Decatur — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Decatur, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Decatur today is 18.1°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 65°F (18°C) to 68°F (20°C). This is already quite warm water, which is ideal for most people. Swimming becomes comfortable, and prolonged stays in the water do not cause discomfort. This temperature is perfect for family trips and for those who prefer warmer water. It is also comfortable for water sports such as surfing or swimming. 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 26 | 20.1°C | 25.5°C | |
| OCT 27 | 19.5°C | 25.5°C | |
| OCT 28 | 19.3°C | 25.5°C | |
| OCT 29 | 18.6°C | 25.5°C | |
| OCT 30 | 18.9°C | 25.5°C | |
| OCT 31 | 18.1°C | 25.5°C | |
| NOV 1 | 18.1°C | 16.9°C | |
| NOV 2 | 18.2°C | 16.9°C | |
| NOV 3 | 16.9°C | 18.0°C | |
| NOV 4 | 16.9°C | 18.0°C | |
| NOV 5 | 16.9°C | 17.9°C | |
| NOV 6 | 16.9°C | 17.9°C | |
| NOV 7 | 16.9°C | 17.8°C | |
| NOV 8 | 16.9°C | 17.7°C | |
| NOV 9 | 16.9°C | 17.7°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 | 6°C | 10°C | 14°C |
| February | 6°C | 10°C | 13°C |
| March | 8°C | 13°C | 17°C |
| April | 13°C | 18°C | 23°C |
| May | 16°C | 23°C | 29°C |
| June | 20°C | 25°C | 30°C |
| July | 23°C | 28°C | 33°C |
| August | 22°C | 26°C | 30°C |
| September | 22°C | 26°C | 29°C |
| October | 21°C | 26°C | 30°C |
| November | 11°C | 17°C | 22°C |
| December | 7°C | 12°C | 16°C |
Decatur: Weather Forecast
November 3
November 4
November 5
November 6
November 7
Location & Local Information
Decatur, located in northern Alabama along the Tennessee River, experiences a humid subtropical climate that creates distinct seasonal changes in local water temperatures. In winter, the river and nearby lakes such as Wheeler Lake and Wilson Lake typically stay between 7–11 °C (45–52 °F), remaining too cold for swimming. During spring, the water begins to warm steadily, reaching 15–22 °C (59–72 °F) by late April or May. By midsummer, surface temperatures rise to their warmest levels, averaging 26–30 °C (79–86 °F), while deeper sections of the Tennessee River stay a few degrees cooler. In autumn, water temperatures gradually decrease to 15–20 °C (59–68 °F) as the air cools and shorter days return.
Swimming in and around Decatur is permitted and most enjoyable during the summer months, from late May through early September, when the water is comfortably warm. The Tennessee River and its reservoirs offer several public access points and recreation areas suitable for swimming and wading, though currents should always be considered. Wheeler Lake, with its calm coves and sandy shorelines, provides especially good conditions for family swimming. Outside of summer, colder water temperatures make swimming less pleasant, but these waterways remain popular for boating, fishing, and other outdoor recreation year-round.