Lake Vermilion — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lake Vermilion, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lake Vermilion today is 2°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges less than 41°F (5°C). Such water is extremely cold and not recommended for swimming without proper preparation. In these conditions, the risk of hypothermia is very high, and prolonged exposure to the water can be hazardous to your health. If you decide to swim, it is important to have the appropriate gear, such as a wetsuit. Typically, only experienced swimmers or those who practice winter swimming venture into such waters. 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 | 6.8°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 27 | 7.0°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 28 | 5.5°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 29 | 5.0°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 30 | 5.0°C | 11.5°C | |
| OCT 31 | 5.7°C | 11.5°C | |
| NOV 1 | 5.0°C | 6.8°C | |
| NOV 2 | 1.2°C | 6.8°C | |
| NOV 3 | 6.8°C | 2.2°C | |
| NOV 4 | 6.8°C | 2.5°C | |
| NOV 5 | 6.8°C | 2.7°C | |
| NOV 6 | 6.8°C | 3.0°C | |
| NOV 7 | 6.8°C | 3.2°C | |
| NOV 8 | 6.8°C | 3.4°C | |
| NOV 9 | 6.8°C | 3.7°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 | 0°C | 1°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
| April | 2°C | 6°C | 10°C |
| May | 3°C | 11°C | 19°C |
| June | 14°C | 21°C | 27°C |
| July | 18°C | 23°C | 27°C |
| August | 19°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| September | 16°C | 20°C | 23°C |
| October | 6°C | 12°C | 17°C |
| November | 2°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| December | 0°C | 4°C | 6°C |
Lake Vermilion: Water Temperature by Location
Lake Vermilion: Weather Forecast
November 3
November 4
November 5
November 6
November 7
Location & Local Information
Lake Vermilion’s water temperatures follow a clear seasonal pattern typical of large northern Minnesota lakes. After ice-out in spring, surface temperatures are generally cool, roughly 40–60°F (4–16°C) through May and June as the lake mixes and warms. In midsummer, surface readings commonly reach about 65–75°F (18–24°C) on warm afternoons in July and August, though sheltered bays and shallow areas can be a few degrees warmer. By early fall the surface cools to roughly 55–65°F (13–18°C), and by late autumn and winter the lake approaches freezing; with ice cover from roughly December through March, surface waters are near 32–34°F (0–1°C) while deeper layers remain nearer 39°F (4°C), the temperature of maximum density. Wind, depth and sunlight cause local variation, and thermal stratification can produce much colder water below the warm surface layer.
Swimming is allowed during the ice-free season and is a common recreational activity at public beaches, resort shorelines and bays when surface temperatures are in the comfortable summer range. Caution is advised, however: even on warm days sudden temperature drops with depth, wind-driven currents or cold pockets near inlets can increase the risk of cold-water shock and hypothermia. In winter, the frozen surface prevents conventional swimming; some people engage in ice plunges, but those carry significant hazards and require appropriate safety measures and local awareness of ice thickness and conditions.