Estimated surface temperature for Tharp Lake in Cass County, Michigan, updated with live National Weather Service air temperatures and a seasonal model tuned to this lake's latitude and depth. Use it to plan fishing, swimming, and boating — then verify on the water.
Water temperature
Modeled surface-temperature estimate built from seasonal climate, lake depth, and live National Weather Service air temperatures near this lake.
Seasonal estimate. Checking current National Weather Service air temperatures…
Warmest water of the year. Fish hold deeper or feed in low light; swimming and watersports are at their best.
| Month | Typical surface temp | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January | ~34°F | Iced over or near freezing |
| February | ~33°F | Iced over or near freezing |
| March | ~37°F | Frigid |
| April | ~47°F | Cold |
| May | ~58°F | Cool |
| June | ~69°F | Warm |
| July | ~76°F | Peak summer |
| August | ~77°F | Peak summer |
| September | ~73°F | Warm |
| October | ~64°F | Cool |
| November | ~52°F | Cold |
| December | ~41°F | Frigid |
Estimates are modeled, not measured. Actual temperatures vary with depth, wind mixing, and recent weather — verify conditions before swimming, boating, or heading onto ice.
Water temperature FAQ
LakeList currently estimates the surface temperature of Tharp Lake at about 77°F (peak summer). This is a modeled estimate from seasonal climate, lake depth, and National Weather Service air temperatures — actual readings vary by day, depth, and location on the lake.
Surface temperatures at Tharp Lake typically peak in August, reaching around 77°F in an average year. Shallow bays warm faster than the main basin, so mid-summer readings can run a few degrees higher near shore.
Modeled surface temperatures at Tharp Lake drop to freezing from about January through February in a typical year. Actual ice-up and ice-out dates vary season to season, and ice thickness is never guaranteed — always check current local ice reports before heading out.
LakeList models the seasonal surface-temperature cycle from the lake's latitude and depth, then adjusts it with current National Weather Service air temperatures near the lake. Deeper lakes warm and cool more slowly than shallow ones, so the model lags and dampens the air-temperature cycle accordingly. Treat it as a planning estimate, not a measured reading.