Lake Saint Helen — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lake Saint Helen, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lake Saint Helen today is 16.6°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 60°F (15°C) to 65°F (18°C). The water is comfortable for most people, making it an ideal range for water sports enthusiasts. The temperature does not cause significant discomfort, and swimming will be pleasant for the majority. However, it's important to remember that prolonged exposure to the water can still lead to cooling, so it's essential to monitor the time spent in the water, especially for children or elderly people. 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 | 17.1°C | 22.0°C | |
| SEP 15 | 16.6°C | 22.0°C | |
| SEP 16 | 16.5°C | 22.0°C | |
| SEP 17 | 17.4°C | 22.0°C | |
| SEP 18 | 17.3°C | 22.0°C | |
| SEP 19 | 16.7°C | 22.0°C | |
| SEP 20 | 16.7°C | 22.0°C | |
| SEP 21 | 16.1°C | 22.0°C | |
| SEP 22 | 22.0°C | 16.9°C | |
| SEP 23 | 22.0°C | 17.1°C | |
| SEP 24 | 22.0°C | 17.4°C | |
| SEP 25 | 22.0°C | 17.7°C | |
| SEP 26 | 22.0°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 27 | 22.0°C | 18.2°C | |
| SEP 28 | 22.0°C | 18.5°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 | 5°C |
| March | 1°C | 4°C | 7°C |
| April | 2°C | 6°C | 10°C |
| May | 8°C | 13°C | 18°C |
| June | 14°C | 19°C | 24°C |
| July | 19°C | 23°C | 27°C |
| August | 20°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| September | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| October | 11°C | 15°C | 19°C |
| November | 3°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 7°C |
Lake Saint Helen: Water Temperature by Location
Lake Saint Helen: Weather Forecast
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
Location & Local Information
Lake Saint Helen’s water temperatures follow a typical inland Michigan pattern: cold in spring, warmest in mid to late summer, and often frozen or near-freezing in winter. In early spring surface readings commonly sit around 40–60°F (4–16°C) as snowmelt and runoff cool the lake. By June through August the surface usually warms to roughly 70–80°F (21–27°C) on sunny, calm days, though shallower bays can be warmer and deeper spots cooler. In autumn temperatures decline back through the 50–70°F range (10–21°C) before ice formation brings surface water to about 32°F (0°C) and solid ice in sustained cold. Local weather, wind, and lake depth influence these values and the lake often stratifies in summer, so temperature can vary with depth.
Swimming is generally possible and commonly practiced during the ice-free months because surface temperatures rise to comfortable levels and shorelines are accessible. Many residents and visitors swim from beaches, docks, or private frontage when water is above roughly 70°F (21°C), though some tolerate cooler water for short periods. Swimming is not safe in winter when ice is thin or absent without proper ice safety; hypothermia risk and hidden hazards make cold-season immersion dangerous. As with any lake outing, local advisories about water quality, currents, and signage should be observed before entering the water.