Clitherall Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Clitherall Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Clitherall Lake today is 5°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges less than 41°F (5°C). Such water is extremely cold and not recommended for swimming without proper preparation. In these conditions, the risk of hypothermia is very high, and prolonged exposure to the water can be hazardous to your health. If you decide to swim, it is important to have the appropriate gear, such as a wetsuit. Typically, only experienced swimmers or those who practice winter swimming venture into such waters. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCT 26 | 8.9°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 27 | 8.7°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 28 | 7.5°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 29 | 7.5°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 30 | 7.2°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 31 | 7.9°C | 11.5°C | |
| NOV 1 | 7.3°C | 7.3°C | |
| NOV 2 | 5.0°C | 7.3°C | |
| NOV 3 | 7.3°C | 5.1°C | |
| NOV 4 | 7.3°C | 5.2°C | |
| NOV 5 | 7.3°C | 5.3°C | |
| NOV 6 | 7.3°C | 5.5°C | |
| NOV 7 | 7.3°C | 5.6°C | |
| NOV 8 | 7.3°C | 5.7°C | |
| NOV 9 | 7.3°C | 5.8°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 | 2°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| February | 3°C | 9°C | 15°C |
| March | 1°C | 9°C | 17°C |
| April | 2°C | 11°C | 20°C |
| May | 7°C | 14°C | 21°C |
| June | 15°C | 19°C | 23°C |
| July | 17°C | 22°C | 26°C |
| August | 21°C | 25°C | 28°C |
| September | 17°C | 21°C | 25°C |
| October | 5°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| November | 3°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| December | 2°C | 5°C | 8°C |
Clitherall Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Clitherall Lake: Weather Forecast
November 3
November 4
November 5
November 6
November 7
Location & Local Information
Clitherall Lake in west-central Minnesota follows the typical seasonal pattern of shallow glacial lakes in the region. During spring thaw surface temperatures commonly range from about 45–60°F (7–16°C) as the lake mixes and warms. In summer, when conditions are most favorable for swimming, surface temperatures typically sit between roughly 68–78°F (20–26°C) on warm afternoons, though cooler mornings and deeper water stay colder. Early fall sees cooling to about 50–65°F (10–18°C) before the lake overturns and approaches winter values. Once ice forms the near-surface water falls toward freezing and the water under the ice generally stays in the neighborhood of 33–39°F (1–4°C).
Swimming in Clitherall Lake is generally possible during the ice-free months because the lake has public access and shoreline properties used for recreation, but availability and safety depend on local conditions. Ice cover makes winter swimming unsafe except for planned, supervised ice swimming events. In summer and late spring swimmers should be mindful of sudden cold layers, boat traffic, lack of lifeguards at many access points, and occasional water-quality advisories such as algal blooms; these factors influence whether it is advisable to enter the water even when surface temperatures are comfortable. Always check local advisories and use standard water-safety precautions.