Lake Wingra — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lake Wingra, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lake Wingra today is 14.5°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 54°F (12°C) to 60°F (15°C). The water is significantly warmer, and swimming becomes possible for most people. However, caution may still be required for prolonged stays in the water, as extended exposure can cause discomfort. This is a suitable temperature range for short swims and for those accustomed to cooler water. For more comfortable swimming, it is recommended to use proper gear. 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 | 17.2°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 6 | 17.2°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 7 | 16.2°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 16.1°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 16.3°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 16.1°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 15.4°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 15.2°C | 14.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 14.0°C | 14.5°C | |
| OCT 14 | 14.0°C | 14.5°C | |
| OCT 15 | 14.0°C | 14.4°C | |
| OCT 16 | 14.0°C | 14.4°C | |
| OCT 17 | 14.0°C | 14.4°C | |
| OCT 18 | 14.0°C | 14.4°C | |
| OCT 19 | 14.0°C | 14.3°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 | 2°C | 4°C |
| February | 1°C | 3°C | 6°C |
| March | 2°C | 5°C | 9°C |
| April | 4°C | 9°C | 15°C |
| May | 10°C | 14°C | 19°C |
| June | 16°C | 20°C | 23°C |
| July | 18°C | 24°C | 30°C |
| August | 16°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| September | 15°C | 19°C | 22°C |
| October | 9°C | 14°C | 19°C |
| November | 2°C | 6°C | 10°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 5°C |
Lake Wingra: Water Temperature by Location
Lake Wingra: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
Location & Local Information
Lake Wingra is a shallow, urban lake in Madison that warms and cools with the seasons. Typical spring surface temperatures often range from about 40–60°F (4–15°C) as ice melts and the lake stratifies. By late spring and early summer the surface commonly reaches the 60s°F (15–21°C). In mid-summer sheltered, shallow spots can climb into the low to upper 70s°F, roughly 21–27°C, and occasionally a bit higher on hot, calm days. As autumn arrives temperatures fall back through the 50s–60s°F (10–16°C) before the lake approaches freezing in winter, with surface waters near 32°F (0°C) and ice cover forming on many years.
Swimming is permitted at designated public beach areas on Lake Wingra, such as city-managed beaches, but access is controlled for safety and water-quality reasons. Occasional advisories or temporary closures can be issued because of elevated bacteria levels or cyanobacterial (blue‑green algae) blooms, and patches of aquatic vegetation and soft bottom can make unsupervised entry less comfortable. For those who choose to swim, conditions are best in mid to late summer when surface temperatures are warmest and official advisories are not in effect.