Sanilac County Area Beaches: swim risk and surf forecast
Swim risk today: High. Life-threatening conditions are likely, and dangerous for swimmers of every level. Stay out of the water.
Surf 4 to 6 feet, water around 70. Buoy 45209, 22 mi out, measured 67 °F water and 2.3 ft waves. Sunset 7:31 PM.
- Swim risk
- HighToday
- Surf
- 4 to 6 feetForecast
- Water
- Around 70Forecast
- Sunset
- 7:31 PMEDT
Rip current risk on the map
Today’s rip current risk in every surf zone the National Weather Service forecasts for over Sanilac County Area Beaches. Open it for the live map, where it pans and zooms.
Open the live map with rip current risk
Map layer from NOAA National Weather Service surf zone forecasts. Boundaries from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
Alerts in force
No beach hazards statement, high surf advisory or other warning is in force for Sanilac County Area Beaches. Those are the products a coastal office issues when the water turns dangerous. When one is issued it appears here and on the alerts page for this area.
Today and tomorrow
From the National Weather Service beach forecast, issued 303 AM EDT, 9/20/2026.
Today Today
High swim risk
- Swim risk
- High
- Surf
- 4 to 6 feet
- Water temperature
- Around 70
- UV index
- Low
- High temperature
- In the mid 60s
- Weather
- Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers
- Wind
- Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph
UV index 2 or less. Little danger for most people.
Tomorrow Monday
High swim risk
- Swim risk
- High
- Surf
- 4 to 6 feet
- High temperature
- In the lower 60s
- Weather
- Mostly cloudy
- Wind
- Breezy. Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph
The surf zone forecast, period by period
Sanilac. Issued 3:03 AM EDT on Sun, Sep 20 by the National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac, MI.
The last beach forecast for the 2026 season will be issued on wednesday september 30 2026. the 2027 season will begin just prior to the memorial day weekend
Today
- Swim Risk
- High
- Wave Height
- 4 to 6 feet
- UV Index
- 1 - Low
- Water Temperature
- Around 70
- Weather
- Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers
- High Temperature
- In the mid 60s
- Winds
- Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph
- Sunrise
- 7:14 AM
- Sunset
- 7:34 PM
Monday
- Swim Risk
- High
- Wave Height
- 4 to 6 feet
- Weather
- Mostly cloudy
- High Temperature
- In the lower 60s
- Winds
- Breezy. Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph
- Sunrise
- 7:15 AM
- Sunset
- 7:32 PM
The days after
Tuesday. High swim risk*. Wave height 3 to 5 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. Breezy. Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph.
Wednesday. High swim risk*. Wave height 4 to 6 feet. Partly sunny. A chance of showers. Highs in the lower 60s. Breezy. East winds 20 to 25 mph.
Thursday. Moderate swim risk*. Wave height 2 to 4 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. East winds 15 to 20 mph.
The office's notes on this forecast
Swim Risk Category * Low Risk - Large waves and dangerous currents are not expected, however dangerous currents may exist at any time near piers, breakwalls, and river outlets. * Moderate Risk - Breaking waves and currents are expected. Stay away from dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls, and river outlets. Always have a flotation device with you in the water. * High Risk - Life-threatening waves and currents are expected. Stay out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and breakwalls.
The product as issued
FZUS53 KDTX 200703
SRFDTX
Surf Zone Forecast for Southeast Michigan
National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac MI
303 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026
MIZ048-202000-
Bay-
Including the beaches of Linwood Beach and Bay City State Recreation
Area
303 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026
...THE LAST BEACH FORECAST FOR THE 2026 SEASON WILL BE ISSUED ON
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30 2026. THE 2027 SEASON WILL BEGIN JUST PRIOR TO
THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND...
.TODAY...
Swim Risk*..................Moderate.
Wave Height.................2 to 4 feet.
UV Index....................1 - Low.
Water Temperature...........In the upper 60s.
Weather.....................Partly sunny. A chance of showers.
High Temperature............In the mid 60s.
Winds.......................Breezy. Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph.
Sunrise.....................7:20 AM.
Sunset......................7:39 PM.
