Balsam Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Balsam Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Balsam Lake today is 18.4°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEP 14 | 20.6°C | 21.1°C | |
| SEP 15 | 20.1°C | 21.1°C | |
| SEP 16 | 19.3°C | 21.1°C | |
| SEP 17 | 19.2°C | 21.1°C | |
| SEP 18 | 18.5°C | 21.1°C | |
| SEP 19 | 18.7°C | 21.1°C | |
| SEP 20 | 18.6°C | 21.1°C | |
| SEP 21 | 18.4°C | 21.1°C | |
| SEP 22 | 21.1°C | 18.5°C | |
| SEP 23 | 21.1°C | 18.7°C | |
| SEP 24 | 21.1°C | 18.8°C | |
| SEP 25 | 21.1°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 26 | 21.1°C | 19.1°C | |
| SEP 27 | 21.1°C | 19.2°C | |
| SEP 28 | 21.1°C | 19.3°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 | 1°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| April | 2°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| May | 9°C | 15°C | 20°C |
| June | 16°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| July | 20°C | 24°C | 27°C |
| August | 20°C | 24°C | 29°C |
| September | 18°C | 21°C | 25°C |
| October | 6°C | 13°C | 19°C |
| November | 2°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| December | 1°C | 3°C | 6°C |
Balsam Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Balsam Lake: Weather Forecast
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
Location & Local Information
Balsam Lake in northwest Wisconsin undergoes the typical seasonal swings of a midwestern kettle lake. As ice breaks in spring, surface temperatures often run from about 40–60°F (4–16°C) through April and May. By early summer the water commonly rises into the 60–70°F (16–21°C) range, with the warmest conditions occurring in July and August when surface temperatures frequently reach 70–78°F (21–26°C) in open water and can be a few degrees warmer in shallow bays. In fall the lake cools back into the 50–65°F (10–18°C) range as air temperatures drop, and by winter the surface is typically at or near freezing beneath ice cover, roughly 32–40°F (0–4°C) in the water below the ice.
Swimming is generally allowed at Balsam Lake and is a common summer activity, especially at public parks and marked swimming areas where conditions are monitored. Warmer summer temperatures make recreational swimming comfortable, but users should heed local advisories about water quality, algae blooms or bacterial contamination and observe posted rules at beaches. Ice and near-freezing water in winter create hazardous conditions for casual swimming; winter or ice swimming should only be attempted by experienced individuals with appropriate safety precautions. As always, watercraft, currents and sudden depth changes can affect safety regardless of season.