Muskegon Weather & Lake Conditions

Before heading to the beach, it’s important to stay informed. Muskegon’s shoreline is a stunning place to swim, relax, and explore—but Lake Michigan’s conditions can change quickly. From shifting waves to hidden currents, knowing the weather and water status can help keep you and your family safe.

Know Before You Go

Always check current lake conditions before swimming. The National Weather Service provides real-time updates for Muskegon and surrounding beaches:

👉 Check Beach Forecasts – weather.gov/grr/BeachWeather

Beach Warning Lights at Pere Marquette

To help you stay safe while enjoying Pere Marquette Beach, warning lights are installed on both restroom buildings (Kite Shack and Pere Marquette). Each building also has a beacon on it’s rooftop that will flash during hazardous conditions—be sure to check them before entering the water.

Here’s what the colors mean:

• 🔴 Red = High Hazard
  High waves and/or strong currents
  (Rojo – Peligro Alto • Olas Altas y/o Corrientes Fuertes)

• 🟡 Yellow = Medium Hazard
  Moderate waves and/or currents
  (Amarillo – Peligro Medio • Olas Moderadas y/o Corrientes)

• 🟢 Green = Low Hazard
  Calm conditions – still use caution
  (Verde – Peligro Bajo • Condiciones Calmas, Tenga Precaución)

Please Note: The absence of lights does not mean the water is safe.
(La ausencia de luces no indica aguas seguras.)

What to Know About Rip Currents

What’s a Rip Current?

Rip currents are fast-moving streams of water that flow away from the shore, often forming near sandbars, piers, or jetties. They can vary in strength and size but are powerful enough to carry even strong swimmers beyond the waves.

Myth Buster: Rip currents don’t pull you under—they pull you away from the beach. The sensation of an “undertow” is often your feet being swept out, not your whole body being dragged below.

How to Escape a Rip Current

• Don’t panic. Stay calm and float to conserve energy.

• Don’t fight it. Let the current carry you until it weakens.

• Swim parallel to the shoreline to get out of the current.

• Once free, swim back to shore at an angle.

If you’re unable to escape, keep floating and wave or call for help.

Stay smart, stay safe, and enjoy Muskegon’s beautiful waterfront responsibly.