Nelson River — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in the Nelson River, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in the Nelson River today is 3.4°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges less than 41°F (5°C). Such water is extremely cold and not recommended for swimming without proper preparation. In these conditions, the risk of hypothermia is very high, and prolonged exposure to the water can be hazardous to your health. If you decide to swim, it is important to have the appropriate gear, such as a wetsuit. Typically, only experienced swimmers or those who practice winter swimming venture into such waters. 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 | 5.0°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 6 | 4.0°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 7 | 4.3°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 4.3°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 4.1°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 4.2°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 3.8°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 3.6°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 12.0°C | 3.8°C | |
| OCT 14 | 12.0°C | 4.3°C | |
| OCT 15 | 12.0°C | 4.7°C | |
| OCT 16 | 12.0°C | 5.1°C | |
| OCT 17 | 12.0°C | 5.6°C | |
| OCT 18 | 12.0°C | 6.0°C | |
| OCT 19 | 12.0°C | 6.4°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 | 3°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 3°C | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 3°C | 5°C |
| April | 0°C | 5°C | 11°C |
| May | 1°C | 8°C | 15°C |
| June | 7°C | 14°C | 21°C |
| July | 15°C | 19°C | 24°C |
| August | 17°C | 19°C | 24°C |
| September | 11°C | 16°C | 20°C |
| October | 7°C | 12°C | 16°C |
| November | 2°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
Nelson River: Water Temperature by Location
Nelson River: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
Source Lake Winnipeg
• location Warren Landing, Manitoba
• coordinates 53°41′20″N 97°50′52″W
• elevation 217 m (712 ft)
Mouth Hudson Bay
• location Port Nelson, Manitoba
• coordinates 57°5′5″N 92°30′8″W
• elevation 0 m (0 ft)
Length 644 km (400 mi)
The Nelson River is a massive, fast-flowing river in northern Manitoba, acting as the main drainage for Lake Winnipeg into Hudson Bay. Due to its northern location and high flow rate, the water remains profoundly cold throughout the year. In the peak summer months, surface temperatures rarely rise above the range of 13∘C to 18∘C (55∘F to 65∘F), which is far too cold for casual recreational swimming. In the winter, the water is near freezing, typically ranging from 0∘C to 4∘C (32∘F to 39∘F), with extensive ice cover.
Swimming in the Nelson River is strongly discouraged and exceptionally hazardous, and there are no official, designated swimming areas. The primary danger stems from the combination of the extreme cold, which carries a rapid risk of cold shock and hypothermia, and the river's immense power. The Nelson River is heavily controlled by hydroelectric generating stations, which cause the flow and water levels to change suddenly and unpredictably, creating powerful and dangerous currents and undertows that can overwhelm even strong swimmers. The nearby Town of Gillam, recognizing this danger, offers a Nelson River Aquatic Centre for safe swimming alternatives.