Roanoke Rapids Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Roanoke Rapids Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Roanoke Rapids Lake today is 21.1°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCT 5 | 23.8°C | 19.4°C | |
| OCT 6 | 22.7°C | 19.4°C | |
| OCT 7 | 22.7°C | 19.4°C | |
| OCT 8 | 22.8°C | 19.4°C | |
| OCT 9 | 21.7°C | 19.4°C | |
| OCT 10 | 22.0°C | 19.4°C | |
| OCT 11 | 21.7°C | 19.4°C | |
| OCT 12 | 20.7°C | 19.4°C | |
| OCT 13 | 19.4°C | 21.0°C | |
| OCT 14 | 19.4°C | 20.9°C | |
| OCT 15 | 19.4°C | 20.8°C | |
| OCT 16 | 19.4°C | 20.8°C | |
| OCT 17 | 19.4°C | 20.7°C | |
| OCT 18 | 19.4°C | 20.6°C | |
| OCT 19 | 19.4°C | 20.5°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 | 2°C | 6°C | 10°C |
| February | 1°C | 5°C | 8°C |
| March | 6°C | 11°C | 17°C |
| April | 13°C | 17°C | 21°C |
| May | 16°C | 21°C | 27°C |
| June | 18°C | 23°C | 27°C |
| July | 23°C | 28°C | 32°C |
| August | 23°C | 27°C | 31°C |
| September | 22°C | 26°C | 29°C |
| October | 17°C | 19°C | 22°C |
| November | 6°C | 13°C | 20°C |
| December | 5°C | 9°C | 12°C |
Roanoke Rapids Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Roanoke Rapids Lake: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
Location & Local Information
Roanoke Rapids Lake, an impoundment of the Roanoke River in northeastern North Carolina, experiences pronounced seasonal shifts in surface water temperature. In winter the surface typically cools into the low 40s to mid 50s °F (about 4–13 °C). Spring brings steady warming, with many days in the 50s and 60s °F (10–20 °C) as stratification develops. By summer the upper layer commonly reaches the 70s to low 80s °F (21–28 °C), and during late heat waves can approach the mid-80s °F (around 29 °C). Fall sees a gradual decline back through the 60s and 50s °F (15–13 °C). These ranges vary with weather, depth, inflows, and dam releases, so deeper water and outflow zones often remain cooler than shallow coves.
Swimming at Roanoke Rapids Lake occurs, but conditions are mixed and local rules vary. There are few large, lifeguarded public beaches on the reservoir, so much swimming is informal from docks, shorelines, or boats; some access points prohibit swimming for safety or private-property reasons. Boating traffic, submerged hazards, fluctuating levels, cooler currents near releases, and occasional water-quality advisories are common reasons to exercise caution. For comfortable and safe swimming, choose designated or posted swim areas when available, be mindful of seasonally colder water that can cause cold-shock or rapid heat loss, and heed local signage and advisories.