Weather

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Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant website with weather information.
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant website with weather information.

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

Current Data from Michigan City Buoy by Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. Data is updated every ten minutes and includes water temperature, air temperature, wind speeds, wind gusts, wave height, wave period, web cams and more!

Check buoy reporting information.
 

Air Quality

Air quality conditions are actively monitored and updated using an official scale called the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is the Environmental Protection Agency's method of rating how safe air is to breath based on ozone and particle pollution. To check current AQI ratings of a specific location, visit AirNow.

 

Local Weather Conditions

Indiana Dunes National Park's weather is greatly affected by Lake Michigan and can change quickly. Summers are warm and humid with high temperatures generally in the mid-80ºF's (30ºC) and low temperatures in the mid-60ºF's (18ºC). There are about 15 days per year above 90ºF (32ºC). Warm periods are occasionally interrupted by frontal action descending from Canada. This generally brings days of pleasant, dry weather. Sunshine is abundant in summer.

Highs in winter are usually in the low to mid 30sºF (0
ºC) with low temperatures in the low 20sºF (-5ºC). There are about 15 days per year below 0ºF (-18ºC). Winters tend to be cloudy except for periods of extreme cold when skies are clear.

For a local weather forecast, choose an Internet weather provider and use the following zip codes for the appropriate section of the park. Links to the National Weather Service are provided.

  • Michigan City 46360 - Mount Baldy trails, Central Avenue Beach, Heron Rookery trails, Pinhook Bog trails.
  • Beverly Shores 46301 - Dunewood Campground, Lake View Beach, Kemil Beach, Dunbar Beach, Glenwood Dunes trails , Dune Ridge trails, Great Marsh trails.
  • Chesterton 46304 - Visitor Center, Chellberg Farm, Bailly Homestead, Porter Beach, Cowles Bog trails.
  • Portage 46368 - West Beach trails, Tolleston Dunes trails, Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk.
  • Gary 46403 - Paul H. Douglas Center, Paul H. Douglas trails (Miller Woods), Tolleston Dunes trails.
  • Hobart 46342 - Hobart Prairie Grove trails.
 
 
Rip Tides Poster

Rip Currents

Be on the lookout this summer for rip currents on Lake Michigan.

Before your next visit to the beach, learn how to spot a rip current and what to do if you get caught in one. Always check the local beach forecast for any warnings, and exercise caution.

If Caught in a Rip Current

  • Don't fight the current
  • Swim out of the current, then to shore
  • If you can't escape, float or tread water
  • If you need help, call or wave for assistance

Rip Current Safety

  • Know how to swim
  • Never swim alone
  • If in doubt, don't go out

More information about rip currents can be found at the following websites: www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov and www.usla.org.

 
The Dangers of Shelf Ice
The Dangers of Shelf Ice

Stay off the shelf ice! Despite its unusual beauty, don't risk your life. Enjoy the view of the shelf ice—from a distance!

Last updated: August 27, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1100 North Mineral Springs Road
Porter, IN 46304

Phone:

219 395-1882
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center phone number.

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