Black Hawk Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Black Hawk Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Black Hawk Lake today is 8°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 41°F (5°C) to 47°F (8°C). This water temperature is still quite low, and swimming in such conditions may only be comfortable for hardened individuals. It is recommended to limit the time spent in the water to avoid hypothermia. For those not accustomed to cold water, it is better to refrain from swimming. However, if you decide to enter the water, it is advisable to wear a warm wetsuit for protection against the cold. 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 | 13.0°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 27 | 11.2°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 28 | 10.7°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 29 | 10.8°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 30 | 9.7°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 31 | 9.6°C | 14.0°C | |
| NOV 1 | 9.3°C | 8.3°C | |
| NOV 2 | 8.0°C | 8.3°C | |
| NOV 3 | 8.3°C | 8.0°C | |
| NOV 4 | 8.3°C | 8.0°C | |
| NOV 5 | 8.3°C | 8.0°C | |
| NOV 6 | 8.3°C | 8.1°C | |
| NOV 7 | 8.3°C | 8.1°C | |
| NOV 8 | 8.3°C | 8.1°C | |
| NOV 9 | 8.3°C | 8.1°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 | 1°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 4°C | 7°C |
| March | 1°C | 6°C | 10°C |
| April | 5°C | 10°C | 15°C |
| May | 11°C | 17°C | 23°C |
| June | 19°C | 21°C | 24°C |
| July | 22°C | 26°C | 30°C |
| August | 22°C | 26°C | 30°C |
| September | 18°C | 22°C | 26°C |
| October | 8°C | 14°C | 20°C |
| November | 4°C | 8°C | 12°C |
| December | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
Black Hawk Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Black Hawk Lake: Weather Forecast
November 3
November 4
November 5
November 6
November 7
Location & Local Information
Black Hawk Lake in northwest Iowa experiences a wide range of surface water temperatures through the year. In spring the lake commonly runs cool, roughly 40–60°F (4–15°C) as snowmelt and spring rains keep waters chilly. By early summer surface temperatures typically climb into the mid‑60s to mid‑70s °F (18–24°C), and during peak summer months July and August warmest patches often reach the upper 70s to low 80s °F (25–28°C) on sunny days. In autumn the water cools again, dropping into the 50s–60s °F (10–20°C) before winter brings temperatures to near freezing and frequently an ice cover that makes open‑water swimming impractical.
Swimming is generally permitted at designated beach and public access areas when they are open, but the availability of swimming depends on seasonal management, posted advisories and safety considerations. Local authorities may close or advise against swimming for reasons such as high bacterial counts, harmful algal (blue‑green) blooms, or hazardous conditions from wind and boat traffic; lifeguards are not always on duty, so visitors should heed signage and exercise caution. In winter the lake is not suitable for casual swimming due to low temperatures and ice.