About This Spot
Lake Michigan / Montrose Beach, Illinois (USA) is one of the world's premier wind-sports destinations, located in Illinois (USA).
Situated in North America, the spot offers Shallow and Flat and Chop and Small waves water conditions, making it ideal for beginners and experienced riders alike.
With NE–ENE–E winds, peaking from March to November, Lake Michigan / Montrose Beach, Illinois (USA) delivers the kind of sessions that keep riders coming back year after year.
Why Riders Love It
The beach is good for wind directions that are: N, NW, NE, ENE and SE winds. The Chicago winds are lake effect thermal winds which are more difficult to predict vs. trade winds. They are also gustier and change direction instantaneously. Kiters and windsurfers will normally be out when the winds are blowing 10-20 knots. Chicago winds are also more dense making them stronger then warm winds. Summer is generally offshore due to SW/W winds. Fall/spring is generally on/sideonshore and winds are 10-20 knots in average. About 2-3 riding days every 10 days.
When to Go
Water temp. in summer is around 65°F and fall season (October and November) is around 50°F.
What to Expect
On N, NW winds the water is choppy and smooth on NE, ENE and E winds.
Wind & Conditions
NE · ENE · E
Best wind direction
The beach is good for wind directions that are: N, NW, NE, ENE and SE winds. The Chicago winds are lake effect thermal winds which are more difficult to predict vs. trade winds. They are also gustier and change direction instantaneously. Kiters and windsurfers will normally be out when the winds are blowing 10-20 knots. Chicago winds are also more dense making them stronger then warm winds. Summer is generally offshore due to SW/W winds. Fall/spring is generally on/sideonshore and winds are 10-20 knots in average. About 2-3 riding days every 10 days.
Best Months
Water Conditions
On N, NW winds the water is choppy and smooth on NE, ENE and E winds.
Check Conditions
Live Wind Forecast at Lake Michigan / Montrose Beach, Illinois (USA)
Check real-time wind conditions before you head out.
Facilities & Access
📍 Getting There
📍No information to the beach
Head towards downtown Chicago. Head east towards the lake. The Lake side highway is called Lake Shore drive (LSD). Head towards the north side of the city using LSD and exit Montrose Ave. Head east until you hit the beach. There will be a big flag pole which will give you and idea of the wind direction. Approx. just under 20 miles from both airports.
Location
Travel Light
Travel Light to Lake Michigan / Montrose Beach, Illinois (USA)
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Schools at Lake Michigan / Montrose Beach, Illinois (USA)
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