Dillon Reservoir — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Dillon Reservoir, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Dillon Reservoir today is 18°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUL 14 | 16.0°C | 16.5°C | |
| JUL 15 | 17.3°C | 16.5°C | |
| JUL 16 | 17.6°C | 16.5°C | |
| JUL 17 | 17.8°C | 16.5°C | |
| JUL 18 | 17.8°C | 16.5°C | |
| JUL 19 | 17.8°C | 16.5°C | |
| JUL 20 | 17.9°C | 16.5°C | |
| JUL 21 | 17.8°C | 16.5°C | |
| JUL 22 | 16.5°C | 17.9°C | |
| JUL 23 | 16.5°C | 17.9°C | |
| JUL 24 | 16.5°C | 17.8°C | |
| JUL 25 | 16.5°C | 17.7°C | |
| JUL 26 | 16.5°C | 17.6°C | |
| JUL 27 | 16.5°C | 17.6°C | |
| JUL 28 | 16.5°C | 17.5°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 | 9°C | 14°C |
| February | 3°C | 9°C | 14°C |
| March | 3°C | 8°C | 13°C |
| April | 3°C | 9°C | 15°C |
| May | 6°C | 11°C | 16°C |
| June | 9°C | 13°C | 17°C |
| July | 13°C | 17°C | 20°C |
| August | 16°C | 19°C | 21°C |
| September | 14°C | 17°C | 20°C |
| October | 10°C | 15°C | 19°C |
| November | 2°C | 9°C | 15°C |
| December | 4°C | 8°C | 10°C |
Dillon Reservoir: Water Temperature by Location
Dillon Reservoir: Weather Forecast
July 22
July 23
July 24
July 25
July 26
July 27
Location & Local Information
Dillon Reservoir sits at high elevation in Colorado, so its surface water stays considerably cooler than lower-elevation lakes. Typical seasonal ranges run roughly from near freezing in winter—about 32–39°F (0–4°C) when ice or near-ice conditions can occur—up through spring thaw values of roughly 33–50°F (1–10°C). In summer the warmest surface readings are generally seen in July and August, commonly between about 50–68°F (10–20°C), though deeper water remains much colder. By autumn the upper layers cool again into the 35–55°F (2–13°C) range as air temperatures drop and inflows change.
Swimming is not a central use of the reservoir and is approached cautiously rather than promoted. There are some shore-access points where people wade or take brief dips in warm spells, but prolonged swims are uncommon because the water is cold even in summer, there are no widespread lifeguard protections, and the reservoir is managed for municipal water storage and boating. Cold-water shock and hypothermia are real hazards at these temperatures, and boat traffic and variable shore conditions add risk. If choosing to swim, visitors should check local regulations, use flotation, enter gradually, and be prepared for much colder water than it feels from the air.