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Lake Mendota

Lake Mendota Current Water Temperature and Forecast

On this page, you will find comprehensive information about the water temperature in Lake Mendota, including current readings, historical data and trends, monthly averages, as well as weather forecasts and upcoming temperature predictions. We find every spot where you can swim and tell you what the water temperature is there today and throughout the year.

Current Lake Water Temperature Information

55°F

TODAY

55°F

YESTERDAY

54°F

A WEEK AGO

As of today, the minimum water temperature in the Lake Mendota 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.

Analysis, Historical Data, and Forecast of Water Temperature

Water Temperature Chart for Lake Mendota Over the Last 30 Days

Today the water temperature in Lake Mendota is lower than the same day in previous years. The water temperature range here in May is from 55°F to 63°F. The water temperature is trending upward, and it has increased both over the past 30 days and the past week.

The forecasted water temperature values for Lake Mendota are presented in the table below.

The actual water temperature values near the shore may differ by a few degrees from the stated values. For the development of the forecast, we use our own mathematical model that takes into account the current water temperature changes, historical data, and key weather trends, including wind strength and direction, and air temperature in each specific region.

Daily Water Temperature Chart

DateCurrentAverageForecast
Apr 2954°F48°F
Apr 3054°F48°F
May 156°F59°F
May 257°F59°F
May 356°F59°F
May 456°F59°F
May 555°F59°F
May 655°F59°F
May 759°F55°F
May 859°F55°F
May 959°F55°F
May 1059°F55°F
May 1159°F56°F
May 1259°F56°F
May 1359°F56°F
May 1459°F56°F
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast

Water Temperature Ranges in Lake Mendota by Month

January

MinimumAverageMaximum
32°F35°F39°F

February

MinimumAverageMaximum
34°F38°F43°F

March

MinimumAverageMaximum
36°F40°F45°F

April

MinimumAverageMaximum
39°F48°F57°F

May

MinimumAverageMaximum
55°F59°F63°F

June

MinimumAverageMaximum
64°F69°F73°F

July

MinimumAverageMaximum
77°F81°F86°F

August

MinimumAverageMaximum
72°F76°F81°F

September

MinimumAverageMaximum
64°F68°F72°F

October

MinimumAverageMaximum
48°F52°F57°F

November

MinimumAverageMaximum
36°F40°F45°F

December

MinimumAverageMaximum
32°F33°F37°F

Monthly Water Temperature Histogram for Lake Mendota

Known Beaches in the Area of Lake Mendota?

Warner Park Beach

Warner Park Beach is a 2-stars sandy beach, located in a 3 km (2 miles) radius of Lake Mendota. There is parking.

Raymer's Cove

Raymer's Cove is a 1-stars sandy beach, located in a 3 km (2 miles) radius of Lake Mendota.

Tenney Park Beach

Tenney Park Beach is a 2-stars sandy beach, located in a 4 km (2 miles) radius of Lake Mendota. There is parking.

James Madison Park

James Madison Park is a 2-stars sandy beach, located in a 4 km (2 miles) radius of Lake Mendota. There is parking. There are restrooms.

B.B. Clarke Beach Park

B.B. Clarke Beach Park is a 3-stars sandy beach, located in a 5 km (3 miles) radius of Lake Mendota. There are lifeguards on the beach. There are restrooms. B.B. Clarke Beach Park is an excellent spot for fishing enthusiasts, offering good opportunities to catch local fish.

Bb Clarke Beach

Bb Clarke Beach is a 1-stars sandy beach, located in a 5 km (3 miles) radius of Lake Mendota.

Brittingham Beach

Brittingham Beach is a 1-stars sandy beach, located in a 5 km (3 miles) radius of Lake Mendota.

Marshall Park

Marshall Park is a 1-stars sandy beach, located in a 6 km (4 miles) radius of Lake Mendota.

Bernie's Beach Park

Bernie's Beach Park is a 3-stars sandy beach, located in a 6 km (4 miles) radius of Lake Mendota. There are lifeguards on the beach. There are restrooms. There are shops. There are cafés.

Vilas Park Beach

Vilas Park Beach is a 3-stars sandy beach, located in a 6 km (4 miles) radius of Lake Mendota. There are lifeguards on the beach. There are restrooms.

Spring Harbor Beach Park

Spring Harbor Beach Park is a 2-stars sandy beach, located in a 6 km (4 miles) radius of Lake Mendota. There are lifeguards on the beach.

