Nisqually Flats Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Nisqually Flats Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Nisqually Flats Lake today is 14.6°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 54°F (12°C) to 60°F (15°C). The water is significantly warmer, and swimming becomes possible for most people. However, caution may still be required for prolonged stays in the water, as extended exposure can cause discomfort. This is a suitable temperature range for short swims and for those accustomed to cooler water. For more comfortable swimming, it is recommended to use proper gear. 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 | 16.1°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 6 | 16.1°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 7 | 15.9°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 8 | 15.8°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 9 | 15.3°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 10 | 15.2°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 11 | 15.8°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 12 | 15.2°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 13 | 15.5°C | 14.6°C | |
| OCT 14 | 15.5°C | 14.7°C | |
| OCT 15 | 15.5°C | 14.7°C | |
| OCT 16 | 15.5°C | 14.8°C | |
| OCT 17 | 15.5°C | 14.8°C | |
| OCT 18 | 15.5°C | 14.9°C | |
| OCT 19 | 15.5°C | 14.9°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 | 3°C | 7°C |
| February | 2°C | 5°C | 8°C |
| March | 4°C | 8°C | 12°C |
| April | 7°C | 11°C | 15°C |
| May | 13°C | 17°C | 21°C |
| June | 14°C | 20°C | 24°C |
| July | 17°C | 24°C | 31°C |
| August | 19°C | 25°C | 30°C |
| September | 18°C | 22°C | 26°C |
| October | 11°C | 16°C | 20°C |
| November | 7°C | 11°C | 14°C |
| December | 4°C | 7°C | 9°C |
Nisqually Flats Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Nisqually Flats Lake: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
The shallow channels and tidal ponds in the Nisqually Flats tend to stay quite cool year-round because they are fed by the Nisqually River and influenced by Puget Sound tides. Typical surface temperatures in winter often sit around 40–48°F (4–9°C). Spring and fall usually see temperatures in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F (7–13°C) as freshets and tidal mixing moderate extremes. In the warmest summer weeks, sheltered pools and shallow areas can warm to roughly 50–65°F (10–18°C), but even then the water is noticeably chilly compared with inland lakes. Local conditions vary daily with air temperature, river flow, and tide stage.
Swimming in the Nisqually Flats is generally not recommended and in many parts effectively discouraged because much of the area is managed as a wildlife refuge and estuarine habitat. Muddy bottoms, dense eelgrass and oyster beds, strong tidal currents and rapidly changing water depth create real hazards, and the cold water increases hypothermia risk. For these reasons, visitors seeking recreational swimming usually choose designated parks and inland lakes with safer, warmer swimming areas rather than the Flats.