Salem Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Salem Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Salem Lake today is 23.4°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 75°F (23°C) to 79°F (26°C). This is a very comfortable temperature for swimming, and many people can enjoy prolonged stays in the water without feeling cold. The water is pleasantly warm, making it ideal for relaxation and water sports. This temperature range is particularly popular among tourists, as it combines comfort and safety for health. 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 | 24.4°C | 26.0°C | |
| SEP 15 | 24.5°C | 26.0°C | |
| SEP 16 | 24.8°C | 26.0°C | |
| SEP 17 | 24.6°C | 26.0°C | |
| SEP 18 | 23.2°C | 26.0°C | |
| SEP 19 | 23.3°C | 26.0°C | |
| SEP 20 | 23.9°C | 26.0°C | |
| SEP 21 | 23.4°C | 26.0°C | |
| SEP 22 | 26.0°C | 23.5°C | |
| SEP 23 | 26.0°C | 23.7°C | |
| SEP 24 | 26.0°C | 23.8°C | |
| SEP 25 | 26.0°C | 23.9°C | |
| SEP 26 | 26.0°C | 24.1°C | |
| SEP 27 | 26.0°C | 24.2°C | |
| SEP 28 | 26.0°C | 24.3°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 | 10°C | 17°C |
| February | 2°C | 11°C | 19°C |
| March | 7°C | 13°C | 19°C |
| April | 13°C | 19°C | 25°C |
| May | 16°C | 21°C | 26°C |
| June | 22°C | 24°C | 27°C |
| July | 24°C | 28°C | 32°C |
| August | 21°C | 26°C | 30°C |
| September | 22°C | 26°C | 30°C |
| October | 18°C | 22°C | 26°C |
| November | 11°C | 17°C | 22°C |
| December | 5°C | 11°C | 16°C |
Salem Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Salem Lake: Weather Forecast
September 21
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
Location & Local Information
Salem Lake, a municipal reservoir in Winston-Salem, experiences typical Piedmont seasonal water temperature shifts. In winter the surface often cools to roughly 35–50°F (2–10°C). Spring brings a gradual rise, with waters commonly in the 50–70°F range (10–21°C) as air temperatures warm. During summer the lake surface can reach about 70–85°F (21–29°C) on warm, sunny days, while early fall temperatures generally fall between 55–75°F (13–24°C). These values fluctuate with recent weather, solar heating, wind, and depth; deeper areas remain cooler than the surface during warm months, and sudden cold snaps can depress temperatures quickly.
Swimming at Salem Lake is not permitted under local park rules, primarily for safety and public-health reasons. There is no designated swimming beach or lifeguard service, and the shoreline and underwater conditions include steep banks, submerged structures, and boat traffic that raise risk. Water-quality considerations and the city’s maintenance policies also factor into the prohibition. Visitors looking to cool off are encouraged to use approved public pools or recreational facilities; Salem Lake is managed for activities such as walking, fishing, and non-motorized boating rather than open-water swimming.