Yellowstone Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Yellowstone Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Yellowstone Lake today is 17.8°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUG 24 | 18.6°C | 18.0°C | |
| AUG 25 | 18.3°C | 18.0°C | |
| AUG 26 | 18.2°C | 18.0°C | |
| AUG 27 | 18.2°C | 18.0°C | |
| AUG 28 | 18.2°C | 18.0°C | |
| AUG 29 | 19.3°C | 18.0°C | |
| AUG 30 | 18.7°C | 18.0°C | |
| AUG 31 | 18.5°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 1 | 14.5°C | 17.6°C | |
| SEP 2 | 14.5°C | 17.5°C | |
| SEP 3 | 14.5°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 4 | 14.5°C | 17.1°C | |
| SEP 5 | 14.5°C | 17.0°C | |
| SEP 6 | 14.5°C | 16.8°C | |
| SEP 7 | 14.5°C | 16.6°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 | 3°C | 6°C |
| February | 1°C | 4°C | 7°C |
| March | 1°C | 5°C | 9°C |
| April | 0°C | 3°C | 5°C |
| May | 2°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| June | 7°C | 11°C | 14°C |
| July | 10°C | 16°C | 21°C |
| August | 14°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| September | 11°C | 15°C | 18°C |
| October | 4°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| November | 2°C | 6°C | 10°C |
| December | 1°C | 5°C | 7°C |
Yellowstone Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Yellowstone Lake: Weather Forecast
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September 4
September 5
Location & Local Information
Yellowstone Lake, sitting at high elevation in Yellowstone National Park, remains cold for most of the year. Surface temperatures in winter hover around freezing, roughly 32–34°F (0–1°C), and the lake typically develops significant ice cover. In spring and fall the surface commonly ranges from about 34–45°F (1–7°C) as melting and cooling occur. The warmest months — usually July and August — bring the highest surface readings, which most often fall between roughly 45–60°F (7–16°C); isolated near-shore or hydrothermal areas can be warmer locally, but the broad open water stays chilly even in midsummer.
Swimming in Yellowstone Lake is physically possible but uncommon and carries noticeable risks. The park does not allow access into hydrothermal features, and warm pockets created by geothermal activity are localized and dangerous; entering thermal areas is prohibited. For the rest of the lake, cold water temperatures create a serious hypothermia risk, even on warm days, so swims tend to be brief or limited to wading. Park regulations and safety recommendations emphasize caution; most visitors opt for boating, shoreline recreation, or brief dips in the warmest summer spots rather than extended swims.