Chicago Breaks Surf Break
Lat Long: 41.76° N 87.56° W

Chicago Breaks Sea Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Weather Forecast for Chicago Breaks

Issued: 6 pm 08 Jun 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's Chicago Breaks sea temperature is
16.9° C

5.6°C warmer than normal for this time of year

Chicago Breaks surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.

Today's Chicago Breaks sea temperature is 16.9 °C

(5.6°C warmer than normal for this time of year)

Mean: 11.3 °C
Range: 8.5 °C to 14.8 °C
Statistics for 08 Jun (1981–2005)

    Today, many surfers would wear a spring wetsuit.

    Don't be deceived by the very warm air temperatures as the water temperature at Chicago Breaks will be much cooler (16 °C). Most surfers would wear a good quality spring wetsuit. Cloudy, but feeling very pleasant out of the water.

    United States Sea Water Temperature

    Map of current United States
    Surface Water Temperatures

    (based on measurements from oceanographic satellites)
    United States Water Temperature Anomaly

    Map of current United States
    Sea Water Temperature Anomalies

    (compared with long term averages
    at this time of year)

    click thumbnails to expand

    Below is a graph of Historical Sea Surface Temperature for Chicago Breaks. This has been derived from analysis of two decades of oceanographic satellite measurements of nearby open water. We have calculated the average water temperature variation around the year as well as the extremes that have been observed on each date.

    Chicago Breaks Water Temperature Graph

    All of the graphs for the surf breaks presented on Surf-Forecast.com are on the same scale to enable comparison between locations around the world.

    Chicago Breaks water temperatures peak in the range 20 to 24°C (68 to 75°F) on around the 10th of August and are at their minimum on about the 1st of March, in the range 4 to 5°C (39 to 41°F). Chicago Breaks water temperatures are warmest in early to mid August. Surfers should use a 2mm long sleeve shorty or a 3/2mm spring wetsuit if the wind is up. The minimum water temperatures at Chicago Breaks mean that you will need a flexible 6/5/4mm wetsuit or a well fitting 5/4mm wetsuit with gloves and 5mm neoprene booties and a hood to surf here at the beginning of March.

    Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Chicago Breaks can vary by several degrees compared with these open water averages. This is especially true after heavy rain, close to river mouths or after long periods of strong offshore winds. Offshore winds cause colder deep water to replace surface water that has been warmed by the sun. Air temperature, wind-chill and sunshine should also be considered before deciding on the kind of wetsuit needed to stay warm when surfing at Chicago Breaks. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.

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