Chesuncook Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Chesuncook Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Chesuncook Lake today is 15.6°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 | 17.3°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 15 | 17.2°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 16 | 16.5°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 17 | 16.0°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 18 | 16.5°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 19 | 15.3°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 20 | 16.2°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 22 | 18.9°C | 15.8°C | |
| SEP 23 | 18.9°C | 15.9°C | |
| SEP 24 | 18.9°C | 16.1°C | |
| SEP 25 | 18.9°C | 16.3°C | |
| SEP 26 | 18.9°C | 16.4°C | |
| SEP 27 | 18.9°C | 16.6°C | |
| SEP 28 | 18.9°C | 16.8°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 | 1°C | 4°C | 6°C |
| February | 1°C | 4°C | 6°C |
| March | 0°C | 3°C | 5°C |
| April | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| May | 3°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| June | 8°C | 13°C | 17°C |
| July | 15°C | 20°C | 26°C |
| August | 18°C | 21°C | 25°C |
| September | 16°C | 19°C | 21°C |
| October | 8°C | 12°C | 16°C |
| November | 1°C | 6°C | 11°C |
| December | 1°C | 4°C | 7°C |
Chesuncook Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Chesuncook Lake: Weather Forecast
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
September 26
Location & Local Information
Chesuncook Lake, a large, remote reservoir in northern Maine, stays relatively cold through much of the year. Typical surface temperatures in early summer (May–June) range from about 46–58°F (8–14°C), warming in midsummer (July–August) to roughly 59–68°F (15–20°C) in protected, shallow bays. Open-water and deeper areas remain cooler, often 40–50°F (4–10°C) year-round below the thermocline. In fall (September–October) surface values usually drop back toward 45–55°F (7–13°C) as the lake cools, and by late fall and winter the lake moves toward freezing, with surface ice at about 32°F (0°C) and under-ice water temperatures near just above freezing (about 33–39°F or 0.5–4°C). Actual temperatures can vary with weather, wind, water level and location on the lake.
Swimming at Chesuncook is generally allowed because it is public water, but it is not managed as a staffed swim area and conditions make it different from warm coastal beaches. Cold water and sudden depth changes raise the risk of cold shock and hypothermia, and there are few facilities, no lifeguards, and boat traffic in some areas. People who swim there typically choose calm, sun-warmed inlets in summer and take precautions such as limiting time in the water, wearing a wetsuit, and staying close to shore.