Chequamegon Bay — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Chequamegon Bay, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Chequamegon Bay today is 17.3°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEP 14 | 19.5°C | 18.8°C | |
| SEP 15 | 18.4°C | 18.8°C | |
| SEP 16 | 18.6°C | 18.8°C | |
| SEP 17 | 18.4°C | 18.8°C | |
| SEP 18 | 18.0°C | 18.8°C | |
| SEP 19 | 17.9°C | 18.8°C | |
| SEP 20 | 17.9°C | 18.8°C | |
| SEP 22 | 18.8°C | 17.4°C | |
| SEP 23 | 18.8°C | 17.5°C | |
| SEP 24 | 18.8°C | 17.5°C | |
| SEP 25 | 18.8°C | 17.6°C | |
| SEP 26 | 18.8°C | 17.7°C | |
| SEP 27 | 18.8°C | 17.8°C | |
| SEP 28 | 18.8°C | 17.8°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 | 3°C |
| February | 0°C | 1°C | 3°C |
| March | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| April | 1°C | 7°C | 14°C |
| May | 6°C | 13°C | 19°C |
| June | 14°C | 18°C | 23°C |
| July | 17°C | 22°C | 28°C |
| August | 16°C | 23°C | 30°C |
| September | 14°C | 19°C | 24°C |
| October | 9°C | 13°C | 17°C |
| November | 2°C | 9°C | 15°C |
| December | 0°C | 0°C | 2°C |
Chequamegon Bay: Water Temperature by Location
Chequamegon Bay: Weather Forecast
September 21
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
Location & Local Information
Chequamegon Bay is the sheltered embayment of Lake Superior along northern Wisconsin, and its water temperatures reflect both the big lake’s cold character and the bay’s shallower, more variable conditions. Typical seasonal surface temperatures range from near freezing in winter (around 32°F / 0°C with frequent ice or slush) to the low 40s–mid 50s°F (5–13°C) in spring and early summer as the lake stratifies. Peak summer temperatures in the warmest nearshore spots of the bay commonly reach roughly 55–68°F (13–20°C) during July and August, though open-water areas usually remain on the cooler end. By fall the surface cools back into the 40s°F (4–9°C) as the lake mixes.
Swimming in Chequamegon Bay is generally allowed and many public beaches and parks near Bayfield and Ashland welcome swimmers, with local authorities monitoring water quality and issuing advisories when necessary. However, the bay’s temperatures—even at summer peaks—are much colder than typical inland swimming lakes, so risks such as cold shock and rapid hypothermia exist. Swimmers should choose supervised beaches when available, limit time in the water, wear protective gear like wetsuits for longer swims, and heed local advisories for water quality, weather, and ice conditions in shoulder seasons.