Lake Phalen — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lake Phalen, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lake Phalen today is 18.8°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEP 14 | 21.8°C | 22.0°C | |
| SEP 15 | 21.5°C | 22.0°C | |
| SEP 16 | 20.7°C | 22.0°C | |
| SEP 17 | 18.5°C | 22.0°C | |
| SEP 18 | 18.7°C | 22.0°C | |
| SEP 19 | 18.9°C | 22.0°C | |
| SEP 20 | 19.3°C | 22.0°C | |
| SEP 22 | 22.0°C | 19.0°C | |
| SEP 23 | 22.0°C | 19.1°C | |
| SEP 24 | 22.0°C | 19.3°C | |
| SEP 25 | 22.0°C | 19.4°C | |
| SEP 26 | 22.0°C | 19.6°C | |
| SEP 27 | 22.0°C | 19.8°C | |
| SEP 28 | 22.0°C | 19.9°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 | 1°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| April | 3°C | 9°C | 15°C |
| May | 10°C | 16°C | 22°C |
| June | 19°C | 24°C | 27°C |
| July | 22°C | 25°C | 28°C |
| August | 22°C | 26°C | 30°C |
| September | 18°C | 22°C | 26°C |
| October | 6°C | 13°C | 20°C |
| November | 3°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| December | 0°C | 4°C | 6°C |
Lake Phalen: Water Temperature by Location
Lake Phalen: Weather Forecast
September 21
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
September 26
Location & Local Information
Lake Phalen’s surface water follows the typical seasonal pattern for a midwestern urban lake. In summer the lake commonly warms to the 70s–80s °F (about 21–28 °C), occasionally reaching the upper 80s °F (near 30 °C) during heat waves. Spring temperatures generally rise from the 40s to the 60s °F (4–16 °C) as ice melts and runoff subsides, while early fall sees a gradual decline back through the 50s and 60s °F (10–18 °C). By late fall and winter the lake approaches freezing and often develops a stable ice cover, with surface conditions near 32 °F (0 °C) while frozen. These ranges vary year to year based on weather, wind, and storm events that affect mixing and warming.
Swimming is allowed in designated areas at Lake Phalen during the warm season because the city operates a public beach and monitors conditions for safety. Lifeguarded hours and beach openings are typically seasonal, and local authorities test for water quality; advisories or closures may be issued for high bacteria counts or harmful algal blooms. Cold spring or fall water temperatures pose risks such as cold-water shock, and winter ice makes open-water swimming unsafe except for managed events or supervised ice activities. Always check current local advisories before entering the water.