Buffalo Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Buffalo Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Buffalo Lake today is 6.9°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 | 11.2°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 27 | 12.5°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 28 | 11.4°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 29 | 10.3°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 30 | 10.3°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 31 | 10.8°C | 12.5°C | |
| NOV 1 | 10.3°C | 7.0°C | |
| NOV 2 | 6.9°C | 7.0°C | |
| NOV 3 | 7.0°C | 6.9°C | |
| NOV 4 | 7.0°C | 6.9°C | |
| NOV 5 | 7.0°C | 6.9°C | |
| NOV 6 | 7.0°C | 6.9°C | |
| NOV 7 | 7.0°C | 6.9°C | |
| NOV 8 | 7.0°C | 6.9°C | |
| NOV 9 | 7.0°C | 6.9°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 | 1°C | 6°C | 12°C |
| May | 9°C | 16°C | 23°C |
| June | 16°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| July | 19°C | 24°C | 30°C |
| August | 20°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| September | 18°C | 21°C | 25°C |
| October | 6°C | 13°C | 19°C |
| November | 3°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| December | 1°C | 3°C | 6°C |
Buffalo Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Buffalo Lake: Weather Forecast
November 3
November 4
November 5
November 6
November 7
Location & Local Information
Buffalo Lake in Minnesota follows the typical seasonal rhythm of Midwestern shallow lakes. Surface temperatures run close to freezing through the winter, generally around 32–39°F (0–4°C) under ice. In spring the water steadily warms, commonly reaching 40–60°F (4–16°C) as snowmelt and spring rains flush the basin. By summer the lake often warms into the upper 60s to upper 70s Fahrenheit (20–26°C), and on warm sunny stretches shallow areas can climb into the low 80s (27–28°C). In autumn the surface cools back through the 50s and 40s °F (10–5°C) as air temperatures drop and the lake destratifies. Actual temperatures vary with depth, wind, and year-to-year weather.
Swimming at Buffalo Lake is generally permitted at public access points and is a common recreational use during the warmer months when surface temperatures are comfortable for bathing. Whether it is advisable on any given day depends on posted advisories and conditions: routine concerns include blue‑green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms, bacterial contamination after heavy runoff, and safety factors such as currents, sudden dropoffs, or the absence of lifeguards. Local authorities or county health departments post advisories when water quality or hazards make swimming unsafe, so checking current notices before entering the water is recommended.