Lower Klamath Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lower Klamath Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lower Klamath Lake 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCT 5 | 16.3°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 6 | 16.3°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 7 | 16.8°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 8 | 16.6°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 9 | 16.5°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 10 | 16.7°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 11 | 17.1°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 12 | 16.7°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 13 | 13.5°C | 16.4°C | |
| OCT 14 | 13.5°C | 16.3°C | |
| OCT 15 | 13.5°C | 16.1°C | |
| OCT 16 | 13.5°C | 16.0°C | |
| OCT 17 | 13.5°C | 15.8°C | |
| OCT 18 | 13.5°C | 15.7°C | |
| OCT 19 | 13.5°C | 15.5°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 | 2°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| March | 1°C | 6°C | 11°C |
| April | 7°C | 11°C | 15°C |
| May | 11°C | 16°C | 21°C |
| June | 16°C | 20°C | 23°C |
| July | 19°C | 23°C | 26°C |
| August | 20°C | 24°C | 27°C |
| September | 18°C | 21°C | 24°C |
| October | 10°C | 14°C | 17°C |
| November | 3°C | 7°C | 10°C |
| December | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
Lower Klamath Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Lower Klamath Lake: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
Lower Klamath Lake, now largely a series of marshes and shallow ponds within the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge on the California–Oregon border, tends to have cool water year-round because of its shallow depth and northern location. Seasonal surface temperatures commonly run roughly 34–45°F (1–7°C) in winter, warming to about 45–60°F (7–16°C) in spring and fall, and peaking in sheltered shallows around 60–75°F (15–24°C) during the warmest summer months. These figures can vary widely from spot to spot depending on depth, flow, exposure to sun and wind, and recent precipitation, with isolated sloughs or irrigation runoff sometimes showing warmer readings than the broader marsh.
Swimming in Lower Klamath is generally discouraged and in many refuge areas effectively prohibited. The refuge is managed primarily for wildlife habitat, so public access is focused on viewing and trails rather than recreational bathing; signage and regulations often restrict entry into sensitive marshes. Practical concerns also limit swimming: standing water, soft muddy bottoms, aquatic vegetation and debris, variable water quality from agricultural runoff and algal growth, and the risk of cold-water shock even in summer. Anyone considering water activities should heed refuge rules and use designated recreational waters elsewhere where swimming is explicitly allowed and monitored.