Payette Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Payette Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Payette Lake today is 16.7°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEP 14 | 16.8°C | 19.0°C | |
| SEP 15 | 17.5°C | 19.0°C | |
| SEP 16 | 16.6°C | 19.0°C | |
| SEP 17 | 16.1°C | 19.0°C | |
| SEP 18 | 15.6°C | 19.0°C | |
| SEP 19 | 16.2°C | 19.0°C | |
| SEP 20 | 16.8°C | 19.0°C | |
| SEP 22 | 19.0°C | 16.8°C | |
| SEP 23 | 19.0°C | 16.9°C | |
| SEP 24 | 19.0°C | 17.0°C | |
| SEP 25 | 19.0°C | 17.2°C | |
| SEP 26 | 19.0°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 27 | 19.0°C | 17.4°C | |
| SEP 28 | 19.0°C | 17.5°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 | 1°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 3°C | 5°C |
| March | 1°C | 4°C | 6°C |
| April | 0°C | 3°C | 7°C |
| May | 3°C | 9°C | 15°C |
| June | 8°C | 12°C | 17°C |
| July | 13°C | 19°C | 25°C |
| August | 20°C | 23°C | 26°C |
| September | 16°C | 19°C | 22°C |
| October | 9°C | 14°C | 18°C |
| November | 4°C | 6°C | 9°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 5°C |
Payette Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Payette Lake: Weather Forecast
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
Location & Local Information
Payette Lake, near McCall in central Idaho, experiences pronounced seasonal changes in water temperature because of its high elevation and clear mountain-fed waters. In spring the surface typically runs cool, roughly 40–55°F (4–13°C) as snowmelt and cooler air temperatures dominate. In summer the warmest surface readings commonly reach about 60–70°F (15–21°C), with the warmest afternoons sometimes pushing slightly higher in shallow, sun-warmed bays. By early fall temperatures usually decline to the 45–60°F (7–16°C) range as air chills and mixing increases. In winter the lake commonly forms ice and surface temperatures are at or near freezing, about 32°F (0°C), while the liquid water beneath the ice remains just above freezing.
Swimming is allowed on Payette Lake and is a popular summer activity at public beaches and park areas, primarily because summer surface temperatures are comfortable for many swimmers and because public access is provided. However, seasonal cold and variable conditions make swimming safer in mid to late summer; colder shoulder seasons and winter carry significant hypothermia risk, and ice cover makes entry hazardous. Water temperature varies with depth, wind, and sun exposure, so swimmers should judge conditions carefully and use life jackets and common-sense precautions.