.MONDAY...
Swim Risk*..................High.
Wave Height.................3 to 5 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy.
High Temperature............Around 60.
Winds.......................Windy. Northeast winds 25 to 30 mph.
Sunrise.....................7:21 AM.
Sunset......................7:37 PM.
.EXTENDED...
.TUESDAY...High swim risk*. Wave height 3 to 5 feet. Partly sunny.
Highs around 60. Windy. Northeast winds around 30 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Moderate swim risk*. Wave height 2 to 4 feet. Mostly
sunny. A slight chance of showers. Highs in the lower 60s. Breezy.
Northeast winds around 25 mph.
.THURSDAY...Low swim risk*. Wave height 1 to 3 feet. Mostly sunny.
Highs in the lower 60s. East winds around 15 mph.
&&
Swim Risk Category
* Low Risk - Large waves and dangerous currents are not expected,
however dangerous currents may exist at any time near piers,
breakwalls, and river outlets.
* Moderate Risk - Breaking waves and currents are expected. Stay away
from dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls, and river outlets.
Always have a flotation device with you in the water.
* High Risk - Life-threatening waves and currents are expected. Stay
out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and
breakwalls.
$$
MIZ054-202000-
Tuscola-
Including the beaches of Bay Park
303 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026
...THE LAST BEACH FORECAST FOR THE 2026 SEASON WILL BE ISSUED ON
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30 2026. THE 2027 SEASON WILL BEGIN JUST PRIOR TO
THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND...
.TODAY...
Swim Risk*..................Low.
Wave Height.................1 to 3 feet.
UV Index....................1 - Low.
Water Temperature...........In the upper 60s.
Weather.....................Partly sunny. A chance of showers.
High Temperature............In the mid 60s.
Winds.......................Breezy. Northeast winds around 15 mph
increasing to around 25 mph in the
afternoon.
Sunrise.....................7:18 AM.
Sunset......................7:38 PM.
.MONDAY...
Swim Risk*..................Low.
Wave Height.................1 to 3 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy.
High Temperature............In the lower 60s.
Winds.......................Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph.
Sunrise.....................7:19 AM.
Sunset......................7:36 PM.
.EXTENDED...
.TUESDAY...Moderate swim risk*. Wave height 2 to 4 feet. Partly
sunny. Highs around 60. Windy. Northeast winds 25 to 30 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Low swim risk*. Wave height 1 to 3 feet. Mostly sunny. A
slight chance of showers. Highs in the lower 60s. Breezy. East winds
20 to 25 mph.
.THURSDAY...Low swim risk*. Wave height around 1 foot. Mostly sunny.
Highs in the lower 60s. East winds around 15 mph.
&&
Swim Risk Category
* Low Risk - Large waves and dangerous currents are not expected,
however dangerous currents may exist at any time near piers,
breakwalls, and river outlets.
* Moderate Risk - Breaking waves and currents are expected. Stay away
from dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls, and river outlets.
Always have a flotation device with you in the water.
* High Risk - Life-threatening waves and currents are expected. Stay
out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and
breakwalls.
$$
MIZ049-202000-
Huron-
Including the beaches of Caseville, Sand Point,
Port Crescent State Park, Port Austin, and Harbor Beach
303 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026
...THE LAST BEACH FORECAST FOR THE 2026 SEASON WILL BE ISSUED ON
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30 2026. THE 2027 SEASON WILL BEGIN JUST PRIOR TO
THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND...
.TODAY...
Swim Risk*..................High.
Wave Height.................4 to 6 feet.
UV Index....................1 - Low.
Water Temperature...........In the upper 60s.
Weather.....................Partly sunny.
High Temperature............In the mid 60s.
Winds.......................Breezy. Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph.
Sunrise.....................7:16 AM.
Sunset......................7:36 PM.
.MONDAY...
Swim Risk*..................High.
Wave Height.................4 to 6 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy.
High Temperature............Around 60.
Winds.......................Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph.
Sunrise.....................7:17 AM.
Sunset......................7:34 PM.
.EXTENDED...
.TUESDAY...High swim risk*. Wave height 4 to 6 feet. Partly sunny.
