Photo by Craig Sterken

Ludington Weather & Water Temperatures

Ludington Weather Conditions

West Michigan weather – they say if you don’t like the weather in Ludington, wait a few minutes and it will change.

Along the Lake Michigan shoreline our weather patterns can hardly be called patterns. The Great Lakes have a tendency to create their own weather in their own way. That keeps the local forecasters on their toes. What’s forecasted isn’t what always happens. Weather that happens in Wisconsin doesn’t always make it across Lake Michigan, fronts in Canada that should miss us sometimes come barreling down, and sometimes “squalls” develop over the lakes from clear blue skies.

Visit forecast.weather.gov to get the most updated weather information for Ludington from the National Weather Service.

Sunset Side Concessions

Lake Michigan Water Conditions

We residents of Ludington are blessed to have one of the Great Lakes right in our backyard. Lake Michigan is a vast, fresh water lake that is a haven for swimmers, boaters, and fishermen. The S.S. Badger carferry crosses Lake Michigan every day during the summer as a shortcut to Wisconsin. Though not as warm as the oceans, temperatures of Lake Michigan do rise to the high 60’s in July and August to make swimming enjoyable, and definitely refreshing! Rarely do temperatures make it to the 70’s, unless air temperatures stay up in the 90’s for many continuous days.

Our beaches in Ludington are some of the nicest and cleanest you’ll find anywhere. You can choose whether or not to join the crowds at the highly populated spots or find a private beach that’s less busy. Sunning, swimming, or building that special sand castle- Ludington’s beaches offer it all!

Visit coastwatch.msu.edu to get daily temperature readings of Lake Michigan in Ludington and for current swimming safety conditions, go to forecast.weather.gov. 

Snyder's Shoreline Inn
Blue Spruce

Warmer Inland Lakes in West Michigan

If you find the water temperature of the “unsalted inland sea” is cooler than you prefer, no worries. When Lake Michigan is too chilly for your taste, head to the warmer inland waters of Hamlin Lake, Silver Lake, and many other inland lakes in Mason, Manistee, and Oceana Counties. Since these lakes are smaller and more protected by the surrounding land, they tend to warm more quickly than Lake Michigan.

More Environmental Information

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    • More Activities & Attractions in Ludington...

    Ludington’s Great Outdoors

    Ludington has miles of beautiful beaches, the Ludington State Park, and all the activities that take place in Mother Nature’s playground.

    Murals of Ludington

    Within the downtown Ludington region, several murals grace the façades of local area businesses, telling stories of the area’s rich history.

    Cool Things to Do

    Check out our picks for the top 50 coolest things to do in Ludington, Michigan, along the shores of Lake Michigan.

    Ludington Art Scene

    Ludington is alive with an array of artistic events that take place throughout the year. There’s music, photography, art galleries, and more.

    Ludington Skate Plaza

    The Ludington Skate Plaza is a popular spot for kids with skateboards or in-line skates, and also draws spectators to Stearns Park.

    Mason County District Libraries

    In addition to thousands of book titles, the Mason County District Library’s Ludington and Scottville branches provide many free programs.

    Ludington Has Two Lighthouses!

    Ludington visitors flock to the area to view our two majestic lighthouses, the North Breakwater Light and Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

    Discover more of Ludington's "Great Outdoors"