Lake Kincaid — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lake Kincaid, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lake Kincaid today is 18.4°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCT 5 | 20.4°C | 19.5°C | |
| OCT 6 | 20.4°C | 19.5°C | |
| OCT 7 | 19.7°C | 19.5°C | |
| OCT 8 | 18.9°C | 19.5°C | |
| OCT 9 | 19.2°C | 19.5°C | |
| OCT 10 | 19.6°C | 19.5°C | |
| OCT 11 | 18.8°C | 19.5°C | |
| OCT 12 | 19.1°C | 19.5°C | |
| OCT 13 | 19.5°C | 18.5°C | |
| OCT 14 | 19.5°C | 18.5°C | |
| OCT 15 | 19.5°C | 18.6°C | |
| OCT 16 | 19.5°C | 18.6°C | |
| OCT 17 | 19.5°C | 18.7°C | |
| OCT 18 | 19.5°C | 18.7°C | |
| OCT 19 | 19.5°C | 18.8°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 | 1°C | 6°C | 9°C |
| February | 2°C | 4°C | 7°C |
| March | 3°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| April | 6°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| May | 15°C | 19°C | 22°C |
| June | 20°C | 25°C | 30°C |
| July | 25°C | 28°C | 32°C |
| August | 23°C | 28°C | 32°C |
| September | 22°C | 26°C | 30°C |
| October | 15°C | 20°C | 24°C |
| November | 4°C | 10°C | 15°C |
| December | 2°C | 6°C | 9°C |
Lake Kincaid: Water Temperature by Location
Lake Kincaid: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
Location & Local Information
Lake Kincaid experiences the same seasonal patterns as other small inland lakes in southern Illinois. Surface water typically warms from the mid‑40s–mid‑60s °F (about 7–18 °C) in spring as air temperatures rise, reaches its warmest in summer with common surface readings in the mid‑70s–mid‑80s °F (24–29 °C) on hot days, and cools through the fall into the 50s–60s °F (10–20 °C). In winter the lake can approach freezing at the surface, roughly 32–40 °F (0–4 °C), and deeper water remains noticeably colder year‑round due to thermal stratification and a thermocline forming in summer, so temperatures a few feet down are often several degrees cooler than the surface.
Swimming opportunities at Lake Kincaid are dependent on park rules and current water‑quality conditions. Recreational swimming is typically possible during the warm months when surface temperatures are most comfortable, but swimmers should heed posted notices about algae blooms, bacteria advisories, or hazardous conditions and be aware many public lakes do not have lifeguards, so swimming is at your own risk. Cold or icy conditions in late fall and winter make swimming unsafe, and spring water can produce cold shock; checking local signage and recent advisories before entering the water is recommended.