Lake Butte des Morts — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lake Butte des Morts, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lake Butte des Morts today is 6.2°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 | 9.4°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 27 | 10.0°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 28 | 9.7°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 29 | 9.9°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 30 | 9.2°C | 15.0°C | |
| OCT 31 | 9.2°C | 15.0°C | |
| NOV 1 | 10.4°C | 5.5°C | |
| NOV 2 | 6.2°C | 5.5°C | |
| NOV 3 | 5.5°C | 6.2°C | |
| NOV 4 | 5.5°C | 6.1°C | |
| NOV 5 | 5.5°C | 6.1°C | |
| NOV 6 | 5.5°C | 6.1°C | |
| NOV 7 | 5.5°C | 6.0°C | |
| NOV 8 | 5.5°C | 6.0°C | |
| NOV 9 | 5.5°C | 6.0°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 | 1°C | 4°C | 6°C |
| March | 1°C | 5°C | 8°C |
| April | 2°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| May | 7°C | 13°C | 18°C |
| June | 14°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| July | 19°C | 24°C | 29°C |
| August | 19°C | 23°C | 27°C |
| September | 15°C | 19°C | 22°C |
| October | 12°C | 15°C | 18°C |
| November | 3°C | 6°C | 8°C |
| December | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
Lake Butte des Morts: Water Temperature by Location
Lake Butte des Morts: Weather Forecast
November 3
November 4
November 5
November 6
November 7
Location & Local Information
Lake Butte des Morts, a broad impoundment on the Fox River in Winnebago County, experiences a wide annual swing in surface water temperatures. In spring, after ice-out, surface readings commonly range from about 35–55°F (2–13°C) as the lake warms. Summer surface temperatures typically settle between roughly 65–80°F (18–27°C) on warm days, with shallower bays warming most quickly. By fall the water cools back toward 45–60°F (7–16°C) and in winter the surface drops to near freezing—around 32°F (0°C) when ice forms—while deeper water can remain a few degrees warmer (near 39°F/4°C).
Swimming in Lake Butte des Morts is generally permitted where public access or park facilities allow, but it is subject to practical and regulatory limits. Designated swimming areas are sometimes provided at parks, yet conditions vary: boat traffic, submerged hazards, and occasional algal blooms or bacterial advisories can make particular spots unsafe. Cold spring and especially winter water pose hypothermia risk, and ice cover creates obvious hazards. Local authorities post advisories and rules for beaches and access points, so swimmers typically follow those notices to determine if and where it is safe to enter the water.