Pawnee Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Pawnee Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Pawnee Lake today is 21.4°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 68°F (20°C) to 74°F (23°C). The water is warm and pleasant for swimming, and in this range, one can stay in the water for extended periods without the risk of hypothermia. This is the ideal temperature for relaxation, swimming, and water sports. Families with children, as well as outdoor enthusiasts, will enjoy swimming and time spent in the water. For most people, this is the optimal temperature for a comfortable beach experience. 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 | 23.6°C | 24.4°C | |
| SEP 15 | 22.4°C | 24.4°C | |
| SEP 16 | 22.9°C | 24.4°C | |
| SEP 17 | 22.7°C | 24.4°C | |
| SEP 18 | 21.1°C | 24.4°C | |
| SEP 19 | 20.5°C | 24.4°C | |
| SEP 20 | 20.5°C | 24.4°C | |
| SEP 22 | 24.4°C | 21.6°C | |
| SEP 23 | 24.4°C | 21.7°C | |
| SEP 24 | 24.4°C | 21.9°C | |
| SEP 25 | 24.4°C | 22.0°C | |
| SEP 26 | 24.4°C | 22.2°C | |
| SEP 27 | 24.4°C | 22.3°C | |
| SEP 28 | 24.4°C | 22.5°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 | 5°C | 10°C |
| March | 1°C | 7°C | 13°C |
| April | 6°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| May | 15°C | 20°C | 24°C |
| June | 19°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| July | 25°C | 29°C | 33°C |
| August | 23°C | 27°C | 31°C |
| September | 21°C | 24°C | 28°C |
| October | 14°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| November | 2°C | 9°C | 16°C |
| December | 1°C | 5°C | 9°C |
Pawnee Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Pawnee Lake: Weather Forecast
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
Location & Local Information
Pawnee Lake in southeastern Nebraska typically follows the seasonal patterns of shallow Midwestern reservoirs. In spring the surface water usually warms from the low 40s to the upper 50s °F (about 5–15 °C) as air temperatures rise. During summer, surface temperatures commonly reach the 70s to mid-80s °F (21–29 °C) on warm stretches, making the lake pleasantly swimmable on many days. In autumn the water cools back into the 50s and low 60s °F (10–17 °C), and by winter the lake can drop to around freezing—near 32–40 °F (0–4 °C)—with ice possible in prolonged cold spells. Actual temperatures vary from year to year and with depth, wind, and recent weather.
Swimming is generally allowed at Pawnee Lake because it is managed as a state recreation area with shoreline access and areas used for bathing and boating during the warmer months. However, swimming is typically at the visitor’s own risk; there may be no lifeguards on duty and local health or safety advisories can temporarily restrict swimming for reasons such as high bacteria counts or harmful algal blooms. Visitors should use caution, be aware of changing water conditions, and follow posted notices or guidance by park staff.