Houghton Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Houghton Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Houghton Lake today is 5.9°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 26 | 8.7°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 27 | 8.9°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 28 | 8.8°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 29 | 9.0°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 30 | 8.4°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 31 | 8.6°C | 15.0°C | |
| NOV 1 | 6.3°C | 7.0°C | |
| NOV 2 | 5.9°C | 7.0°C | |
| NOV 3 | 7.0°C | 6.0°C | |
| NOV 4 | 7.0°C | 6.0°C | |
| NOV 5 | 7.0°C | 6.1°C | |
| NOV 6 | 7.0°C | 6.1°C | |
| NOV 7 | 7.0°C | 6.2°C | |
| NOV 8 | 7.0°C | 6.2°C | |
| NOV 9 | 7.0°C | 6.3°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 | 3°C | 6°C |
| February | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
| March | 1°C | 4°C | 7°C |
| April | 2°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| May | 7°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| June | 15°C | 20°C | 24°C |
| July | 19°C | 23°C | 27°C |
| August | 20°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| September | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| October | 11°C | 15°C | 19°C |
| November | 2°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 7°C |
Houghton Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Houghton Lake: Weather Forecast
November 3
November 4
November 5
November 6
November 7
Location & Local Information
Houghton Lake’s water temperature follows a typical northern-Michigan pattern driven by its relatively shallow depth and large surface area. In winter the lake is commonly ice-covered and water temperatures near the ice edge are around 32°F (0°C) or just above; spring thaw sees surface temperatures rising through the 40s to low 50s°F (4–11°C). By summer, surface temperatures often reach the upper 60s to mid-70s°F (20–24°C) and can climb into the mid-to-high 70s°F (24–26°C) during hot spells. In fall the lake cools again, with surface readings generally falling back into the 50s–60s°F (10–16°C) before freezing resumes.
Swimming is allowed at public access points and designated beaches when the lake is ice-free, and many people swim recreationally during the warmer months because the shallow areas warm relatively quickly. Local authorities may post advisories or close beaches when water-quality issues such as blue‑green algae blooms or high bacterial counts are present, and lifeguard coverage varies by site, so swimmers should heed posted signs and checks. Winter swimming is uncommon and hazardous except for organized, supervised events; ice and near‑freezing water temperatures pose significant risks.