Mille Lacs Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Mille Lacs Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Mille Lacs Lake today is 17.1°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 | 18.4°C | 20.0°C | |
| SEP 15 | 17.6°C | 20.0°C | |
| SEP 16 | 17.7°C | 20.0°C | |
| SEP 17 | 16.8°C | 20.0°C | |
| SEP 18 | 17.5°C | 20.0°C | |
| SEP 19 | 17.5°C | 20.0°C | |
| SEP 20 | 17.5°C | 20.0°C | |
| SEP 21 | 17.1°C | 20.0°C | |
| SEP 22 | 20.0°C | 17.2°C | |
| SEP 23 | 20.0°C | 17.4°C | |
| SEP 24 | 20.0°C | 17.5°C | |
| SEP 25 | 20.0°C | 17.7°C | |
| SEP 26 | 20.0°C | 17.8°C | |
| SEP 27 | 20.0°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 28 | 20.0°C | 18.1°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 | 2°C | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| April | 2°C | 6°C | 10°C |
| May | 7°C | 13°C | 19°C |
| June | 12°C | 20°C | 27°C |
| July | 18°C | 23°C | 27°C |
| August | 19°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| September | 17°C | 20°C | 23°C |
| October | 6°C | 13°C | 19°C |
| November | 3°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| December | 1°C | 3°C | 6°C |
Mille Lacs Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Mille Lacs Lake: Weather Forecast
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
Location & Local Information
Mille Lacs Lake, one of Minnesota’s larger inland lakes, exhibits pronounced seasonal swings in surface temperature. In spring (April–May) waters commonly range from about 40–60°F (4–15°C) as the lake thaws, warming through early summer (May–June) to roughly 50–70°F (10–21°C). Midsummer surface temperatures in July and August typically sit in the upper 60s to mid‑70s°F (around 20–24°C), and in shallow bays can briefly reach the low 80s°F (about 27–28°C) on very warm, calm days. By early fall the surface cools through the 50s and 60s°F (10–18°C) and by late fall and winter it approaches freezing; the lake commonly ice‑covers in winter with water near 32°F (0°C) beneath the ice.
Swimming is permitted and commonly practiced during the warm months at public beaches, resorts and shorelines when surface temperatures are comfortable and no health or safety advisories are in effect. However, conditions can change rapidly: spring and early summer cold water temperatures raise the risk of cold‑water shock, wind and boat wakes can produce choppy conditions, and occasional water‑quality advisories (for algal blooms or bacterial concerns) may close areas to swimming. In winter the ice precludes normal swimming activities. Visitors are advised to check local conditions and posted notices before entering the water.