Cedar Rapids — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Cedar Rapids, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Cedar Rapids today is 24.7°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 75°F (23°C) to 79°F (26°C). This is a very comfortable temperature for swimming, and many people can enjoy prolonged stays in the water without feeling cold. The water is pleasantly warm, making it ideal for relaxation and water sports. This temperature range is particularly popular among tourists, as it combines comfort and safety for health. 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 24 | 24.9°C | 21.8°C | |
| AUG 25 | 24.8°C | 21.8°C | |
| AUG 26 | 24.8°C | 21.8°C | |
| AUG 27 | 24.7°C | 21.8°C | |
| AUG 28 | 24.7°C | 21.8°C | |
| AUG 29 | 24.6°C | 21.8°C | |
| AUG 30 | 24.6°C | 21.8°C | |
| AUG 31 | 24.5°C | 21.8°C | |
| SEP 1 | 16.0°C | 24.3°C | |
| SEP 2 | 16.0°C | 23.8°C | |
| SEP 3 | 16.0°C | 23.4°C | |
| SEP 4 | 16.0°C | 23.0°C | |
| SEP 5 | 16.0°C | 22.5°C | |
| SEP 6 | 16.0°C | 22.1°C | |
| SEP 7 | 16.0°C | 21.7°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 | 2°C | 5°C |
| March | 0°C | 5°C | 11°C |
| April | 0°C | 8°C | 16°C |
| May | 4°C | 14°C | 24°C |
| June | 7°C | 16°C | 25°C |
| July | 15°C | 22°C | 30°C |
| August | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| September | 11°C | 16°C | 20°C |
| October | 7°C | 12°C | 16°C |
| November | 3°C | 6°C | 11°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
Cedar Rapids: Weather Forecast
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September 4
September 5
September 6
Location & Local Information
Cedar Rapids, located in eastern Iowa along the Cedar River, experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, which strongly influences water temperatures in local rivers, ponds, and small lakes. In winter, the water in the Cedar River and nearby lakes often approaches freezing, with temperatures around 0–2 °C (32–36 °F), and ice commonly forms on still bodies of water. During spring, melting snow and rising air temperatures gradually warm the water to 8–15 °C (46–59 °F). By midsummer, surface temperatures in local lakes and the Cedar River can reach 22–26 °C (72–79 °F), while shaded or deeper areas remain cooler. In autumn, the water cools again to around 10–16 °C (50–61 °F) before freezing conditions return.
Swimming in Cedar Rapids is permitted in designated areas, though most swimming occurs in managed parks and recreation facilities rather than in the Cedar River itself. The river’s current and variable water quality make it less suitable for casual swimming. During summer, public swimming beaches at nearby lakes and reservoirs offer safe conditions, with comfortably warm water from June through early September. Outside this period, the water becomes too cold for enjoyable swimming, but the region remains popular for kayaking, fishing, and riverside recreation.