Highs around 60. Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...High swim risk*. Wave height 4 to 6 feet. Mostly sunny.
Highs in the lower 60s. Breezy. East winds 20 to 25 mph.
.THURSDAY...Moderate swim risk*. Wave height 2 to 4 feet. Mostly
sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. East winds around 15 mph.
&&
Swim Risk Category
* Low Risk - Large waves and dangerous currents are not expected,
however dangerous currents may exist at any time near piers,
breakwalls, and river outlets.
* Moderate Risk - Breaking waves and currents are expected. Stay away
from dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls, and river outlets.
Always have a flotation device with you in the water.
* High Risk - Life-threatening waves and currents are expected. Stay
out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and
breakwalls.
$$
MIZ055-202000-
Sanilac-
Including the beaches of Port Sanilac, Lexington, and Birch Beach
303 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026
...THE LAST BEACH FORECAST FOR THE 2026 SEASON WILL BE ISSUED ON
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30 2026. THE 2027 SEASON WILL BEGIN JUST PRIOR TO
THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND...
.TODAY...
Swim Risk*..................High.
Wave Height.................4 to 6 feet.
UV Index....................1 - Low.
Water Temperature...........Around 70.
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers.
High Temperature............In the mid 60s.
Winds.......................Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
Sunrise.....................7:14 AM.
Sunset......................7:34 PM.
.MONDAY...
Swim Risk*..................High.
Wave Height.................4 to 6 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy.
High Temperature............In the lower 60s.
Winds.......................Breezy. Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph.
Sunrise.....................7:15 AM.
Sunset......................7:32 PM.
.EXTENDED...
.TUESDAY...High swim risk*. Wave height 3 to 5 feet. Partly sunny.
Highs in the lower 60s. Breezy. Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...High swim risk*. Wave height 4 to 6 feet. Partly sunny.
A chance of showers. Highs in the lower 60s. Breezy. East winds 20 to
25 mph.
.THURSDAY...Moderate swim risk*. Wave height 2 to 4 feet. Mostly
sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. East winds 15 to 20 mph.
&&
Swim Risk Category
* Low Risk - Large waves and dangerous currents are not expected,
however dangerous currents may exist at any time near piers,
breakwalls, and river outlets.
* Moderate Risk - Breaking waves and currents are expected. Stay away
from dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls, and river outlets.
Always have a flotation device with you in the water.
* High Risk - Life-threatening waves and currents are expected. Stay
out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and
breakwalls.
$$
MIZ063-202000-
St. Clair-
Including the beaches of Lakeport, Fort Gratiot, and Port Huron
303 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026
...THE LAST BEACH FORECAST FOR THE 2026 SEASON WILL BE ISSUED ON
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30 2026. THE 2027 SEASON WILL BEGIN JUST PRIOR TO
THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND...
.TODAY...
Swim Risk*..................High.
Wave Height.................3 to 5 feet.
UV Index....................1 - Low.
Water Temperature...........Around 70.
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers.
High Temperature............In the mid 60s.
Winds.......................Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
Sunrise.....................7:14 AM.
Sunset......................7:33 PM.
.MONDAY...
Swim Risk*..................High.
Wave Height.................4 to 6 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy.
High Temperature............In the lower 60s.
Winds.......................Breezy. Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph.
Sunrise.....................7:15 AM.
Sunset......................7:31 PM.
.EXTENDED...
.TUESDAY...High swim risk*. Wave height 3 to 5 feet. Partly sunny.
Highs in the lower 60s. Breezy. Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...High swim risk*. Wave height 3 to 5 feet. Partly sunny.
A chance of showers. Highs in the lower 60s. Breezy. East winds 20 to
25 mph.
.THURSDAY...Low swim risk*. Wave height 1 to 3 feet. Mostly sunny.
Highs in the lower 60s. East winds 15 to 20 mph.
&&
Swim Risk Category
* Low Risk - Large waves and dangerous currents are not expected,
however dangerous currents may exist at any time near piers,
breakwalls, and river outlets.
* Moderate Risk - Breaking waves and currents are expected. Stay away
from dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls, and river outlets.
