Priest Rapids Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Priest Rapids Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Priest Rapids Lake today is 20.9°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 | 22.7°C | 21.5°C | |
| SEP 15 | 21.4°C | 21.5°C | |
| SEP 16 | 21.7°C | 21.5°C | |
| SEP 17 | 21.2°C | 21.5°C | |
| SEP 18 | 21.0°C | 21.5°C | |
| SEP 19 | 20.3°C | 21.5°C | |
| SEP 20 | 20.4°C | 21.5°C | |
| SEP 21 | 20.9°C | 21.5°C | |
| SEP 22 | 21.5°C | 20.9°C | |
| SEP 23 | 21.5°C | 21.0°C | |
| SEP 24 | 21.5°C | 21.0°C | |
| SEP 25 | 21.5°C | 21.0°C | |
| SEP 26 | 21.5°C | 21.1°C | |
| SEP 27 | 21.5°C | 21.1°C | |
| SEP 28 | 21.5°C | 21.1°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 | 3°C | 5°C |
| March | 1°C | 6°C | 11°C |
| April | 3°C | 10°C | 16°C |
| May | 7°C | 15°C | 24°C |
| June | 14°C | 20°C | 26°C |
| July | 19°C | 25°C | 31°C |
| August | 21°C | 26°C | 31°C |
| September | 16°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| October | 10°C | 15°C | 20°C |
| November | 5°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| December | 1°C | 4°C | 8°C |
Priest Rapids Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Priest Rapids Lake: Weather Forecast
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
September 26
Location & Local Information
Priest Rapids Lake, a reservoir on the Columbia River in central Washington, experiences marked seasonal variation in surface water temperature. In winter months surface values commonly sit around 35–45°F (2–7°C), while spring warms to roughly 45–60°F (7–16°C). Peak summer surface temperatures often reach about 65–78°F (18–26°C) in sheltered, shallow areas, and by fall the surface cools back to roughly 50–65°F (10–18°C). These figures refer to surface conditions; deeper water and areas influenced by dam releases can remain substantially colder year-round because of stratification and cold water drawn from lower reservoir levels.
Swimming is generally permitted in designated recreation areas along the reservoir and at nearby state and local parks, but caution is advised. Cold water, sudden drop-offs, boat traffic, submerged hazards and changing currents around the dam and navigation channels create safety risks, and some sites lack lifeguards. Because temperature can be deceptively low below the surface, even summer swimming carries a risk of cold-water shock and hypothermia in prolonged exposure. Visitors should choose marked swimming beaches, obey posted restrictions, check local conditions, and use flotation devices when appropriate.