Orono Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Orono Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Orono Lake today is 12.9°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 | 14.9°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 6 | 14.9°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 7 | 13.9°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 8 | 14.2°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 9 | 13.9°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 10 | 13.5°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 11 | 12.3°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 12 | 12.7°C | 12.5°C | |
| OCT 13 | 12.5°C | 12.9°C | |
| OCT 14 | 12.5°C | 12.9°C | |
| OCT 15 | 12.5°C | 12.8°C | |
| OCT 16 | 12.5°C | 12.8°C | |
| OCT 17 | 12.5°C | 12.8°C | |
| OCT 18 | 12.5°C | 12.8°C | |
| OCT 19 | 12.5°C | 12.8°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 | 5°C |
| April | 2°C | 8°C | 14°C |
| May | 10°C | 16°C | 22°C |
| June | 16°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| July | 21°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| August | 21°C | 25°C | 28°C |
| September | 18°C | 22°C | 25°C |
| October | 6°C | 13°C | 19°C |
| November | 3°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| December | 1°C | 3°C | 6°C |
Orono Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Orono Lake: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
Location & Local Information
Orono Lake, like many small lakes in the Minneapolis–St. Paul region of Minnesota, shows pronounced seasonal shifts in surface temperature. In spring the water typically warms from near-freezing after ice-out to roughly 40–60°F (4–15°C), while midsummer surface temperatures commonly reach about 65–80°F (18–27°C) on warm days. By early fall temperatures usually fall back into the 50–65°F range (10–18°C) as cooling and turnover begin. Under winter ice the water just below the surface remains close to 33–40°F (0.5–4°C), which is far too cold for normal swimming and is the reason the lake is generally considered unsuitable for recreational swimming during ice cover.
Swimming is generally possible during the ice-free season where public access or private shoreline allows entry, and many residents and visitors take advantage of the warmer summer weeks. Whether swimming is advisable depends on current conditions: local rules, posted advisories, water-quality testing and visible algal blooms (cyanobacteria) can restrict use, and boat traffic and sudden depth changes affect safety. As with any Minnesota lake, following posted signage, checking recent water-quality reports, and using appropriate flotation for children and weaker swimmers will help ensure a safe experience.