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 15.2°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCT 5 | 16.5°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 6 | 16.4°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 7 | 15.8°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 15.9°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 16.1°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 15.8°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 15.7°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 15.3°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 12.0°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 14 | 12.0°C | 14.9°C | |
| OCT 15 | 12.0°C | 14.7°C | |
| OCT 16 | 12.0°C | 14.6°C | |
| OCT 17 | 12.0°C | 14.4°C | |
| OCT 18 | 12.0°C | 14.2°C | |
| OCT 19 | 12.0°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 | 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 | 18°C | 25°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
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
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.