Peace River — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in the Peace River, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in the Peace River today is 5.7°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 41°F (5°C) to 47°F (8°C). This water temperature is still quite low, and swimming in such conditions may only be comfortable for hardened individuals. It is recommended to limit the time spent in the water to avoid hypothermia. For those not accustomed to cold water, it is better to refrain from swimming. However, if you decide to enter the water, it is advisable to wear a warm wetsuit for protection against the cold. 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 | 8.2°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 6 | 7.4°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 7 | 7.5°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 7.2°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 6.9°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 7.3°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 7.3°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 6.3°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 12.0°C | 6.0°C | |
| OCT 14 | 12.0°C | 6.3°C | |
| OCT 15 | 12.0°C | 6.6°C | |
| OCT 16 | 12.0°C | 7.0°C | |
| OCT 17 | 12.0°C | 7.3°C | |
| OCT 18 | 12.0°C | 7.6°C | |
| OCT 19 | 12.0°C | 7.9°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 | 4°C | 8°C | 15°C |
| June | 7°C | 14°C | 18°C |
| July | 15°C | 18°C | 23°C |
| August | 17°C | 19°C | 24°C |
| September | 11°C | 16°C | 20°C |
| October | 7°C | 12°C | 16°C |
| November | 3°C | 6°C | 11°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
Peace River: Water Temperature by Location
Peace River: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
Source Finlay River
• location Thutade Lake, British Columbia
• coordinates 57°04′29″N 126°53′36″W
• elevation 1,140 m (3,740 ft)
Mouth Slave River
• location Confluence of Peace with Athabasca River, Alberta
• coordinates 59°00′01″N 111°24′38″W
Length 1,923 km (1,195 mi)
The Peace River, a major waterway in northern British Columbia, is a cold, fast-flowing river with water temperatures that pose significant risks to swimmers throughout the year. Due to its northern latitude and high flow rates, the water remains extremely cold, even during the warmest time of the year. While precise average summer surface temperatures are not always tracked publicly, the water in northern rivers rarely exceeds 15∘C to 21∘C (59∘F to 70∘F), and much of the water originates from mountain runoff. In the winter, the water is near freezing, around 0∘C to 4∘C (32∘F to 39∘F), and parts of the river may freeze over.
Swimming in the Peace River is strongly discouraged and inherently dangerous, and there are no official, designated swimming beaches. The primary reason for this is the extreme danger of cold shock and hypothermia when water temperatures are below 21∘C (70∘F). Compounding this are the hazards associated with the river's management by BC Hydro; the river's flow and water levels can change rapidly and without notice due to hydroelectric operations, creating powerful and unpredictable currents and undertows, especially near the dam structures. Therefore, any swimming would be entirely at one's own risk, and the environment is too hazardous for casual recreational use.