Lake Catherine — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lake Catherine, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lake Catherine today is 13.6°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 54°F (12°C) to 60°F (15°C). The water is significantly warmer, and swimming becomes possible for most people. However, caution may still be required for prolonged stays in the water, as extended exposure can cause discomfort. This is a suitable temperature range for short swims and for those accustomed to cooler water. For more comfortable swimming, it is recommended to use proper gear. 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 11 | 15.0°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 12 | 15.0°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 13 | 14.4°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 14 | 13.0°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 15 | 16.2°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 16 | 14.5°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 17 | 13.8°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 18 | 14.5°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 19 | 15.5°C | 13.7°C | |
| OCT 20 | 15.5°C | 13.8°C | |
| OCT 21 | 15.5°C | 13.9°C | |
| OCT 22 | 15.5°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 23 | 15.5°C | 14.1°C | |
| OCT 24 | 15.5°C | 14.2°C | |
| OCT 25 | 15.5°C | 14.3°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 | 3°C | 6°C | 9°C |
| February | 3°C | 7°C | 10°C |
| March | 0°C | 4°C | 8°C |
| April | 6°C | 10°C | 14°C |
| May | 10°C | 16°C | 21°C |
| June | 16°C | 19°C | 23°C |
| July | 19°C | 24°C | 30°C |
| August | 23°C | 26°C | 29°C |
| September | 16°C | 20°C | 25°C |
| October | 11°C | 16°C | 20°C |
| November | 2°C | 8°C | 14°C |
| December | 4°C | 6°C | 9°C |
Lake Catherine: Water Temperature by Location
Location & Local Information
Lake Catherine in Illinois is a modest inland lake whose water temperatures follow the typical seasonal pattern of Midwestern shallow lakes. Surface temperatures in winter commonly hover near freezing, roughly 32–40°F (0–4°C). During spring the lake warms into the range of about 40–60°F (4–16°C) as ice melts and sunlight increases. In summer, surface readings at popular swimming depths often reach roughly 70–85°F (21–29°C) on warm days, though exact values depend on depth, wind and shading. By autumn the water cools again to roughly 50–65°F (10–18°C) before freezing conditions return. Deeper sections, if present, may remain several degrees cooler than the surface and warm or cool more slowly.
Swimming at Lake Catherine is typically possible during the warmer months if the site is publicly accessible and local authorities or landowners permit it; many people swim there in June through August when surface temperatures are most comfortable. Whether swimming is allowed at any given time depends on local regulations, posted signage, water quality advisories and safety considerations such as currents, depth and the absence of lifeguards. Cold-season swimming is inadvisable because of hypothermia and ice hazards, and some areas may be formally restricted for environmental protection or private ownership.