Medicine Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Medicine Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Medicine Lake today is 16.3°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEP 14 | 17.6°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 15 | 17.1°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 16 | 17.3°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 17 | 16.7°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 18 | 16.4°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 19 | 15.8°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 20 | 15.6°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 21 | 16.3°C | 18.9°C | |
| SEP 22 | 18.9°C | 16.4°C | |
| SEP 23 | 18.9°C | 16.6°C | |
| SEP 24 | 18.9°C | 16.7°C | |
| SEP 25 | 18.9°C | 16.8°C | |
| SEP 26 | 18.9°C | 17.0°C | |
| SEP 27 | 18.9°C | 17.1°C | |
| SEP 28 | 18.9°C | 17.2°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 | 1°C | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
| April | 2°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| May | 8°C | 14°C | 19°C |
| June | 13°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| July | 14°C | 21°C | 27°C |
| August | 17°C | 23°C | 28°C |
| September | 16°C | 19°C | 21°C |
| October | 7°C | 12°C | 17°C |
| November | 2°C | 6°C | 10°C |
| December | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
Medicine Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Medicine Lake: Weather Forecast
September 21
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
September 26
Location & Local Information
Medicine Lake in northeastern Montana is a prairie wetland lake whose water temperatures change a lot through the year. In winter the surface typically sits near freezing, roughly 33–40°F (0.5–4°C) under ice and in early thaw. Spring sees a steady rise as runoff and sun warm the shallows, commonly reaching 40–55°F (4–13°C). Peak summer temperatures in July and August can warm the upper water to around 60–75°F (15–24°C) on warm, calm days, especially in shallow bays; cooler, deeper or wind-exposed areas remain colder. By fall the water cools again, often falling into the 45–60°F (7–16°C) range before ice forms.
Swimming is possible in summer where public access exists because the lake can become comfortably warm in shallow areas, but use is subject to a few practical and regulatory limits. Much of the shoreline and surrounding waters are managed for wildlife habitat, so portions of the lake may be seasonally closed or discouraged to protect birds and wetlands; waterfowl presence, algae blooms or localized water-quality advisories can also make swimming inadvisable. Even in summer, sudden wind and cold water near depth changes can produce cold-shock risk, so anyone considering a swim should check local access rules, watch for posted advisories, and use caution.