Bad Medicine Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Bad Medicine Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Bad Medicine Lake today is 18.3°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUN 23 | 17.7°C | 17.7°C | |
| JUN 24 | 17.9°C | 17.7°C | |
| JUN 25 | 18.0°C | 17.7°C | |
| JUN 26 | 18.0°C | 17.7°C | |
| JUN 27 | 17.8°C | 17.7°C | |
| JUN 28 | 17.9°C | 17.7°C | |
| JUN 29 | 18.0°C | 17.7°C | |
| JUN 30 | 18.0°C | 17.7°C | |
| JUL 1 | 19.4°C | 18.4°C | |
| JUL 2 | 19.4°C | 18.4°C | |
| JUL 3 | 19.4°C | 18.5°C | |
| JUL 4 | 19.4°C | 18.5°C | |
| JUL 5 | 19.4°C | 18.6°C | |
| JUL 6 | 19.4°C | 18.6°C | |
| JUL 7 | 19.4°C | 18.7°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 | 1°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| February | 1°C | 8°C | 15°C |
| March | 0°C | 9°C | 17°C |
| April | 2°C | 11°C | 20°C |
| May | 4°C | 13°C | 21°C |
| June | 13°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| July | 17°C | 19°C | 22°C |
| August | 21°C | 25°C | 28°C |
| September | 16°C | 19°C | 22°C |
| October | 5°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| November | 1°C | 6°C | 11°C |
| December | 1°C | 4°C | 6°C |
Bad Medicine Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Bad Medicine Lake: Weather Forecast
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Location & Local Information
Bad Medicine Lake in north-central Minnesota experiences a typical northern-lake seasonal cycle in water temperature. In spring the surface usually rises from near freezing after ice-out to roughly 40–60°F (4–16°C) as the lake mixes and warms. In summer the sun warms the upper layer to comfortable swimming levels, commonly about 68–78°F (20–26°C) on the surface, with shallow bays occasionally reaching the low 80s °F (around 27–28°C). Beneath the warm surface layer the deep water stays much cooler — often in the upper 30s to mid-40s °F (around 1–7°C) during summer stratification. By fall the surface cools back toward 40–55°F (4–13°C) and the lake typically refreezes in winter, with surface ice at around 32°F (0°C) and water under the ice close to 34–39°F (1–4°C).
Swimming is generally allowed at Minnesota lakes like Bad Medicine Lake because it is used for recreation and there are public and private access points, and summer surface temperatures are often suitable for bathing. Seasonal ice and cold deep water make winter or off-season swimming unsafe, and swimmers should be aware there are usually no lifeguards, variable water clarity and temperatures, and occasional water-quality advisories; users should follow local guidance and posted rules before entering the water.