Cold Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Cold Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Cold Lake today is 6.8°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 41°F (5°C) to 47°F (8°C). This water temperature is still quite low, and swimming in such conditions may only be comfortable for hardened individuals. It is recommended to limit the time spent in the water to avoid hypothermia. For those not accustomed to cold water, it is better to refrain from swimming. However, if you decide to enter the water, it is advisable to wear a warm wetsuit for protection against the cold. 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 5 | 8.2°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 6 | 7.4°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 7 | 7.6°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 7.6°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 7.7°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 7.4°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 7.8°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 6.9°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 12.0°C | 7.1°C | |
| OCT 14 | 12.0°C | 7.3°C | |
| OCT 15 | 12.0°C | 7.6°C | |
| OCT 16 | 12.0°C | 7.8°C | |
| OCT 17 | 12.0°C | 8.1°C | |
| OCT 18 | 12.0°C | 8.4°C | |
| OCT 19 | 12.0°C | 8.6°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 | 0°C | 3°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 3°C | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 3°C | 5°C |
| April | 0°C | 5°C | 11°C |
| May | 4°C | 10°C | 17°C |
| June | 7°C | 13°C | 19°C |
| July | 15°C | 20°C | 25°C |
| August | 17°C | 19°C | 24°C |
| September | 11°C | 17°C | 23°C |
| October | 7°C | 12°C | 16°C |
| November | 3°C | 6°C | 11°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
Cold Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Cold Lake: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
Cold Lake, a large, deep lake straddling the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, lives up to its name, maintaining generally low water temperatures due to its size and northern latitude. In the peak summer months, surface temperatures warm up adequately for swimming, typically reaching a comfortable range of 20∘C to 23∘C (68∘F to 73∘F), with highs occasionally reaching 25∘C (77∘F) in August. However, the sheer depth of the lake ensures that the overall water column remains quite cold. During the winter, the water is near freezing, with temperatures dropping to the range of 0∘C to 5∘C (32∘F to 41∘F), and the lake is completely frozen over.
Swimming is widely permitted and popular at Cold Lake, as the lake is a major recreational hub in the region. Several public access points and beaches are available, including the well-maintained sandy shores at Kinosoo Beach within the City of Cold Lake, confirming that swimming is an expected activity. Kinosoo Beach even features seasonal amenities. However, there are no official lifeguards on duty at the public beaches, meaning all swimming is done at one's own risk. Swimmers should be cautious of the strong winds that can quickly create large waves, the depth of the water, and the potential for a rapid drop in temperature if they venture far from the shoreline.