Nelson Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Nelson Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Nelson Lake today is 5.3°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 41°F (5°C) to 47°F (8°C). This water temperature is still quite low, and swimming in such conditions may only be comfortable for hardened individuals. It is recommended to limit the time spent in the water to avoid hypothermia. For those not accustomed to cold water, it is better to refrain from swimming. However, if you decide to enter the water, it is advisable to wear a warm wetsuit for protection against the cold. 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 26 | 9.4°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 27 | 9.4°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 28 | 8.8°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 29 | 9.1°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 30 | 8.4°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 31 | 7.7°C | 13.0°C | |
| NOV 1 | 7.2°C | 9.8°C | |
| NOV 2 | 5.3°C | 9.8°C | |
| NOV 3 | 9.8°C | 5.5°C | |
| NOV 4 | 9.8°C | 5.8°C | |
| NOV 5 | 9.8°C | 6.0°C | |
| NOV 6 | 9.8°C | 6.2°C | |
| NOV 7 | 9.8°C | 6.4°C | |
| NOV 8 | 9.8°C | 6.7°C | |
| NOV 9 | 9.8°C | 6.9°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 | 1°C | 3°C |
| March | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
| April | 1°C | 6°C | 12°C |
| May | 7°C | 13°C | 19°C |
| June | 14°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| July | 20°C | 24°C | 27°C |
| August | 17°C | 24°C | 30°C |
| September | 14°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| October | 9°C | 13°C | 17°C |
| November | 3°C | 10°C | 16°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
Nelson Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Nelson Lake: Weather Forecast
November 3
November 4
November 5
November 6
November 7
Location & Local Information
Nelson Lake in Wisconsin follows the typical seasonal pattern of northern temperate lakes. During winter the surface is usually at or just above freezing while the lake is ice-covered, roughly 32–39°F (0–4°C). Spring brings a gradual rise as ice melts and runoff cools the water; surface temperatures commonly range from about 40–60°F (4–15°C) through late spring. In summer the shallows and swim areas warm most, often reaching roughly 68–78°F (20–26°C) on warm days, though cooler, deeper spots remain in the 50s–60s°F (10–16°C). Fall sees a steady decline back toward 50–65°F (10–18°C) before freeze-up begins again.
Swimming on Nelson Lake is generally permitted during the open-water season because summer temperatures frequently reach levels comfortable for recreational swimming. Whether swimming is allowed at a particular spot can depend on local property ownership, public access points, posted rules, and water-quality advisories, so checking signage or local authorities is recommended. Even when waters are warm, swimmers should be mindful of sudden temperature changes in deeper water, currents near inlets, and typical lake hazards. In winter swimming is unsafe and discouraged because of ice cover and near-freezing water temperatures.