Lake Riley — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lake Riley, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lake Riley today is 5.9°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 41°F (5°C) to 47°F (8°C). This water temperature is still quite low, and swimming in such conditions may only be comfortable for hardened individuals. It is recommended to limit the time spent in the water to avoid hypothermia. For those not accustomed to cold water, it is better to refrain from swimming. However, if you decide to enter the water, it is advisable to wear a warm wetsuit for protection against the cold. 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 26 | 10.7°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 27 | 10.8°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 28 | 9.8°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 29 | 8.3°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 30 | 8.5°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 31 | 9.6°C | 12.5°C | |
| NOV 1 | 9.1°C | 7.0°C | |
| NOV 2 | 5.9°C | 7.0°C | |
| NOV 3 | 7.0°C | 6.0°C | |
| NOV 4 | 7.0°C | 6.0°C | |
| NOV 5 | 7.0°C | 6.1°C | |
| NOV 6 | 7.0°C | 6.1°C | |
| NOV 7 | 7.0°C | 6.2°C | |
| NOV 8 | 7.0°C | 6.2°C | |
| NOV 9 | 7.0°C | 6.3°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 | 6°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 | 23°C |
| June | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| July | 22°C | 25°C | 29°C |
| August | 20°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| September | 18°C | 21°C | 24°C |
| October | 6°C | 13°C | 19°C |
| November | 3°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| December | 1°C | 4°C | 7°C |
Lake Riley: Water Temperature by Location
Lake Riley: Weather Forecast
November 3
November 4
November 5
November 6
November 7
November 8
Location & Local Information
Lake Riley, like many small lakes in Minnesota, experiences a wide annual swing in surface temperatures. In spring the water commonly sits around 40–60°F (4–16°C) as it warms after ice out. By mid to late summer surface temperatures typically rise into the mid‑60s to upper‑70s °F (around 18–26°C), and in some warm, shallow bays can momentarily reach about 80°F (27°C). Early fall sees cooling back into the 50s–60s °F (10–16°C) before the lake freezes; during winter the surface is at or below freezing, around 32°F (0°C), with ice cover common on colder months. Deeper water remains cooler year‑round, so actual conditions depend on location, depth and recent weather patterns.
Swimming at Lake Riley is generally possible and commonly practiced where public access points or private shorelines permit it, because it is a freshwater lake used for recreation. However, whether swimming is advisable on any given day depends on water quality, safety conditions and local rules: advisories may close areas for algae blooms, bacterial contamination or hazardous debris, and cold spring or late‑season water carries risk of cold shock. In winter the frozen surface makes traditional swimming unsafe, though some undertake regulated ice activities; always follow posted signage and local health department guidance before entering the water.