Lake Altoona — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lake Altoona, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lake Altoona today is 25°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 75°F (23°C) to 79°F (26°C). This is a very comfortable temperature for swimming, and many people can enjoy prolonged stays in the water without feeling cold. The water is pleasantly warm, making it ideal for relaxation and water sports. This temperature range is particularly popular among tourists, as it combines comfort and safety for health. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUG 4 | 27.6°C | 25.0°C | |
| AUG 5 | 27.6°C | 25.0°C | |
| AUG 6 | 27.5°C | 25.0°C | |
| AUG 7 | 27.4°C | 25.0°C | |
| AUG 8 | 27.3°C | 25.0°C | |
| AUG 9 | 27.4°C | 25.0°C | |
| AUG 10 | 26.3°C | 25.0°C | |
| AUG 11 | 24.9°C | 25.0°C | |
| AUG 12 | 25.0°C | 25.0°C | |
| AUG 13 | 25.0°C | 25.0°C | |
| AUG 14 | 25.0°C | 25.0°C | |
| AUG 15 | 25.0°C | 25.0°C | |
| AUG 16 | 25.0°C | 25.0°C | |
| AUG 17 | 25.0°C | 25.0°C | |
| AUG 18 | 25.0°C | 25.0°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 | 1°C | 3°C |
| February | 0°C | 1°C | 3°C |
| March | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
| April | 1°C | 8°C | 16°C |
| May | 8°C | 15°C | 22°C |
| June | 15°C | 19°C | 23°C |
| July | 20°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| August | 20°C | 25°C | 30°C |
| September | 14°C | 17°C | 20°C |
| October | 9°C | 14°C | 18°C |
| November | 2°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| December | 0°C | 1°C | 3°C |
Lake Altoona: Water Temperature by Location
Lake Altoona: Weather Forecast
August 12
August 13
August 14
August 15
August 16
Location & Local Information
Lake Altoona, a reservoir near Eau Claire, Wisconsin, experiences pronounced seasonal changes in water temperature. In spring the surface typically ranges from about 40–60°F (4–16°C) as runoff and cooler air moderate the lake. By summer, surface temperatures commonly climb into the mid‑70s up to around 80°F (21–27°C) on warm afternoons, especially in shallower bays where sunlight warms the water fastest. Early fall sees a gradual cooling to roughly 50–65°F (10–18°C) before the lake moves toward winter stratification and, ultimately, ice cover. In winter the water near the surface approaches freezing, around 32°F (0°C), with complete ice cover at times until thaw.
Swimming is generally allowed at Lake Altoona, particularly at the designated beach areas in Lake Altoona County Park, where public access and seasonal amenities make recreational swimming practicable. Authorities monitor water quality and may post advisories for bacterial contamination or harmful algal blooms, so conditions sometimes restrict swimming for health reasons. Even when open, swimmers should consider temperature and safety: colder water increases hypothermia risk and reduces swimming endurance, while summer warmth can bring algae or increased recreational traffic. Lifeguards may be present seasonally at park beaches, but shoreline swimming outside marked areas carries additional risks.