{"id":9054,"date":"2023-10-18T20:30:12","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T19:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lakebeyond.com\/?p=9054"},"modified":"2023-10-18T20:30:12","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T19:30:12","slug":"what-temperature-is-lake-superior","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lakebeyond.com\/what-temperature-is-lake-superior\/","title":{"rendered":"What Temperature Is Lake Superior"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Physical Characteristics<\/h2>\n

Lake Superior is a large freshwater lake located in the north-central United States and Canada. It is the largest of the five Great Lakes, the second largest lake in the world. Its area of 82,414 square kilometers makes it the largest fresh water body in the world by surface area. Lake Superior is 319 miles long and 101 miles wide, with a maximum depth of 1,332 feet. It is 322 miles from east to west, and 257 miles from north to south. The lake’s average temperature is 28-35 degrees Fahrenheit. The water temperature in Lake Superior is also known to change quickly from shallow to deep water.<\/p>\n

Temperature Variability<\/h2>\n

The temperature of Lake Superior varies significantly during different times of the year. In the hottest months of the year, July and August, the surface temperature can reach almost 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In the coldest months, January and February, the surface temperature can dip below freezing. The deeper you go in Lake Superior, the colder the temperature. At depths over 200 feet, temperatures remain constant throughout the year, usually around 39 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/p>\n

Factors Affecting Temperature<\/h2>\n

Several factors affect the temperature of Lake Superior. Geography is one factor. The lake is surrounded by temperate forests and can be affected by weather patterns such as wind and fronts in the area. Seasonal changes in the sunlight, water clarity and water levels can also impact the temperature of the lake. The amount of precipitation in the area can also affect the temperature, as can runoff from rivers and streams emptying into the lake.<\/p>\n

Temperature Impact on Recreation<\/h2>\n

The temperature of Lake Superior can have an impact on recreational activities in the area. The cold temperatures can make swimming and other water sports uncomfortable, with water numbingly cold for long periods of time, if not impossible at all. On the other hand, in the summer, when the water temperatures are warmer, such activities as boating, fishing, and sailing all become more enjoyable.<\/p>\n

Temperature Impact on Wildlife<\/h2>\n