Lake Raleigh — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lake Raleigh, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lake Raleigh today is 21.6°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 68°F (20°C) to 74°F (23°C). The water is warm and pleasant for swimming, and in this range, one can stay in the water for extended periods without the risk of hypothermia. This is the ideal temperature for relaxation, swimming, and water sports. Families with children, as well as outdoor enthusiasts, will enjoy swimming and time spent in the water. For most people, this is the optimal temperature for a comfortable beach experience. 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 | 23.7°C | 22.0°C | |
| OCT 6 | 22.4°C | 22.0°C | |
| OCT 7 | 22.8°C | 22.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 22.5°C | 22.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 21.3°C | 22.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 21.7°C | 22.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 21.5°C | 22.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 21.4°C | 22.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 22.0°C | 21.6°C | |
| OCT 14 | 22.0°C | 21.6°C | |
| OCT 15 | 22.0°C | 21.7°C | |
| OCT 16 | 22.0°C | 21.7°C | |
| OCT 17 | 22.0°C | 21.7°C | |
| OCT 18 | 22.0°C | 21.7°C | |
| OCT 19 | 22.0°C | 21.7°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 | 3°C | 10°C | 17°C |
| February | 1°C | 10°C | 19°C |
| March | 8°C | 14°C | 19°C |
| April | 13°C | 19°C | 25°C |
| May | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| June | 21°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| July | 22°C | 27°C | 32°C |
| August | 22°C | 26°C | 30°C |
| September | 23°C | 27°C | 30°C |
| October | 18°C | 22°C | 26°C |
| November | 12°C | 17°C | 22°C |
| December | 5°C | 11°C | 16°C |
Lake Raleigh: Water Temperature by Location
Lake Raleigh: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
Location & Local Information
Lake Raleigh is a small impoundment in the Raleigh, North Carolina area whose surface water temperatures vary with the seasons. In summer months the top layer of the lake commonly warms to roughly 75–85°F (24–29°C), making it comfortably warm at the surface on hot days. Spring sees a transition from cooler to milder waters, typically about 55–70°F (13–21°C), while autumn temperatures generally fall in the range of 60–75°F (16–24°C) as the lake cools. Winter surface temperatures often drop to around 40–55°F (4–13°C), with deeper water staying colder and resisting rapid change. These are typical surface ranges for a small Piedmont reservoir and can vary with recent weather, wind, inflows, and depth.
Swimming in Lake Raleigh is not generally promoted as a supervised recreational swimming site. Local regulations and property management often restrict bathing because of safety hazards such as variable depths, underwater vegetation and debris, absence of lifeguards, and potential water-quality issues from urban runoff or algal blooms. For those seeking water recreation, managed alternatives with designated swim beaches or monitored pools are safer choices; activities like paddling or shoreline recreation may be permitted where posted rules and water-quality advisories allow.