Raquette Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Raquette Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Raquette Lake today is 17.9°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 | 18.2°C | 19.5°C | |
| SEP 15 | 19.2°C | 19.5°C | |
| SEP 16 | 18.9°C | 19.5°C | |
| SEP 17 | 18.3°C | 19.5°C | |
| SEP 18 | 17.7°C | 19.5°C | |
| SEP 19 | 18.2°C | 19.5°C | |
| SEP 20 | 18.7°C | 19.5°C | |
| SEP 22 | 19.5°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 23 | 19.5°C | 18.1°C | |
| SEP 24 | 19.5°C | 18.1°C | |
| SEP 25 | 19.5°C | 18.2°C | |
| SEP 26 | 19.5°C | 18.3°C | |
| SEP 27 | 19.5°C | 18.4°C | |
| SEP 28 | 19.5°C | 18.5°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 | 2°C | 5°C |
| March | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
| April | 1°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| May | 7°C | 12°C | 16°C |
| June | 12°C | 17°C | 20°C |
| July | 17°C | 23°C | 29°C |
| August | 19°C | 22°C | 25°C |
| September | 16°C | 20°C | 23°C |
| October | 9°C | 13°C | 17°C |
| November | 4°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| December | 0°C | 4°C | 7°C |
Raquette Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Raquette Lake: Weather Forecast
September 21
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
Location & Local Information
Raquette Lake in New York’s Adirondacks experiences clear seasonal swings in surface water temperature. In spring the lake is cold, often ranging from about 35–55°F (2–13°C) as snowmelt and cool air keep temperatures low. By early summer surface readings commonly rise to roughly 55–65°F (13–18°C), while peak mid‑summer can bring surface waters into the mid‑60s to mid‑70s Fahrenheit (about 18–24°C), and on very warm days localized surface pockets can approach the upper 70s°F (around 25–26°C). In autumn the surface cools again toward roughly 50–60°F (10–16°C). During winter the lake typically approaches freezing at the surface (around 32°F/0°C) and often freezes over, with deeper water remaining colder year‑round.
Swimming in Raquette Lake is generally permitted because it is a public freshwater lake used for recreation, and many visitors swim in suitable weather and at designated access points. However, conditions vary: the water can remain pleasantly cool even in summer and cold shock is a risk in early and late season, there are limited lifeguarded beaches, and ice cover makes winter swimming unsafe for most people unless practiced by experienced ice‑swimmers with proper precautions. Local advisories, weather, and personal preparedness should guide decisions about entering the water.