Owasco Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Owasco Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Owasco Lake today is 15.3°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCT 5 | 17.6°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 6 | 17.4°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 7 | 16.6°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 8 | 16.3°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 9 | 16.0°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 10 | 16.2°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 11 | 15.9°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 12 | 15.4°C | 15.5°C | |
| OCT 13 | 15.5°C | 15.3°C | |
| OCT 14 | 15.5°C | 15.3°C | |
| OCT 15 | 15.5°C | 15.3°C | |
| OCT 16 | 15.5°C | 15.3°C | |
| OCT 17 | 15.5°C | 15.4°C | |
| OCT 18 | 15.5°C | 15.4°C | |
| OCT 19 | 15.5°C | 15.4°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 | 5°C |
| February | 0°C | 1°C | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 1°C | 4°C |
| April | 2°C | 6°C | 11°C |
| May | 7°C | 13°C | 19°C |
| June | 15°C | 19°C | 22°C |
| July | 21°C | 26°C | 30°C |
| August | 21°C | 25°C | 29°C |
| September | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| October | 13°C | 16°C | 18°C |
| November | 5°C | 10°C | 14°C |
| December | 1°C | 4°C | 6°C |
Owasco Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Owasco Lake: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
Location & Local Information
Owasco Lake, one of New York’s Finger Lakes near Auburn, experiences pronounced seasonal shifts in surface water temperature. In winter the lake’s surface typically sits around 32–40°F (0–4°C) and can ice over in cold spells. Spring warming drives surface temperatures into roughly 40–60°F (4–16°C) as stratification begins. Peak summer conditions commonly bring surface waters into the 60–75°F range (16–24°C), with shallow bays and sheltered areas sometimes reaching the low 70s°F (21–23°C) on warm, calm days. In fall the surface cools back toward about 45–60°F (7–16°C). Deep parts of the lake remain substantially colder year-round because of depth and thermal stratification, so layers below the thermocline can stay in the 40s°F (around 4–9°C) even in summer.
Swimming is generally permitted at Owasco Lake from municipal beaches, parks and private shorelines, with access and rules set by local authorities and property owners. Public swimming is most comfortable in mid to late summer when surface temperatures reach the upper 60s to mid 70s°F (around 20–24°C), while spring and fall waters are often brisk. Seasonal lifeguards, water-quality monitoring and occasional advisories—for instance after heavy runoff or when cyanobacterial (algal) blooms are detected—mean that official postings should be checked before entering the water. Cold, deep water also poses a hypothermia risk for swimmers venturing beyond shallow areas.