Burlington — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Burlington, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Burlington today is 17.4°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 60°F (15°C) to 65°F (18°C). The water is comfortable for most people, making it an ideal range for water sports enthusiasts. The temperature does not cause significant discomfort, and swimming will be pleasant for the majority. However, it's important to remember that prolonged exposure to the water can still lead to cooling, so it's essential to monitor the time spent in the water, especially for children or elderly people. It is important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in good weather. When the air temperature is below 68°F (20°C), and sometimes even below 77°F (25°C), swimming can be unpleasant even with relatively high water temperatures.
Water Temperature Chart Over the Last 30 Days
Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUN 2 | 16.3°C | 18.0°C | |
| JUN 3 | 16.7°C | 18.0°C | |
| JUN 4 | 17.0°C | 18.0°C | |
| JUN 5 | 18.4°C | 18.0°C | |
| JUN 6 | 17.9°C | 18.0°C | |
| JUN 7 | 17.1°C | 18.0°C | |
| JUN 8 | 16.6°C | 18.0°C | |
| JUN 10 | 18.0°C | 17.4°C | |
| JUN 11 | 18.0°C | 17.5°C | |
| JUN 12 | 18.0°C | 17.5°C | |
| JUN 13 | 18.0°C | 17.5°C | |
| JUN 14 | 18.0°C | 17.6°C | |
| JUN 15 | 18.0°C | 17.6°C | |
| JUN 16 | 18.0°C | 17.6°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual nearshore water temperatures may fluctuate by several degrees from the reported values, especially following heavy rainfall or extended periods of strong winds. Certain wind patterns can cause colder, deeper waters to rise and replace the sun-warmed surface water, leading to noticeable variations.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that considers real-time water temperature changes, historical trends, key weather patterns, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each region. Additionally, we incorporate data from other resorts to enhance accuracy.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C | 4°C | 7°C |
| February | -1°C | 1°C | 3°C |
| March | -1°C | 3°C | 6°C |
| April | 0°C | 6°C | 12°C |
| May | 8°C | 13°C | 18°C |
| June | 14°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| July | 16°C | 21°C | 26°C |
| August | 19°C | 22°C | 25°C |
| September | 16°C | 20°C | 23°C |
| October | 10°C | 15°C | 20°C |
| November | 4°C | 9°C | 14°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 5°C |
Burlington: Weather Forecast
June 9
June 10
June 11
June 12
June 13
June 14
Location & Local Information
The city of Burlington is situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, a large and deep body of water that heavily dictates the local swimming conditions. The immense volume of the Great Lake prevents rapid temperature changes, keeping the water consistently cool. In the winter months, the lake is near freezing, typically ranging from 1∘C to 4∘C (34∘F to 39∘F). Even in the peak summer season, surface temperatures are generally cool, with a maximum range of 21∘C to 24∘C (70∘F to 75∘F), which is refreshing but not warm.
Swimming is widely permitted and popular at Burlington's designated public beaches on Lake Ontario, such as Burlington Beach and Lakeside Park. These beaches are officially monitored for water quality by the local public health unit during the summer for E. coli bacteria, confirming that swimming is an expected recreational activity. However, swimmers must always heed posted warnings, as high bacterial counts, often linked to heavy rainfall runoff, can lead to Unsafe for Swimming advisories. Swimmers must also be cautious of cold upwellings, a phenomenon where strong winds push warmer surface water away, causing frigid bottom water to rise rapidly, dropping the temperature unexpectedly.