Fulton Chain Lakes — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Fulton Chain Lakes, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Fulton Chain Lakes today is 12.9°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 | 15.3°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 6 | 15.3°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 7 | 14.4°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 14.5°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 13.8°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 14.3°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 14.0°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 13.2°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 14.0°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 14 | 14.0°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 15 | 14.0°C | 13.1°C | |
| OCT 16 | 14.0°C | 13.1°C | |
| OCT 17 | 14.0°C | 13.2°C | |
| OCT 18 | 14.0°C | 13.2°C | |
| OCT 19 | 14.0°C | 13.3°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 | 2°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
| March | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
| April | 1°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| May | 7°C | 12°C | 16°C |
| June | 12°C | 16°C | 20°C |
| July | 17°C | 23°C | 29°C |
| August | 19°C | 22°C | 25°C |
| September | 16°C | 20°C | 23°C |
| October | 11°C | 14°C | 17°C |
| November | 4°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| December | 0°C | 4°C | 7°C |
Fulton Chain Lakes: Water Temperature by Location
Fulton Chain Lakes: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
The Fulton Chain of Lakes in the central Adirondacks experiences a wide range of water temperatures through the year. After ice-out in spring, surface temperatures commonly rise from near freezing (around 32°F or 0°C) into the 40s–50s°F (5–15°C) by late spring. In summer, typical surface temperatures across the chain are often in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F (18–24°C), with shallow bays and sheltered spots occasionally reaching the upper 70s°F (~25–26°C) on hot, calm days. By early fall the water cools back into the 50s–40s°F (10–5°C) and then approaches freezing again under ice cover in winter. Deeper portions and inflows remain noticeably cooler than shallow shorelines throughout the seasons.
Swimming is generally allowed on the Fulton Chain where public beaches, campgrounds and shoreowners permit access, but conditions and local rules vary, so swimmers should heed posted signs. The lakes are freshwater and can be pleasant for swimming in summer, yet hypothermia is a real risk because even warm-looking surface water can be cool below the surface and temperatures drop quickly outside midsummer months. Ice conditions in winter make open-water swimming unsafe except for organized, well-prepared events. Typical safe swimming season is concentrated in summer months and extends into early fall depending on air temperatures and local management.