Cherokee Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Cherokee Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Cherokee Lake today is 72°F.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 68°F (20°C) to 74°F (23°C). The water is warm and pleasant for swimming, and in this range, one can stay in the water for extended periods without the risk of hypothermia. This is the ideal temperature for relaxation, swimming, and water sports. Families with children, as well as outdoor enthusiasts, will enjoy swimming and time spent in the water. For most people, this is the optimal temperature for a comfortable beach experience. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUN 3 | 68°F | 77°F | |
| JUN 4 | 68°F | 77°F | |
| JUN 5 | 71°F | 77°F | |
| JUN 6 | 71°F | 77°F | |
| JUN 7 | 71°F | 77°F | |
| JUN 8 | 71°F | 77°F | |
| JUN 10 | 72°F | 77°F | |
| JUN 11 | 77°F | 73°F | |
| JUN 12 | 77°F | 73°F | |
| JUN 13 | 77°F | 73°F | |
| JUN 14 | 77°F | 73°F | |
| JUN 15 | 77°F | 73°F | |
| JUN 16 | 77°F | 74°F | |
| JUN 17 | 77°F | 74°F |
* 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 | 36°F | 44°F | 54°F |
| February | 37°F | 44°F | 50°F |
| March | 41°F | 50°F | 61°F |
| April | 54°F | 63°F | 72°F |
| May | 63°F | 72°F | 81°F |
| June | 66°F | 77°F | 86°F |
| July | 70°F | 74°F | 79°F |
| August | 73°F | 80°F | 86°F |
| September | 72°F | 82°F | 91°F |
| October | 64°F | 70°F | 75°F |
| November | 50°F | 58°F | 64°F |
| December | 41°F | 49°F | 55°F |
Cherokee Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Cherokee Lake: Weather Forecast
June 9
June 10
June 11
June 12
Location & Local Information
Cherokee Lake, a TVA reservoir in northeastern Tennessee, experiences pronounced seasonal shifts in surface water temperature. In winter the lake commonly cools to roughly 34–45°F (1–7°C), while spring brings a gradual rise to about 45–65°F (7–18°C) as runoff and warming air temperatures take effect. Summer surface temperatures often peak in the 70–85°F range (21–29°C) in shallow, sheltered coves, making the warmest weeks most comfortable for swimming. By early fall the lake typically cools back into the 55–70°F band (13–21°C), though localized variations occur with depth, inflow, and weather patterns; deeper or fast-flowing areas remain colder year-round.
Swimming in Cherokee Lake is generally permitted in many public access areas and along shorelines, and people frequently swim from parks, coves, and private beaches. There are, however, safety-related restrictions and practical limits: swimming near the dam, in boat channels, or where heavy boat traffic and wakes occur is unsafe and discouraged, and many spots have no lifeguards or regulated beaches. Water quality is monitored locally and management emphasizes caution—cold spring and fall temperatures increase hypothermia risk, and variable depths, currents, and submerged hazards make prudent precautions, flotation devices, and awareness of local signage important when swimming.