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 18.3°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 24 | 17.1°C | 16.0°C | |
| JUN 25 | 16.5°C | 16.0°C | |
| JUN 26 | 16.4°C | 16.0°C | |
| JUN 27 | 16.3°C | 16.0°C | |
| JUN 28 | 16.7°C | 16.0°C | |
| JUN 29 | 17.8°C | 16.0°C | |
| JUN 30 | 18.2°C | 16.0°C | |
| JUL 1 | 18.3°C | 23.5°C | |
| JUL 2 | 23.5°C | 18.6°C | |
| JUL 3 | 23.5°C | 18.8°C | |
| JUL 4 | 23.5°C | 19.1°C | |
| JUL 5 | 23.5°C | 19.3°C | |
| JUL 6 | 23.5°C | 19.6°C | |
| JUL 7 | 23.5°C | 19.9°C | |
| JUL 8 | 23.5°C | 20.1°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 | 2°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
| March | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
| April | 2°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| May | 6°C | 12°C | 16°C |
| June | 12°C | 16°C | 20°C |
| July | 18°C | 24°C | 29°C |
| August | 19°C | 22°C | 25°C |
| September | 18°C | 20°C | 22°C |
| October | 13°C | 16°C | 18°C |
| November | 3°C | 10°C | 15°C |
| December | 1°C | 5°C | 7°C |
Balsam Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Balsam Lake: Weather Forecast
July 2
July 3
July 4
July 5
Location & Local Information
Balsam Lake, located in the Kawartha Lakes region of southern Ontario, is one of the highest navigable lakes in North America and forms part of the Trent–Severn Waterway. Its relatively shallow depth allows the water to warm up more quickly than deeper lakes in the province. In winter, the lake freezes over, with surface temperatures close to 0 °C (32 °F). During spring, the water slowly warms as ice melts, reaching 5–10 °C (41–50 °F) by late May. By midsummer, Balsam Lake’s surface temperatures typically range between 20–25 °C (68–77 °F), while shaded or deeper areas remain a few degrees cooler. In autumn, cooling air temperatures cause the lake to drop back to around 10–15 °C (50–59 °F) before freezing conditions return.
Swimming in Balsam Lake is very popular and officially permitted in designated areas, such as the beaches at Balsam Lake Provincial Park. The best swimming conditions occur from late June through early September, when the water is comfortably warm and the air temperatures are high. The lake’s sandy bottom, clear water, and gentle slope make it suitable for families and recreational swimmers. Outside the summer months, the water becomes too cold for comfortable swimming, but the lake remains ideal for boating, kayaking, and other outdoor activities year-round.