Little Payette Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Little Payette Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Little Payette Lake today is 12.1°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 | 13.0°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 6 | 13.5°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 7 | 13.5°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 13.2°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 12.5°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 12.4°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 12.0°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 12.5°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 13.0°C | 12.1°C | |
| OCT 14 | 13.0°C | 12.2°C | |
| OCT 15 | 13.0°C | 12.2°C | |
| OCT 16 | 13.0°C | 12.3°C | |
| OCT 17 | 13.0°C | 12.3°C | |
| OCT 18 | 13.0°C | 12.4°C | |
| OCT 19 | 13.0°C | 12.4°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 | 5°C |
| February | 1°C | 5°C | 7°C |
| March | 2°C | 5°C | 8°C |
| April | 2°C | 6°C | 9°C |
| May | 3°C | 9°C | 15°C |
| June | 8°C | 13°C | 18°C |
| July | 13°C | 19°C | 24°C |
| August | 20°C | 23°C | 25°C |
| September | 16°C | 19°C | 22°C |
| October | 9°C | 13°C | 17°C |
| November | 2°C | 6°C | 9°C |
| December | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
Little Payette Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Little Payette Lake: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
Location & Local Information
Little Payette Lake, being a higher‑elevation inland lake in Idaho, experiences a strong seasonal swing in surface water temperatures. In early spring and during snowmelt (April–June) surface readings are often cool, roughly 45–60°F (7–16°C). Peak summer afternoons, typically July into early August, can warm surface waters into the 60–70°F range (15–21°C), with occasional warm spells pushing the top layer toward the low 70s°F (~22°C). By late summer and early fall the lake cools again, commonly falling to around 50–40°F (10–4°C) as air temperatures drop and by winter the lake is near freezing at the surface, often ice‑covered and close to 32°F (0°C) beneath the ice.
Swimming is generally permitted in Little Payette Lake where public access exists, but conditions and safety vary. The water is often cold outside the brief midsummer window, so hypothermia is a real risk even on warm days; inexperienced swimmers should avoid long exposure. Local shorelines may be private or have limited access, and there are usually no lifeguards, so swimmers should choose accessible beaches or designated recreation areas, check current local advisories for water quality or restrictions, and use appropriate precautions like wearing a wetsuit or staying close to shore.