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 27.4°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 79°F (26°C) to 82°F (28°C). This is very warm water, allowing for extended stays without any discomfort. Swimming in these conditions will be particularly enjoyable, making it the ideal temperature range for those who want to relax in the sea. Additionally, water in this temperature range is suitable for children and elderly people, as it is comfortable for prolonged stays. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUG 4 | 26.2°C | 26.5°C | |
| AUG 5 | 26.2°C | 26.5°C | |
| AUG 6 | 26.5°C | 26.5°C | |
| AUG 7 | 26.5°C | 26.5°C | |
| AUG 8 | 26.5°C | 26.5°C | |
| AUG 9 | 27.0°C | 26.5°C | |
| AUG 10 | 27.3°C | 26.5°C | |
| AUG 11 | 27.4°C | 26.5°C | |
| AUG 12 | 26.5°C | 27.4°C | |
| AUG 13 | 26.5°C | 27.3°C | |
| AUG 14 | 26.5°C | 27.3°C | |
| AUG 15 | 26.5°C | 27.2°C | |
| AUG 16 | 26.5°C | 27.2°C | |
| AUG 17 | 26.5°C | 27.1°C | |
| AUG 18 | 26.5°C | 27.1°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 | 2°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| February | 3°C | 7°C | 10°C |
| March | 5°C | 10°C | 16°C |
| April | 12°C | 17°C | 22°C |
| May | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| June | 19°C | 25°C | 30°C |
| July | 21°C | 25°C | 30°C |
| August | 23°C | 27°C | 30°C |
| September | 22°C | 28°C | 33°C |
| October | 18°C | 21°C | 24°C |
| November | 10°C | 14°C | 18°C |
| December | 5°C | 9°C | 13°C |
Cherokee Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Cherokee Lake: Weather Forecast
August 12
August 13
August 14
August 15
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.