Lake Pend Oreille — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lake Pend Oreille, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lake Pend Oreille today is 11.7°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 | 12.2°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 6 | 12.4°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 7 | 12.8°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 12.1°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 12.3°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 12.1°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 12.8°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 12.4°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 13.0°C | 11.8°C | |
| OCT 14 | 13.0°C | 11.8°C | |
| OCT 15 | 13.0°C | 11.9°C | |
| OCT 16 | 13.0°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 17 | 13.0°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 18 | 13.0°C | 12.1°C | |
| OCT 19 | 13.0°C | 12.2°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 | 3°C | 5°C |
| February | 0°C | 3°C | 5°C |
| March | 2°C | 4°C | 7°C |
| April | 1°C | 5°C | 10°C |
| May | 7°C | 11°C | 16°C |
| June | 10°C | 15°C | 20°C |
| July | 15°C | 20°C | 26°C |
| August | 20°C | 23°C | 26°C |
| September | 15°C | 19°C | 24°C |
| October | 8°C | 13°C | 18°C |
| November | 5°C | 9°C | 12°C |
| December | 3°C | 5°C | 7°C |
Lake Pend Oreille: Water Temperature by Location
Lake Pend Oreille: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
Lake Pend Oreille is a very deep, large lake in northern Idaho, so surface water temperatures vary substantially with season and location. In spring the lake typically stays cool, roughly 40–55°F (4–13°C) as runoff and cool air keep the surface chilly. By midsummer sheltered nearshore areas commonly warm to about 60–75°F (16–24°C), with isolated spots occasionally a bit warmer on sunny, calm days. In autumn temperatures decline again into the 45–60°F range (7–16°C) as cooling air mixes the water. Because the lake is so deep, bottom waters remain near the temperature of maximum water density—around 39°F (4°C)—year round, so there is a strong thermocline and much of the lake stays cold even in summer.
Swimming in Lake Pend Oreille is allowed and people frequently swim from beaches and boat launches, especially during summer when nearshore temperatures are most comfortable. However, the lake’s depth, cold water, and potential for sudden wind-driven waves create hazards: cold shock and hypothermia are real risks once you leave warm shallow water, and many shoreline areas have no lifeguard supervision. Swimmers should pick sheltered, supervised spots when possible, be mindful of quick temperature changes with depth, and use personal flotation for longer swims.