Lake of the Woods — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lake of the Woods, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lake of the Woods today is 10.8°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 50°F (10°C) to 54°F (12°C). The water is slightly warmer, but still cool for most people. Swimming in such conditions is possible, but for most people, the time spent in the water should be limited to avoid hypothermia. Even experienced swimmers may feel discomfort if they stay in the water for too long. To improve comfort and safety, a wetsuit can be used. 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 | 12.8°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 6 | 12.2°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 7 | 11.6°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 8 | 11.7°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 9 | 11.4°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 10 | 10.9°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 11 | 10.7°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 12 | 10.4°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 13 | 13.5°C | 10.9°C | |
| OCT 14 | 13.5°C | 11.1°C | |
| OCT 15 | 13.5°C | 11.2°C | |
| OCT 16 | 13.5°C | 11.3°C | |
| OCT 17 | 13.5°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 18 | 13.5°C | 11.6°C | |
| OCT 19 | 13.5°C | 11.7°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 | 2°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 1°C | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| April | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
| May | 2°C | 9°C | 16°C |
| June | 10°C | 15°C | 20°C |
| July | 17°C | 23°C | 28°C |
| August | 18°C | 22°C | 26°C |
| September | 16°C | 21°C | 26°C |
| October | 9°C | 14°C | 18°C |
| November | 2°C | 6°C | 10°C |
| December | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
Lake of the Woods: Water Temperature by Location
Lake of the Woods: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
Lake of the Woods, located in northern Minnesota and shared with Manitoba and Ontario, is a vast freshwater lake known for its islands, clear water, and cool northern climate. Because of its size and high latitude, the lake warms slowly each year after the ice melts in late April or early May. In early spring, the surface temperature averages around 39–45°F (4–7°C). By late May and June, as air temperatures rise, the water gradually warms to about 54–63°F (12–17°C). During midsummer, particularly in July and August, surface temperatures in sheltered bays and shallow areas can reach 68–73°F (20–23°C), while the open waters of the main lake remain cooler, typically around 61–66°F (16–19°C). By September, the temperature declines again below 59°F (15°C) as the lake begins to cool toward autumn.
Swimming in Lake of the Woods is allowed and popular during the warmest part of the year, especially in protected coves and sandy shoreline areas. The lake’s clean water and gentle beaches make it suitable for recreational swimming, although the season is relatively short due to the northern climate. The best conditions for swimming occur from late June through August, when the water is warm enough for comfort and the weather is consistently mild. Outside of summer, the lake remains too cold for extended swimming but ideal for boating and fishing.