Lower Whitefish Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Lower Whitefish Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Lower Whitefish Lake today is 20.3°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 68°F (20°C) to 74°F (23°C). The water is warm and pleasant for swimming, and in this range, one can stay in the water for extended periods without the risk of hypothermia. This is the ideal temperature for relaxation, swimming, and water sports. Families with children, as well as outdoor enthusiasts, will enjoy swimming and time spent in the water. For most people, this is the optimal temperature for a comfortable beach experience. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUN 23 | 18.3°C | 17.5°C | |
| JUN 24 | 18.4°C | 17.5°C | |
| JUN 25 | 18.4°C | 17.5°C | |
| JUN 26 | 18.4°C | 17.5°C | |
| JUN 27 | 18.6°C | 17.5°C | |
| JUN 28 | 18.7°C | 17.5°C | |
| JUN 29 | 18.7°C | 17.5°C | |
| JUN 30 | 18.7°C | 17.5°C | |
| JUL 1 | 19.4°C | 20.3°C | |
| JUL 2 | 19.4°C | 20.2°C | |
| JUL 3 | 19.4°C | 20.2°C | |
| JUL 4 | 19.4°C | 20.1°C | |
| JUL 5 | 19.4°C | 20.1°C | |
| JUL 6 | 19.4°C | 20.0°C | |
| JUL 7 | 19.4°C | 20.0°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 | 1°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| February | 3°C | 9°C | 15°C |
| March | 0°C | 9°C | 17°C |
| April | 1°C | 11°C | 20°C |
| May | 5°C | 13°C | 21°C |
| June | 13°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| July | 17°C | 19°C | 22°C |
| August | 21°C | 25°C | 28°C |
| September | 17°C | 20°C | 22°C |
| October | 5°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| November | 3°C | 8°C | 12°C |
| December | 3°C | 6°C | 8°C |
Lower Whitefish Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Lower Whitefish Lake: Weather Forecast
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Location & Local Information
Lower Whitefish Lake in northern Minnesota follows the seasonal temperature patterns typical of small glacial lakes in the region. After ice-out in spring the surface water commonly runs cool, roughly 40–60°F (4–16°C) through May and early June as the lake warms. By midsummer surface temperatures often reach about 68–78°F (20–26°C), with shallow bays occasionally warming to around 80°F (27°C) on hot, calm days. In autumn the lake cools back toward the 45–60°F (7–16°C) range before freezing. During winter, when ice cover is present, surface water temperatures are near freezing, generally about 32–39°F (0–4°C); deeper water may remain around 39°F (4°C) until spring turnover.
Swimming is generally allowed at Minnesota lakes including Lower Whitefish Lake where public shoreline access exists, because there is no blanket prohibition on recreational use of the water. That said, practical swimming opportunities are seasonal: most people swim during the warm midsummer window when surface temperatures are comfortable, while spring and fall water is often too cold for extended exposure and winter swimming is unsafe due to ice and hypothermia risk. Local conditions such as wind, wave action, water clarity, algal-bloom advisories, posted rules at access sites, and the presence or absence of lifeguards should be checked before entering the water.