Always have a flotation device with you in the water.
* High Risk - Life-threatening waves and currents are expected. Stay
out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and
breakwalls.
$$
MIZ070-202000-
Macomb-
Including the beaches of Lake St Clair Metropark Beach and Veterans
Memorial Park
303 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026
...THE LAST BEACH FORECAST FOR THE 2026 SEASON WILL BE ISSUED ON
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30 2026. THE 2027 SEASON WILL BEGIN JUST PRIOR TO
THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND...
.TODAY...
Swim Risk*..................Low.
Wave Height.................2 to 4 feet.
UV Index....................1 - Low.
Water Temperature...........In the upper 60s.
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog. Showers.
High Temperature............In the upper 60s.
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 15 mph.
Sunrise.....................7:15 AM.
Sunset......................7:34 PM.
.MONDAY...
Swim Risk*..................Low.
Wave Height.................3 to 5 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy.
High Temperature............In the mid 60s.
Winds.......................Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
Sunrise.....................7:17 AM.
Sunset......................7:33 PM.
.EXTENDED...
.TUESDAY...Low swim risk*. Wave height 1 to 3 feet. Partly sunny.
Highs in the lower 60s. Breezy. Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Moderate swim risk*. Wave height 2 to 4 feet. Mostly
cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the lower 60s. Breezy.
Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph.
.THURSDAY...Low swim risk*. Wave height 1 to 3 feet. Partly sunny.
Highs in the mid 60s. East winds around 15 mph.
&&
Swim Risk Category
* Low Risk - Large waves and dangerous currents are not expected,
however dangerous currents may exist at any time near piers,
breakwalls, and river outlets.
* Moderate Risk - Breaking waves and currents are expected. Stay away
from dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls, and river outlets.
Always have a flotation device with you in the water.
* High Risk - Life-threatening waves and currents are expected. Stay
out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and
breakwalls.
$$
MIZ076-202000-
Wayne-
Including the beaches of Pier Park
303 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026
...THE LAST BEACH FORECAST FOR THE 2026 SEASON WILL BE ISSUED ON
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30 2026. THE 2027 SEASON WILL BEGIN JUST PRIOR TO
THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND...
.TODAY...
Swim Risk*..................Low.
Wave Height.................1 to 3 feet.
UV Index....................1 - Low.
Water Temperature...........Around 70.
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog. Showers.
High Temperature............In the mid 60s.
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 15 mph.
Sunrise.....................7:16 AM.
Sunset......................7:35 PM.
.MONDAY...
Swim Risk*..................Low.
Wave Height.................1 to 3 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy.
High Temperature............In the mid 60s.
Winds.......................Breezy. Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph.
Sunrise.....................7:17 AM.
Sunset......................7:33 PM.
.EXTENDED...
.TUESDAY...Moderate swim risk*. Wave height 2 to 4 feet. Mostly
cloudy. Highs in the lower 60s. Breezy. Northeast winds around
25 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Moderate swim risk*. Wave height 2 to 4 feet. Mostly
cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the lower 60s. Breezy.
Northeast winds 20 to 25 mph.
.THURSDAY...Low swim risk*. Wave height 1 to 3 feet. Partly sunny.
Highs in the lower 60s. East winds 15 to 20 mph.
&&
Swim Risk Category
* Low Risk - Large waves and dangerous currents are not expected,
however dangerous currents may exist at any time near piers,
breakwalls, and river outlets.
* Moderate Risk - Breaking waves and currents are expected. Stay away
from dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls, and river outlets.
Always have a flotation device with you in the water.
* High Risk - Life-threatening waves and currents are expected. Stay
out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and
breakwalls.
$$
MIZ083-202000-
Monroe-
Including the beaches of Estral Beach, Sterling State Park,
Toledo Beach, and Luna Pier
303 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026
...THE LAST BEACH FORECAST FOR THE 2026 SEASON WILL BE ISSUED ON
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30 2026. THE 2027 SEASON WILL BEGIN JUST PRIOR TO
THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND...
.TODAY...
Swim Risk*..................Low.
Wave Height.................1 to 3 feet.
