Indiana Dunes National Park, IN

Today’s Forecast:

Today’s Report:

About Indiana Dunes National Park

West beach, miller woods, portage lakefront, cowles bog, beverly shores, the little calumet river and national-park shoreline create several distinct weather decisions on a single trip.

Planning an Outing

Start with Lake Michigan waves and cold water, dune exposure, beach status, river access, lake-effect snow and cross-county weather differences; for this dispersed dune-and-wetland corridor, a same-day operating notice carries more weight than a general regional forecast.

Weather Tips

• For this dispersed dune-and-wetland corridor, use the Little Calumet River as the primary sheltered paddling anchor and check current bridge or access closures.
• For this dispersed dune-and-wetland corridor, hand-carried nonmotorized craft may use authorized Lake Michigan launch areas, but not the guarded West Beach swim area while lifeguards are present. Open-lake paddling requires advanced skills, cold-water protection and a favorable marine forecast.
• For this dispersed dune-and-wetland corridor, fog, dangerous waves, rip currents and blowing sand can make one beach unsuitable while a sheltered inland unit remains usable.

Nearby Towns and Areas

• Chesterton
• Portage
• Beverly Shores
• Gary
• West Beach
• Miller Woods
• Cowles Bog

Adjust the Day to the Forecast

Stay ashore or move to a short protected trail; otherwise, switch from natural-surface riding to a paved route.

7-Day Forecast

Weather by Season

Winter

Across this dispersed dune-and-wetland corridor, shelf ice, freezing spray and lake-effect squalls make the shoreline hazardous; dunes can conceal ice beneath drifting sand.

Spring

Within this dispersed dune-and-wetland corridor, rising gauge levels, faster current and floating debris follow basin-wide rain; floodplain trails can stay closed after the crest passes.

Summer

On this dispersed dune-and-wetland corridor, afternoon wind can build waves across the longest fetch, and warm water may bring algae or beach advisories.

Fall

Around this dispersed dune-and-wetland corridor, colder water arrives before winter air, so a mild afternoon can still demand immersion protection; stronger fronts also shorten launch windows.

Key Climate Data Points

• Local climate: This dispersed dune-and-wetland corridor in Northwest Indiana and Lake Michigan has an annual average temperature about 50–52°F, receives roughly 38–42 inches of precipitation and typically records normally 35–50 inches, with localized lake-effect bursts producing sharp year-to-year differences.
• Wettest season: Late spring and early summer, with another stormy window during autumn lake-effect transitions; this estimate reflects West Beach.
• Driest season: Late summer, though persistent northwest flow can turn showery near the lake; this estimate reflects West Beach.
• Annual average temperature: About 50–52°f; this estimate reflects West Beach.
• Annual snowfall: Normally 35–50 inches, with localized lake-effect bursts producing sharp year-to-year differences; this estimate reflects West Beach.