Lake Hiawatha — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lake Hiawatha, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lake Hiawatha today is 18.8°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 | 22.2°C | 21.8°C | |
| SEP 15 | 21.7°C | 21.8°C | |
| SEP 16 | 20.8°C | 21.8°C | |
| SEP 17 | 18.1°C | 21.8°C | |
| SEP 18 | 18.4°C | 21.8°C | |
| SEP 19 | 18.3°C | 21.8°C | |
| SEP 20 | 18.8°C | 21.8°C | |
| SEP 22 | 21.8°C | 19.0°C | |
| SEP 23 | 21.8°C | 19.1°C | |
| SEP 24 | 21.8°C | 19.3°C | |
| SEP 25 | 21.8°C | 19.4°C | |
| SEP 26 | 21.8°C | 19.6°C | |
| SEP 27 | 21.8°C | 19.7°C | |
| SEP 28 | 21.8°C | 19.9°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 | 4°C | 8°C |
| February | 0°C | 3°C | 7°C |
| March | 0°C | 3°C | 7°C |
| April | 5°C | 9°C | 14°C |
| May | 11°C | 17°C | 22°C |
| June | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| July | 22°C | 25°C | 28°C |
| August | 20°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| September | 18°C | 22°C | 26°C |
| October | 6°C | 13°C | 19°C |
| November | 3°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| December | 1°C | 4°C | 8°C |
Lake Hiawatha: Water Temperature by Location
Lake Hiawatha: Weather Forecast
September 21
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
September 26
Location & Local Information
Lake Hiawatha’s water temperatures follow a typical Midwestern pattern tied to the seasons and the lake’s shallow, urban character. In spring the surface usually runs cool, roughly 40–55°F (4–13°C) as ice melts and runoff dilutes warming. By early to mid-summer surface readings commonly climb to about 55–70°F (13–21°C), with peak summer afternoons often reaching the low to high 70s°F — roughly 21–27°C — on warm spells. As autumn arrives the water cools back into the 50–65°F (10–18°C) range, and in winter the lake freezes or stays near the freezing point, around 32°F (0°C) or slightly above beneath ice cover.
Swimming at Lake Hiawatha is not promoted as a formal beach experience, and there is no large supervised swimming area like those at some other Minneapolis lakes. Because it is an urban lake, occasional water-quality problems — such as elevated bacteria levels and cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) blooms linked to runoff and warm, stagnant conditions — can make swimming inadvisable at times. Visitors should heed posted signs and public-health advisories; when authorities issue warnings or closures, swimming is discouraged for safety and health reasons.