Pickering — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Pickering, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Pickering today is 13.4°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 54°F (12°C) to 60°F (15°C). The water is significantly warmer, and swimming becomes possible for most people. However, caution may still be required for prolonged stays in the water, as extended exposure can cause discomfort. This is a suitable temperature range for short swims and for those accustomed to cooler water. For more comfortable swimming, it is recommended to use proper gear. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCT 5 | 17.5°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 6 | 17.5°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 7 | 17.3°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 15.4°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 15.9°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 15.9°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 16.2°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 15.5°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 15.0°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 14 | 15.0°C | 13.6°C | |
| OCT 15 | 15.0°C | 13.6°C | |
| OCT 16 | 15.0°C | 13.7°C | |
| OCT 17 | 15.0°C | 13.8°C | |
| OCT 18 | 15.0°C | 13.9°C | |
| OCT 19 | 15.0°C | 14.0°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 | 7°C | 12°C | 17°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 |
Pickering: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
Pickering is situated on the shore of Lake Ontario, a large and deep Great Lake whose vast volume keeps the water temperature relatively cool year-round. In the deep winter months, the lake water remains near freezing, typically ranging from 1∘C to 5∘C (34∘F to 41∘F), and rarely freezes entirely. 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), though some shallow bays, like Frenchman's Bay, may see slightly warmer, short-term peaks.
Swimming is permitted and popular at designated locations in Pickering, such as Frenchman's Bay West Beach, which is monitored by the Durham Region Health Department during the summer season. This monitoring confirms the area is intended for recreational water contact. However, swimmers must adhere to any posted Unsafe for Swimming advisories, which are issued when E. coli bacteria levels, often elevated after heavy rainfall, exceed safe limits. Furthermore, swimmers should be aware of the phenomenon of cold upwellings in Lake Ontario, where strong winds can cause the surface temperature to drop rapidly and unexpectedly due to the rise of frigid bottom water.