Butternut Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Butternut Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Butternut Lake today is 11.5°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 50°F (10°C) to 54°F (12°C). The water is slightly warmer, but still cool for most people. Swimming in such conditions is possible, but for most people, the time spent in the water should be limited to avoid hypothermia. Even experienced swimmers may feel discomfort if they stay in the water for too long. To improve comfort and safety, a wetsuit can be used. 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 5 | 13.7°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 6 | 13.7°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 7 | 12.6°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 12.6°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 12.7°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 12.4°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 10.5°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 10.4°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 13.0°C | 11.6°C | |
| OCT 14 | 13.0°C | 11.7°C | |
| OCT 15 | 13.0°C | 11.7°C | |
| OCT 16 | 13.0°C | 11.8°C | |
| OCT 17 | 13.0°C | 11.9°C | |
| OCT 18 | 13.0°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 19 | 13.0°C | 12.0°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 | 5°C |
| February | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
| April | 1°C | 5°C | 10°C |
| May | 6°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| June | 15°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| July | 18°C | 23°C | 28°C |
| August | 18°C | 24°C | 30°C |
| September | 14°C | 19°C | 24°C |
| October | 9°C | 13°C | 17°C |
| November | 4°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
Butternut Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Butternut Lake: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
Butternut Lake in Wisconsin typically follows the seasonal temperature patterns of midwestern glacial lakes. In winter the lake is often at or just below freezing at the surface (32°F / 0°C) and can be ice‑covered. As ice melts in spring, surface temperatures commonly rise from about 40–60°F (4–15°C). During summer the warmest surface readings usually occur, often ranging from roughly 65–80°F (18–27°C) on typical warm days and occasionally climbing into the low 80s°F (~27–28°C) in shallow, calm conditions. Deeper water remains considerably cooler year‑round; summer bottom temperatures can stay around 45–55°F (7–13°C). In fall the lake cools back toward 50–65°F (10–18°C) before refreezing.
Swimming at Butternut Lake is generally possible during the ice‑free months because surface temperatures in summer and late spring/early fall reach levels comfortable for most swimmers. Public access points and informal shorelines are commonly used for swimming, though local rules, beach postings, and water‑quality advisories should be checked beforehand. Cold water below the surface and rapid weather changes mean caution is warranted; hypothermia is a risk in cooler conditions even if the surface feels warm.