Lake Mattamuskeet — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lake Mattamuskeet, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lake Mattamuskeet today is 16.5°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 60°F (15°C) to 65°F (18°C). The water is comfortable for most people, making it an ideal range for water sports enthusiasts. The temperature does not cause significant discomfort, and swimming will be pleasant for the majority. However, it's important to remember that prolonged exposure to the water can still lead to cooling, so it's essential to monitor the time spent in the water, especially for children or elderly people. 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 | 17.5°C | 19.0°C | |
| OCT 27 | 17.5°C | 19.0°C | |
| OCT 28 | 17.1°C | 19.0°C | |
| OCT 29 | 16.5°C | 19.0°C | |
| OCT 30 | 16.3°C | 19.0°C | |
| OCT 31 | 16.8°C | 19.0°C | |
| NOV 1 | 16.9°C | 11.0°C | |
| NOV 2 | 16.5°C | 11.0°C | |
| NOV 3 | 11.0°C | 16.2°C | |
| NOV 4 | 11.0°C | 16.0°C | |
| NOV 5 | 11.0°C | 15.7°C | |
| NOV 6 | 11.0°C | 15.4°C | |
| NOV 7 | 11.0°C | 15.1°C | |
| NOV 8 | 11.0°C | 14.9°C | |
| NOV 9 | 11.0°C | 14.6°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 | 7°C | 11°C |
| February | 1°C | 5°C | 9°C |
| March | 8°C | 12°C | 17°C |
| April | 13°C | 18°C | 24°C |
| May | 16°C | 21°C | 25°C |
| June | 18°C | 22°C | 26°C |
| July | 21°C | 27°C | 32°C |
| August | 20°C | 26°C | 31°C |
| September | 22°C | 26°C | 31°C |
| October | 16°C | 19°C | 22°C |
| November | 6°C | 11°C | 16°C |
| December | 6°C | 6°C | 11°C |
Lake Mattamuskeet: Water Temperature by Location
Lake Mattamuskeet: Weather Forecast
November 3
November 4
November 5
November 6
November 7
Location & Local Information
Lake Mattamuskeet is a very shallow, broad lake on North Carolina’s coastal plain, and its water temperature reflects that morphology and the local seasons. In summer the surface typically warms into the mid-70s to mid-80s °F (about 24–30 °C), while early fall often stays in the 60s–70s °F (15–25 °C). Spring transitions usually show temperatures ranging from the 50s to low 60s °F (10–17 °C) and winter water can drop into the 40s–50s °F (4–10 °C). Because the lake is shallow, these numbers can change quickly with air temperatures, wind and precipitation, and shallow bays can be several degrees warmer or cooler than the main basin.
Swimming is not a primary recreational activity at Lake Mattamuskeet and there are no developed public beaches or lifeguarded areas, so it is generally not promoted. Reasons include the extensive aquatic vegetation and soft, muddy bottom that make wading awkward, variable water quality influenced by runoff and birds, and the refuge’s focus on wildlife habitat; visitors should also be mindful of the potential presence of large wildlife in coastal wetlands. People who choose to enter the water do so at their own risk, and local guidance and refuge regulations should be consulted before attempting to swim.