January is a popular month to ask about Sleeping Bear Dunes because conditions can shift week to week along this coast. Expect the water near 18.0°C, with daily variation from wind, tides and recent storms. We refresh the live value from Open-Meteo Marine every hour, so the headline above always reflects the current state of the Lake Michigan.
Sleeping Bear Dunes sea temperature in January — averages 18.0°C
The sea at Sleeping Bear Dunes in United States averages 18.0°C during January, based on long-run climatology for the Lake Michigan. Use the live reading below for today's actual water and the monthly grid to compare with the rest of the year.
Average sea · January
18.0°C
mild · Good
Live water now
…
Recommended wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
At 18.0°C a 3/2mm fullsuit is the standard wetsuit for surfing and watersports.
Monthly comparison
Yes, but expect a fresh dip · Sleeping Bear Dunes
Can you swim at Sleeping Bear Dunes in June? — 26.0°C water26.0°CCan you swim at Sleeping Bear Dunes in July? — 28.0°C water28.0°CCan you swim at Sleeping Bear Dunes in August? — 28.0°C water28.0°CCan you swim at Sleeping Bear Dunes in September? — 27.0°C water27.0°CCan you swim at Sleeping Bear Dunes in October? — 25.0°C water25.0°CCan you swim at Sleeping Bear Dunes in November? — 22.0°C water22.0°C
Frequently asked questions
What is the average sea temperature at Sleeping Bear Dunes in January?
Sleeping Bear Dunes averages 18.0°C in January, based on long-run climatology for the Lake Michigan.
Is the sea warm enough to swim at Sleeping Bear Dunes in January?
It is swimmable but fresh; confident swimmers will be fine without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit at Sleeping Bear Dunes in January?
A 2 mm shorty is comfortable for sessions over 30 minutes.