South Carolina Water Temperatures
Current lake & river temperatures in South Carolina — updated daily from USGS sensors.
South Carolina — Ranked by Temperature
72 with data| # | Water Body | °F | °C | Condition | 🏊 | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colleton River At Bluffton, Sc River | 88.2° | 31.2° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 6 |
| 2 | Rediv Canal At Santee River Nr St Stephen, Sc River | 88.2° | 31.2° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 3 | Savannah River At Elba Island, Near Savannah, Ga River | 87.8° | 31° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 4 | Skrine Creek Near Mcclellenville, Sc River | 87.6° | 30.9° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 7 |
| 5 | Sampit River Below Us 17 Near Georgetown, Sc River | 87.4° | 30.8° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 21 |
| 6 | Cooper R At Mobay Nr N Charleston, Sc Lake | 87.4° | 30.8° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 7 | Wando River At Cainhoy Below Wando, Sc River | 87.3° | 30.7° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 8 | Cooper River Above Goose Creek, Sc River | 87.3° | 30.7° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 9 | Cooper R At Filbin Creek At North Charleston, Sc River | 87.1° | 30.6° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 10 | New River At Sc 46, Near Hardeeville, Sc River | 87.1° | 30.6° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 11 | Stono River At Main Rd Below Rantowles, Sc River | 87.1° | 30.6° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 12 | W Branch Cooper R At Pimlico Nr Moncks Corner, Sc Lake | 86.9° | 30.5° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 13 | Little Saluda R Near Prosperity, Sc Lake | 86.9° | 30.5° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 14 | Wando River Above Mt Pleasant, Sc River | 86.7° | 30.4° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 15 | Thurmond Lake Near Plum Branch, Sc Lake | 86.7° | 30.4° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 16 | Ashley River Below Summerville, Sc River | 86.7° | 30.4° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 17 | Cooper R Nr Goose Creek, Sc River | 86.7° | 30.4° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 18 | Santee River Near Russellville, Sc River | 86.7° | 30.4° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 19 | Cooper R At Ports Authority Pier K Charleston, Sc Lake | 86.7° | 30.4° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 20 | Waccamaw R Nr Hagley Land. Nr Pawleys Island, Sc Lake | 86.7° | 30.4° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 21 | Waccamaw River Near Pawleys Island, Sc River | 86.5° | 30.3° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 22 | L Back River Above Lucknow Canal, Nr Limehouse, Sc River | 86.5° | 30.3° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 23 | Cooper River At S. Adgers Wharf At Charleston, Sc River | 86.5° | 30.3° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 24 | Back River At Dupont Intake Nr Kittredge, Sc River | 86.4° | 30.2° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
| 25 | Santee River Near Pineville, Sc River | 86.4° | 30.2° | 🔥 Hot | 🏊 Excellent | Jul 27 |
More South Carolina Resources
❓ South Carolina Water Temperature FAQ
What is the warmest lake in South Carolina today?
Based on our latest USGS data, Colleton River At Bluffton, Sc is currently the warmest water body in South Carolina at 88.2°F.
Which South Carolina lakes are good for swimming right now?
Lakes with water temperatures above 72°F are generally comfortable for swimming. South Carolina averages 80.5°F, making most water bodies suitable for swimming right now.
What is the best water temperature for fishing in South Carolina?
The optimal temperature range depends on your target species. For bass fishing, look for water bodies between 65–75°F. For trout, target the coldest water bodies in South Carolina — typically 50–65°F. Use the table above to identify which lakes are in the ideal range for your target species.
🔬 Data Methodology & Sources
Water temperature readings on this site are collected from USGS (United States Geological Survey) monitoring stations installed at lakes, rivers, and reservoirs across the country. Sensors measure water surface temperature in Celsius, which is converted to Fahrenheit for display. Data is retrieved and stored daily. Temperatures shown reflect the most recent available sensor reading for each water body, typically from the past 1–30 days depending on station reporting frequency.
⚠️ Water temperatures can vary significantly across a water body due to depth, currents, and time of day. Sensor readings represent conditions at the monitoring station location. Always exercise caution when swimming and consult local authorities for official safety advisories.