Lac Courte Oreilles — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lac Courte Oreilles, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lac Courte Oreilles today is 18.1°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 65°F (18°C) to 68°F (20°C). This is already quite warm water, which is ideal for most people. Swimming becomes comfortable, and prolonged stays in the water do not cause discomfort. This temperature is perfect for family trips and for those who prefer warmer water. It is also comfortable for water sports such as surfing or swimming. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEP 14 | 20.1°C | 17.9°C | |
| SEP 15 | 18.7°C | 17.9°C | |
| SEP 16 | 18.8°C | 17.9°C | |
| SEP 17 | 18.7°C | 17.9°C | |
| SEP 18 | 18.0°C | 17.9°C | |
| SEP 19 | 18.1°C | 17.9°C | |
| SEP 20 | 18.1°C | 17.9°C | |
| SEP 22 | 17.9°C | 18.1°C | |
| SEP 23 | 17.9°C | 18.1°C | |
| SEP 24 | 17.9°C | 18.1°C | |
| SEP 25 | 17.9°C | 18.1°C | |
| SEP 26 | 17.9°C | 18.1°C | |
| SEP 27 | 17.9°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 28 | 17.9°C | 18.0°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 | 3°C | 7°C |
| February | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
| March | 0°C | 4°C | 8°C |
| April | 1°C | 6°C | 10°C |
| May | 7°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| June | 12°C | 17°C | 21°C |
| July | 19°C | 23°C | 27°C |
| August | 18°C | 24°C | 30°C |
| September | 14°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| October | 9°C | 14°C | 18°C |
| November | 3°C | 8°C | 13°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 7°C |
Lac Courte Oreilles: Water Temperature by Location
Lac Courte Oreilles: Weather Forecast
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
Location & Local Information
Lac Courte Oreilles in northwest Wisconsin experiences a wide seasonal swing in surface water temperature. In winter the lake is typically at or just above freezing—around 32–39°F (0–4°C) when ice is present. Spring warming brings surface readings into the 40s and 50s°F (about 4–15°C) as ice-out progresses. By late summer surface temperatures commonly reach the upper 60s to upper 70s°F (roughly 20–26°C), with July and August usually the warmest months. In autumn the surface cools back into the 50s–60s°F (10–16°C) range. Deeper water remains substantially colder year-round, so swimmers and boaters should be aware that sudden drops in temperature can occur away from the shallows.
Swimming is allowed and commonly practiced at public beaches, resorts, and private shorelines during the warm months because surface temperatures regularly reach comfortable ranges for recreation and municipalities maintain access areas. In winter, formal swimming is generally not advised because of ice cover and near-freezing water; some organized ice-swimming events exist but carry added risk. As with any lake, safety depends on conditions at the time—air temperature, wind, water clarity and currents, presence of lifeguards, and individual cold-water tolerance—and swimmers should use caution and common-sense precautions.