Whitehorse — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Whitehorse, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Whitehorse today is 12.3°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUG 4 | 12.1°C | 17.5°C | |
| AUG 5 | 12.1°C | 17.5°C | |
| AUG 6 | 13.1°C | 17.5°C | |
| AUG 7 | 13.1°C | 17.5°C | |
| AUG 8 | 13.0°C | 17.5°C | |
| AUG 9 | 13.1°C | 17.5°C | |
| AUG 10 | 12.0°C | 17.5°C | |
| AUG 11 | 12.3°C | 17.5°C | |
| AUG 12 | 17.5°C | 12.6°C | |
| AUG 13 | 17.5°C | 12.8°C | |
| AUG 14 | 17.5°C | 13.1°C | |
| AUG 15 | 17.5°C | 13.3°C | |
| AUG 16 | 17.5°C | 13.6°C | |
| AUG 17 | 17.5°C | 13.9°C | |
| AUG 18 | 17.5°C | 14.1°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 | 3°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 3°C | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 3°C | 5°C |
| April | 0°C | 5°C | 11°C |
| May | 0°C | 8°C | 15°C |
| June | 4°C | 11°C | 18°C |
| July | 9°C | 16°C | 23°C |
| August | 11°C | 18°C | 24°C |
| September | 11°C | 16°C | 20°C |
| October | 7°C | 12°C | 16°C |
| November | 0°C | 6°C | 11°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
Whitehorse: Weather Forecast
August 12
August 13
August 14
August 15
August 16
August 17
Location & Local Information
The water bodies surrounding Whitehorse, including the Yukon River and nearby lakes like Schwatka, Long, and Chadburn, are dominated by their northern latitude and glacial sources, resulting in perpetually cold temperatures. The large and fast-flowing Yukon River remains near freezing in the winter, typically around 0∘C to 4∘C (32∘F to 39∘F). Even in the peak summer months, the river is rarely above 10∘C (50∘F), and sometimes peaks at 18∘C (64.4∘F) in its lower reaches, but is severely cold near its headwaters. Shallow lakes like Long Lake, however, can warm slightly more, sometimes reaching 21∘C (70∘F) in the shallows.
Swimming in the Yukon River is strongly discouraged and highly hazardous due to the extreme risk of cold shock and rapid hypothermia, coupled with swift, powerful currents. However, swimming is permitted and popular in several smaller, non-motorized lakes around the city. Long Lake and Chadburn Lake are favorites because they are somewhat warmer and the City of Whitehorse maintains docks and lifejacket loaner stations, implicitly encouraging swimming. Despite these amenities, these areas are generally unsupervised, and all swimming is strictly at one's own risk, with swimmers advised to exercise extreme caution against the bone-chilling water temperatures typical of the Yukon wilderness.