Enemy Swim Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Enemy Swim Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Enemy Swim Lake today is 12.7°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 54°F (12°C) to 60°F (15°C). The water is significantly warmer, and swimming becomes possible for most people. However, caution may still be required for prolonged stays in the water, as extended exposure can cause discomfort. This is a suitable temperature range for short swims and for those accustomed to cooler water. For more comfortable swimming, it is recommended to use proper gear. 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 | 13.6°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 6 | 13.6°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 7 | 12.5°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 8 | 12.9°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 9 | 13.0°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 10 | 12.5°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 11 | 10.9°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 12 | 11.6°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 13 | 11.5°C | 12.6°C | |
| OCT 14 | 11.5°C | 12.6°C | |
| OCT 15 | 11.5°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 16 | 11.5°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 17 | 11.5°C | 12.4°C | |
| OCT 18 | 11.5°C | 12.3°C | |
| OCT 19 | 11.5°C | 12.3°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 | 6°C | 12°C |
| February | 0°C | 8°C | 15°C |
| March | 0°C | 9°C | 17°C |
| April | 2°C | 11°C | 20°C |
| May | 6°C | 14°C | 21°C |
| June | 14°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| July | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| August | 20°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| September | 17°C | 21°C | 26°C |
| October | 5°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| November | 2°C | 7°C | 10°C |
| December | 1°C | 5°C | 8°C |
Enemy Swim Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Enemy Swim Lake: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
Enemy Swim Lake in northeastern South Dakota experiences typical glacial-lake temperature patterns with marked seasonal variation. In spring the surface often ranges from roughly 40–60°F (4–16°C) as runoff and cool air keep waters chilly. By summer, surface temperatures commonly rise to between about 65–78°F (18–26°C) on warm, sunny days, though winds and changing weather can bring cooler readings. In early fall the lake cools back toward roughly 50–65°F (10–18°C) before freezing begins; winter conditions usually bring ice cover and water near or below 32°F (0°C) at the surface, while deeper water remains colder but unfrozen. Temperature also varies with depth and local conditions, so measurements at the shore can differ from those offshore.
Swimming is generally possible and practiced during the ice-free months because the lake has public access points and private shorelines where people enter the water. Lifeguards are infrequent at smaller natural lakes, so recreational swimming is done at one’s own risk; water can feel cool even in summer and sudden drops in temperature offshore can be startling. Swimming is not appropriate when the lake is ice-covered for safety reasons and because solid ice prevents normal water entry. As always, local advisories and weather-dependent conditions should guide decisions about when and where to swim.