Gunflint Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Gunflint Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Gunflint Lake today is 11.8°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 50°F (10°C) to 54°F (12°C). The water is slightly warmer, but still cool for most people. Swimming in such conditions is possible, but for most people, the time spent in the water should be limited to avoid hypothermia. Even experienced swimmers may feel discomfort if they stay in the water for too long. To improve comfort and safety, a wetsuit can be used. 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 | 13.2°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 6 | 13.0°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 7 | 11.9°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 8 | 12.3°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 9 | 12.0°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 10 | 11.9°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 11 | 10.2°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 12 | 10.4°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 13 | 12.5°C | 11.8°C | |
| OCT 14 | 12.5°C | 11.9°C | |
| OCT 15 | 12.5°C | 11.9°C | |
| OCT 16 | 12.5°C | 11.9°C | |
| OCT 17 | 12.5°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 18 | 12.5°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 19 | 12.5°C | 12.0°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 | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| April | 1°C | 4°C | 6°C |
| May | 4°C | 10°C | 16°C |
| June | 10°C | 16°C | 21°C |
| July | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| August | 16°C | 23°C | 30°C |
| September | 14°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| October | 9°C | 13°C | 16°C |
| November | 3°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
Gunflint Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Gunflint Lake: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
Gunflint Lake, on the Minnesota–Ontario border in the northern lakes region, tends to have cool water year-round. Surface temperatures in summer typically range from about 60–72°F (15–22°C) on warm days, though sheltered bays can warm a bit more and deeper areas remain colder. In spring and early summer the lake is more often in the 35–55°F (2–13°C) range as snowmelt and cold nights keep temperatures down, and by fall the surface cools back toward those values. In winter the lake usually freezes or develops substantial ice, with water at or below 32°F (0°C) beneath the ice and only specialized ice-swimming practices exposing people to those conditions.
Swimming in Gunflint Lake is generally possible in the warmer months because it is a recreational lake without broad prohibitions, but conditions make it less comfortable than more southern lakes. The coolest surface temperatures even in summer can feel brisk, increasing hypothermia risk with prolonged exposure, and natural shorelines may lack lifeguards or developed beaches. Many swimmers prefer short dips, wetsuits, or swimming near shore with flotation and a companion. In winter, normal swimming is not advisable unless practiced with appropriate ice-safety preparations.