Potato Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Potato Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Potato Lake today is 13.7°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 | 15.9°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 6 | 15.9°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 7 | 14.6°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 8 | 14.9°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 9 | 14.6°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 10 | 14.1°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 11 | 12.7°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 12 | 12.5°C | 13.5°C | |
| OCT 13 | 13.5°C | 13.7°C | |
| OCT 14 | 13.5°C | 13.7°C | |
| OCT 15 | 13.5°C | 13.7°C | |
| OCT 16 | 13.5°C | 13.7°C | |
| OCT 17 | 13.5°C | 13.7°C | |
| OCT 18 | 13.5°C | 13.6°C | |
| OCT 19 | 13.5°C | 13.6°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 | 5°C |
| February | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
| March | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
| April | 1°C | 7°C | 13°C |
| May | 9°C | 14°C | 20°C |
| June | 16°C | 19°C | 22°C |
| July | 20°C | 24°C | 27°C |
| August | 19°C | 25°C | 30°C |
| September | 14°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| October | 9°C | 14°C | 18°C |
| November | 2°C | 8°C | 13°C |
| December | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
Potato Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Potato Lake: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
Location & Local Information
Potato Lake in Wisconsin follows the typical seasonal pattern of inland northern lakes. In spring, surface temperatures usually range from about 40–60°F (4–16°C) as ice melts and the water mixes. By summer the lake commonly warms to roughly 68–78°F (20–26°C), with shallow bays occasionally reaching the low 80s°F (27–28°C) during heat waves. Thermal stratification is common in warm months, so deeper water stays cooler than the surface. During autumn the surface cools again into the 40s–50s°F range (4–15°C) and by late fall and winter the lake approaches freezing; under ice the water near its maximum density sits around 32–39°F (0–4°C).
Swimming at Potato Lake is generally permitted and is a regular recreational activity during the warmer months because the lake has public and private access points used for boating and bathing. However, conditions govern whether it’s advisable: summer offers the most comfortable temperatures, while spring and fall bring cold-water risks such as cold shock and reduced endurance. Algal blooms, submerged vegetation, boat traffic and local health advisories can also restrict or discourage swimming, and ice cover in winter makes open-water swimming unsafe except for organized, well-controlled events with proper safety measures. Always check local advisories and exercise standard water-safety precautions.