UV Index....................1 - Low.
Water Temperature...........In the lower 70s.
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog. Showers and
a slight chance of thunderstorms.
High Temperature............In the mid 60s.
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 15 mph.
Sunrise.....................7:18 AM.
Sunset......................7:36 PM.
.MONDAY...
Swim Risk*..................Moderate.
Wave Height.................2 to 4 feet.
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of
showers.
High Temperature............In the lower 60s.
Winds.......................Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph.
Sunrise.....................7:19 AM.
Sunset......................7:35 PM.
.EXTENDED...
.TUESDAY...Moderate swim risk*. Wave height 2 to 4 feet. Mostly
cloudy. A slight chance of showers. Highs in the lower 60s. Windy.
Northeast winds 25 to 30 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...High swim risk*. Wave height 4 to 6 feet. Mostly cloudy.
Showers likely. Highs in the lower 60s. Windy. Northeast winds 25 to
30 mph.
.THURSDAY...Moderate swim risk*. Wave height 2 to 4 feet. Partly
sunny. A slight chance of showers. Highs in the lower 60s. East winds
15 to 20 mph.
&&
Swim Risk Category
* Low Risk - Large waves and dangerous currents are not expected,
however dangerous currents may exist at any time near piers,
breakwalls, and river outlets.
* Moderate Risk - Breaking waves and currents are expected. Stay away
from dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls, and river outlets.
Always have a flotation device with you in the water.
* High Risk - Life-threatening waves and currents are expected. Stay
out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and
breakwalls.
$$The water now, measured
Buoy 45209, Lakeport Buoy, MI, 22 mi away, reported 2:10 PM.
- Waves
- 2.3 ft at 4 seconds from the NNE
- Water temperature
- 67 °F
- Air temperature
- 65 °F
- Wind
- 12 kt from the NE
From NOAA's National Data Buoy Center. Wave height is the significant height, the average of the highest third; the largest waves run half again as high. Offshore buoys read bigger than the surf at the beach.
Sun and daylight
- Sunrise today
- 7:15 AM
- Sunset today
- 7:31 PM
- Sunrise tomorrow
- 7:16 AM
- Sunset tomorrow
- 7:29 PM
Times are Eastern Daylight Time. Lifeguards are off duty outside posted hours, and the swim risk does not fall with the light.
Beaches in this forecast
- Port Sanilac
- Lexington
- Birch Beach
As the National Weather Service lists them in its surf zone forecast.
What this means
The three levels the National Weather Service issues, and what to do at each.
| High | Life-threatening conditions are likely, and dangerous for swimmers of every level. Stay out of the water. |
|---|---|
| Moderate | Life-threatening conditions for swimmers are possible. Swim near a lifeguard, and follow the beach patrol and its flags. |
| Low | The risk to swimmers is low, but life-threatening conditions can still occur near piers, groins and river mouths. Swim near a lifeguard. |
If a rip current carries you out
- Do not fight the current. It pulls you away from the beach, not under the water.
- Stay calm and keep your head above water. Float or tread water until the pull eases.
- Swim parallel to the beach, along the shore, until you are out of the current, then angle in toward the beach.
- If you cannot escape, face the shore, wave your arms and call for help.
- If someone else is caught, do not go in after them. Get a lifeguard, call 911, and throw them something that floats.
Thunderstorms and lightning
Thunderstorms build fast over water on a summer afternoon. Water and open sand leave you the tallest thing around. When thunder roars, go indoors: leave the water and the beach for a building or a hard-topped vehicle, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back.
A rip current is a narrow stream of water flowing away from the beach, through the surf and past the breakers. It pulls swimmers out, not under. Rip current and lightning safety guidance from the National Weather Service.
Nearby
The stretches of shore the National Weather Service forecasts on either side of this one.
More for this place
Sources
Rip current risk, surf, water temperature and UV from the National Weather Service surf zone forecast and beach forecast, office DTX, issued 303 AM EDT, 9/20/2026. Original at NWS. Waves and water temperature measured by NOAA's National Data Buoy Center. Tides from NOAA CO-OPS. Alerts from the National Weather Service for zone MIZ055.