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 15.7°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 | 15.9°C | 18.0°C | |
| JUN 3 | 16.3°C | 18.0°C | |
| JUN 4 | 16.6°C | 18.0°C | |
| JUN 5 | 17.1°C | 18.0°C | |
| JUN 6 | 17.0°C | 18.0°C | |
| JUN 7 | 16.3°C | 18.0°C | |
| JUN 8 | 15.0°C | 18.0°C | |
| JUN 10 | 18.0°C | 15.8°C | |
| JUN 11 | 18.0°C | 15.9°C | |
| JUN 12 | 18.0°C | 16.0°C | |
| JUN 13 | 18.0°C | 16.2°C | |
| JUN 14 | 18.0°C | 16.3°C | |
| JUN 15 | 18.0°C | 16.4°C | |
| JUN 16 | 18.0°C | 16.5°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
June 9
June 10
June 11
June 12
June 13
June 14
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.