Wild Rice Lake Reservoir — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Wild Rice Lake Reservoir, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Wild Rice Lake Reservoir today is 10.5°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 50°F (10°C) to 54°F (12°C). The water is slightly warmer, but still cool for most people. Swimming in such conditions is possible, but for most people, the time spent in the water should be limited to avoid hypothermia. Even experienced swimmers may feel discomfort if they stay in the water for too long. To improve comfort and safety, a wetsuit can be used. 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 | 12.9°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 6 | 12.8°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 7 | 11.5°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 12.3°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 11.8°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 11.2°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 9.8°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 9.6°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 13.0°C | 10.6°C | |
| OCT 14 | 13.0°C | 10.8°C | |
| OCT 15 | 13.0°C | 10.9°C | |
| OCT 16 | 13.0°C | 11.0°C | |
| OCT 17 | 13.0°C | 11.1°C | |
| OCT 18 | 13.0°C | 11.3°C | |
| OCT 19 | 13.0°C | 11.4°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 | 1°C | 3°C |
| February | 0°C | 1°C | 3°C |
| March | 0°C | 1°C | 3°C |
| April | 1°C | 5°C | 9°C |
| May | 4°C | 11°C | 18°C |
| June | 15°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| July | 18°C | 23°C | 27°C |
| August | 18°C | 24°C | 30°C |
| September | 14°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| October | 9°C | 13°C | 17°C |
| November | 1°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| December | 0°C | 2°C | 3°C |
Wild Rice Lake Reservoir: Water Temperature by Location
Wild Rice Lake Reservoir: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
Wild Rice Lake Reservoir in Minnesota follows the typical seasonal temperature cycle of midwestern shallow lakes. In summer, surface temperatures commonly rise into the mid-to-upper 60s and low-to-mid 70s °F (about 20–24 °C), and on warm, calm days can briefly reach the upper 70s °F (around 25–26 °C). Spring temperatures climb from near-freezing as ice retreats into the mid 40s–60 °F (7–16 °C) depending on air warmth, while autumn cooling returns surface readings into the 40s–60 °F (4–16 °C). In winter the reservoir tends to sit at or just above freezing at the surface where ice forms, roughly 32 °F (0 °C), with water below the ice remaining slightly warmer but still near the freezing point.
Swimming is generally possible during the open-water season when conditions and local access allow, because many Minnesota reservoirs are managed for multiple recreational uses. However, swimming may be unsafe or restricted at times because of cold water temperatures outside midsummer, presence of ice in shoulder seasons, water-quality advisories such as algal blooms, or private shoreline and official closures. Visitors should observe posted signs, consult local authorities or park managers about current conditions, and consider that summer is the most comfortable and commonly used period for recreational swimming.