The annual trek of folks in the north with time and resources flying south for winter is a long-standing tradition in the U.S. Lakehub has compiled this list of lakes you can enjoy year round in warm weather with warm water. Here, we focus on lakes in regions like the southwest, southeast, southwest, with some parts along the Gulf Coast.
The following lakes have mild water temperatures due to geothermal activity, shallow depth, or location in a warm climate zone. So, pull out your swim and summer outdoor wear and water toys and hiberna carpe! (seize the winter)
Winter Lakes In The Southwest
Lake Havasu (Arizona/California)
- Winter Water Temperature: In January, the average water temperature is approximately 55.6°F (13.1°C).
- Why it’s warm: Located in the desert with mild winters, water temperatures rarely dip below 60°F (15.5° C) n the coldest months.
- Best for: Boating, fishing, and relaxing in a sunny climate.
Salton Sea (California)
- Winter Water Temperature:During winter, surface water temperatures can reach lows of around 50° F (10° C).
- Why it’s warm: Its shallow depth and desert location help keep the water from getting too cold.
- Note: Be aware of its high salinity and environmental issues.
Lake Mohave (Nevada/Arizona)
- Winter Water Temperature: In the winter, the water temperature at Lake Mohave in Arizona is around 54° F (12.2° C)
- Why it’s warm: Situated near Las Vegas in a warm climate, the water remains temperate, especially in coves.
- Best for: Birding, camping, exploration of unique ecosystems, off-roading, paddling, and photography rather than swimming in winter.
Lake Mead (Nevada/Arizona)
- Winter Water Temperature: Water temperatures in winter range from 50 to 55° F (10° to 12.7° C). Swimming without a wetsuit is challenging but possible for short durations on sunny days.
- Why it is warm: Lake Mead’s water has a high specific heat capacity, meaning it takes a long time to lose the heat it absorbed during the summer and fall. This keeps the water warmer than the surrounding air in winter. Lake Mead is located in the Mojave Desert, where winters are relatively mild compared to many other regions.
- Best For: Boating, fishing, hiking, and photography rather than swimming in winter.
Lake Perris (California)
- Winter Water Temperature: Warmer than most lakes, staying in the mid-50s to low-60s° F (10° to 17.2° C) in winter. Swimming is feasible with some tolerance to cooler water or a light wetsuit.
- Southern California has a generally mild climate year-round. Winter days often reach comfortable temperatures, which helps keep the water from cooling significantly. Lake Perris is relatively shallow compared to larger lakes. Plenty of sunshine, even in winter. The consistent sunlight warms the lake’s surface and keeps it from becoming too cold.
- Best For: Winter swimming, family outings, and casual water sports.
Lake Powell (Utah/Arizona)
- Winter Water Temperature: In winter, ranging from 45 to 50° F (7.2 to 10° C). Swimming with a wetsuit is recommended, but the stunning scenery compensates for the cold water.
- Recreation: Popular for house boating, kayaking, and photography of the red rock canyons. Winter is off-season, so it’s serene and uncrowded.
- Best For: Scenic exploration and boating rather than swimming.
Lake Falcon / Lake Amistad (Texas/Mexico Border)
- Winter Water Temperature: 60° to 70° F (15.5° to 21.1° C).
- Why it is warm: Falcon Lake is relatively shallow, which allows it to heat up quickly in the sun and retain warmth for longer. Falcon Lake (Amistad) in Texas and Mexico tends to stay relatively warm in the winter due to its location in South Texas, where the climate is subtropical.
- Best for: Boating, fishing, wildlife watching. Swimming depends on environmental conditions.
Winter Lakes In The Southeast
Lake Okeechobee (Florida)
- Winter Water Temperature: The average water temperature in Lake Okeechobee in winter reaches 67.5° F (18.3° C).
- Why it is warm: Florida’s subtropical climate keeps the water relatively warm year-round, with winter temps in the 60s to the 70s.
- Best for: Fishing and wildlife spotting.
Lake Seminole (Florida/Georgia)
- Winter Water Temperature: the average winter water temperature of Lake Mohave is around 54° F (12.2° C). during the coldest months, typically January and February.
- Why it’s warm: Warm winters in the region keep the lake pleasant, with surrounding greenery enhancing the experience.
- Best for: Birdwatching and kayaking.
Clear Lake (Florida)
- Winter Water Temperatures: The average winter water temperature in Clear Lake, Florida is around 63.9° F (17.7° C).
- Why it’s warm: Located in a subtropical climate with mild winter air and water temperatures.
- Best for: Fishing and water sports.
- Geothermal or Unique Lakes
Blue Lake (Florida)
- Winter Water Temperature: In the winter, the water temperature of Big Blue Lake in Florida is typically around 60° F (15.5° C).
- Why it’s warm: Naturally heated by geothermal springs, keeping water comfortable in winter.
- Best for: Swimming and relaxing.
Hot Springs State Park (Wyoming)
- Winter Water Temperature: The water in the bath house at Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming, is kept at a constant 104° F, even in the winter. The park’s hot springs flow at a constant 135° F.
- Why it’s warm: Although not a traditional lake, these springs maintain warm water temperatures year-round.
- Best for: Therapeutic soaking.
Winter Lakes In The Gulf Coast Area
Lake Pontchartrain (Louisiana)
- Winter Water Temperature: In winter, the water temperature of Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana can be around 52° F (11.1° C).
- Why it’s warm: Proximity to the Gulf of Mexico helps moderate winter water temperatures.
- Best for: Fishing and shoreline exploration.
Lady Bird Lake (Texas)
- Winter Water Temperature:The water temperature average is 62°F (16.7° C).
- Why it’s warm: Shallow waters in Austin’s mild winter climate keep it relatively warm.
- No Swimming
- Best for: Kayaking and paddleboarding.
