Lake Harriet — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lake Harriet, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lake Harriet today is 14.4°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 5 | 15.2°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 6 | 15.4°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 7 | 13.9°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 8 | 14.6°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 9 | 15.0°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 10 | 14.4°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 11 | 14.2°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 12 | 14.3°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 13 | 12.5°C | 14.3°C | |
| OCT 14 | 12.5°C | 14.2°C | |
| OCT 15 | 12.5°C | 14.1°C | |
| OCT 16 | 12.5°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 17 | 12.5°C | 13.9°C | |
| OCT 18 | 12.5°C | 13.8°C | |
| OCT 19 | 12.5°C | 13.7°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 | 3°C | 6°C |
| April | 4°C | 9°C | 14°C |
| May | 11°C | 17°C | 23°C |
| June | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| July | 21°C | 25°C | 29°C |
| August | 21°C | 25°C | 28°C |
| September | 18°C | 22°C | 26°C |
| October | 6°C | 13°C | 19°C |
| November | 3°C | 8°C | 13°C |
| December | 1°C | 4°C | 7°C |
Lake Harriet: Water Temperature by Location
Lake Harriet: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
Lake Harriet in Minneapolis experiences clear seasonal swings in water temperature. In spring the surface typically warms from roughly the low 40s to the upper 50s °F (about 4–15 °C) as air temperatures moderate. Summer afternoons are the warmest, with surface readings commonly in the upper 60s to upper 70s °F (about 20–26 °C) and occasionally approaching 80 °F (27 °C) during heat spells. Early fall sees a gradual cooldown to roughly the 50s–70s °F (10–21 °C) before lakes begin to ice over; in winter the water beneath ice is close to freezing, around 32 °F (0 °C), and surface open water rarely exceeds the low 30s °F (0–2 °C) where ice is absent. Actual temperatures vary with depth, wind, and recent weather.
Swimming is permitted in the designated beach area at Lake Harriet during the warmer months because the Minneapolis park system provides a supervised swimming area and routinely monitors water quality and safety. Lifeguards are typically on duty in summer and the city posts advisories or temporary closures when bacterial counts or blue‑green algae levels pose health risks. Open‑water swimming in late fall and winter is generally unsafe due to low temperatures and ice; only organized cold‑water events with precautions or individuals using proper cold‑water gear should consider it.