Lake Winnipesaukee is New Hampshire’s largest lake, and with thousands of visitors daily looking to fish, boat, or even snowmobile across the lake, the water temperatures of the lake can be pretty important. Whether you are a local resident, fisherman, vacationer, or individual looking for Lake Winnipesaukee homes for sale, hopefully you can find this post helpful. Do keep in mind that the water temperatures can vary a few degrees depending on the area of the lake, and of course can be significantly different at other depths.
Current Water Temperatures
If you are looking to plan ahead, take a look at the chart below for average, low and high lake temperatures.
Up to date water temps are posted here: https://www4.des.state.nh.us/rti_data/WEIN3_TABLE.HTML
Average Water Temperatures Per Month
| High. Temperature °F (°C) | Mean Temperature °F (°C) | Low. Temperature °F (°C) | Days with rain | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27 | 16 | 4 | 14 |
| (-3) | (-9) | (-16) | ||
| February | 31 | 17 | 4 | 11 |
| (-1) | (-8) | (-16) | ||
| March | 40 | 28 | 16 | 16 |
| -4 | (-2) | (-9) | ||
| April | 55 | 41 | 28 | 17 |
| -13 | -5 | (-2) | ||
| May | 66 | 52 | 38 | 18 |
| -19 | -11 | -3 | ||
| June | 76 | 62 | 47 | 21 |
| -24 | -17 | -9 | ||
| July | 79 | 65 | 51 | 22 |
| -26 | -18 | -11 | ||
| August | 78 | 64 | 50 | 22 |
| -26 | -18 | -10 | ||
| September | 71 | 57 | 42 | 18 |
| -22 | -14 | -6 | ||
| October | 57 | 45 | 32 | 18 |
| -14 | -7 | 0 | ||
| November | 46 | 35 | 25 | 19 |
| (-3) | -2 | (-4) | ||
| December | 33 | 22 | 11 | 17 |
| -1 | (-6) | (-12) |
Ice-In and Ice-Out
Ice Out
Earliest Recorded Ice Out: March 18
Latest Recorded Ice Out: May 12
The below chart shows that ice out is usually in mid April, but can often be earlier or later. The chart marks the number of years ice out has occurred on each date.
Ice In
Ice in usually occurs between January and February. Obviously ice in doesn’t indicate safety, just that the lake has frozen over. Be sure to check current ice conditions, and ice thickness while on the ice frequently. People die every year.
Of course, it is time for some Lake Winnipesaukee ice fishing once the lake has iced over.
Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued his frequent adventures in the mountains, always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about