Clifton Court Forebay Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Clifton Court Forebay Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Clifton Court Forebay Lake today is 22.6°C.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEP 17 | 22.7°C | 24.1°C | |
| SEP 18 | 23.7°C | 24.1°C | |
| SEP 19 | 23.8°C | 24.1°C | |
| SEP 20 | 23.3°C | 24.1°C | |
| SEP 21 | 23.3°C | 24.1°C | |
| SEP 22 | 23.4°C | 24.1°C | |
| SEP 23 | 23.4°C | 24.1°C | |
| SEP 24 | 22.7°C | 24.1°C | |
| SEP 25 | 24.1°C | 22.5°C | |
| SEP 26 | 24.1°C | 22.4°C | |
| SEP 27 | 24.1°C | 22.4°C | |
| SEP 28 | 24.1°C | 22.3°C | |
| SEP 29 | 24.1°C | 22.2°C | |
| SEP 30 | 24.1°C | 22.1°C | |
| OCT 1 | 21.0°C | 22.0°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 | 3°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| February | 8°C | 11°C | 14°C |
| March | 9°C | 15°C | 21°C |
| April | 13°C | 16°C | 20°C |
| May | 18°C | 22°C | 26°C |
| June | 21°C | 24°C | 27°C |
| July | 23°C | 26°C | 30°C |
| August | 24°C | 28°C | 33°C |
| September | 21°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| October | 17°C | 21°C | 25°C |
| November | 12°C | 16°C | 19°C |
| December | 9°C | 11°C | 14°C |
Clifton Court Forebay Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Clifton Court Forebay Lake: Weather Forecast
September 25
September 26
September 27
September 28
September 29
September 30
Location & Local Information
Clifton Court Forebay, a managed reservoir in California’s Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, experiences pronounced seasonal swings in water temperature because of its shallow, exposed configuration and tidal/operational influences. Typical surface temperatures in spring are roughly 50–65°F (10–18°C) as the water warms after winter. In summer the forebay often reaches about 65–80°F (18–27°C), with the warmest readings occurring on calm, sunny stretches. Fall temperatures generally cool to about 55–70°F (13–21°C), while winter surface values commonly fall into the 45–60°F (7–16°C) range. These are approximate averages; short-term spikes or drops occur with weather, freshwater inflows, and pump operations.
Swimming in Clifton Court Forebay is generally not advised and is often restricted because the facility functions as a working forebay for large pumps and conveyance systems. Strong currents, sudden releases, submerged intake structures and debris create hazardous conditions, and water quality can be variable due to agricultural runoff, turbidity and algal blooms, further raising safety and health concerns. For those seeking recreational water contact in the Delta region, designated parks and public swimming areas with lifeguards and water-quality monitoring are safer choices than entering a regulated forebay.