in December?

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

Do I need a wetsuit at Traverse City Beach in December?

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