Cayuga Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Cayuga Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Cayuga Lake today is 15.1°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 60°F (15°C) to 65°F (18°C). The water is comfortable for most people, making it an ideal range for water sports enthusiasts. The temperature does not cause significant discomfort, and swimming will be pleasant for the majority. However, it's important to remember that prolonged exposure to the water can still lead to cooling, so it's essential to monitor the time spent in the water, especially for children or elderly people. 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 | 17.1°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 6 | 16.6°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 7 | 16.6°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 8 | 15.9°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 9 | 15.7°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 10 | 15.9°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 11 | 15.6°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 12 | 15.2°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 13 | 15.5°C | 15.1°C | |
| OCT 14 | 15.5°C | 15.1°C | |
| OCT 15 | 15.5°C | 15.2°C | |
| OCT 16 | 15.5°C | 15.2°C | |
| OCT 17 | 15.5°C | 15.2°C | |
| OCT 18 | 15.5°C | 15.2°C | |
| OCT 19 | 15.5°C | 15.2°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 | 1°C | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 1°C | 4°C |
| April | 2°C | 6°C | 11°C |
| May | 7°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| June | 13°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| July | 21°C | 26°C | 30°C |
| August | 21°C | 25°C | 29°C |
| September | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| October | 13°C | 16°C | 18°C |
| November | 6°C | 10°C | 14°C |
| December | 1°C | 4°C | 7°C |
Cayuga Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Cayuga Lake: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
Location & Local Information
Cayuga Lake, one of New York’s Finger Lakes, experiences pronounced seasonal shifts in surface water temperature. In winter the surface can hover near freezing, about 32–40°F (0–4°C), while spring waters warm gradually to roughly 40–60°F (4–16°C). By midsummer surface temperatures commonly reach 65–80°F (18–27°C), the warmest period for recreational swimming, and early fall typically sees a cooling to about 55–70°F (13–21°C). Because the lake is deep—exceeding 400 feet (around 120–135 m) at its deepest—temperature stratification is common, so deeper waters remain much colder even in summer and temperatures vary along the lake’s length and with local weather conditions.
Swimming is allowed and commonly practiced at public beaches and parks around Cayuga Lake during the warmer months, with many facilities monitored for water quality and safety. Local authorities post advisories or close swimming areas when tests detect high bacterial counts or harmful algal blooms, which can occur in late summer. Cold-water immersion remains a hazard where sudden drops in temperature or strong currents exist, so swimmers are generally encouraged to use designated swimming areas, heed posted warnings, and be aware that actual conditions can change quickly.