Olbrich Park Beach

Olbrich Park Beach is a 3-stars sandy beach, located in a 7 km (4 miles) radius of Lake Mendota. There is parking. There are restrooms. There are cafés.

Esther Beach Park

Esther Beach Park is a 4-stars sandy beach, located in a 8 km (5 miles) radius of Lake Mendota. There are lifeguards on the beach. There is parking. There are restrooms. There are cafés.

Schluter Beach

Schluter Beach is a 2-stars sandy beach, located in a 8 km (5 miles) radius of Lake Mendota. There are restrooms.

Frost Woods Beach

Frost Woods Beach is a 2-stars sandy beach, located in a 9 km (6 miles) radius of Lake Mendota. There is parking.

Lake Mendota Weather

MAY 7

52°F / 68°F
moderate drizzle

rain: 11% | wind: 17 mph

MAY 8

45°F / 61°F
overcast

rain: 11% | wind: 14 mph

MAY 9

39°F / 66°F
overcast

rain: 3% | wind: 10 mph

MAY 10

43°F / 72°F
clear sky

rain: 7% | wind: 6 mph

Water Temperature in Lake Mendota: General Trends and Swimming Opportunities

Lake Mendota is located in the state of Wisconsin, in the county of Dane, at an elevation of 839 feet (256 meters) above sea level.

Lake Mendota is a medium lake. Its surface area is 15.3 sq mi (39.6 sq km). Typically versatile lakes with developed ecosystems; popular for water sports and tourism.

The water temperature in Lake Mendota varies throughout the year, ranging from 32°F (0°C) in January to 86°F (30°C) in July. The average annual water temperature of the lake is 54°F (12°C). The months when the average water temperature in Lake Mendota exceeds 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20°C) are June, July, August and September.

The nearest cities ans towns to Lake Mendota are: Maple Bluff, Madison, Shorewood Hills, Middleton, Monona, Waunakee, Windsor, McFarland, De Forest, Verona in Wisconsin.

Geographical Location of Lake Mendota

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Mendota and its Water Temperatures

What is the current water temperature in Lake Mendota?

The water temperature today in Lake Mendota is 55°F (12.5°C).

What is the water temperature in Lake Mendota during the summer months?

The average water temperature in Lake Mendota during the summer months is typically between 69°F to 81°F (21°C to 27°C), and it can reach up to 86°F (30°C) at its warmest. However, in some years, the temperature may exceed this range.

What is the water temperature in Lake Mendota in May?

The average water temperature in Lake Mendota in May ranges from 55°F to 63°F (13°C to 17°C).

What is the water temperature in Lake Mendota in September?

The average water temperature in Lake Mendota in September is typically between 64°F to 72°F (18°C to 22°C).

Where is Lake Mendota located?

Lake Mendota is located in the United States in the state of Wisconsin, in the county of Dane, at an elevation of 839 feet (256 meters) above sea level. The surface area of the lake is 15.294 sq mi (39.61 sq km).

Is it possible to swim in Lake Mendota and what are the possibilities for this?

Yes, it's possible to swim in Lake Mendota, Wisconsin. The local authorities provide public beaches, boating amenities, and lifeguard services during the swimming season.

What are the coordinates of Lake Mendota?

Lake Mendota is located at coordinates 43.1100°N 89.4120°W.

Is Lake Lake Mendota a popular vacation spot among Americans?

Lake Mendota is popular in the United States and ranks among the top 50 lakes in the country in terms of interest, recreational opportunities, and fishing.

What species of fish can be found in Lake Mendota?

Lake Mendota is home to fish species such as Bluegill (best caught in Spring, Summer), Largemouth bass (Spring, Fall), Smallmouth bass (Spring, Fall), Walleye (Spring, Fall), Northern pike (Spring, Fall), Muskellunge (Spring, Fall), Yellow perch (Spring, Winter), Black crappie (Spring, Fall), White crappie (Spring, Fall), Channel catfish (Spring, Summer), Brown bullhead (Spring, Summer, Fall), Pumpkinseed (Spring, Summer), Rock bass (Spring, Summer), White bass (Spring, Summer), Freshwater drum (Summer), Common carp (Spring, Summer), Longnose gar (Summer), Bowfin (Spring, Summer), Rainbow trout (Spring, Fall), Brown trout (Spring, Fall).