Posted: Fri, 9 Jan 2026 11:14 AM - 16 Readers

By: Joe Edwards

A Newsweek article published on January 8, 2026, highlights the warmest lakes in the United States ideal for swimming, drawing from a WorldAtlas report that uses monitoring data, area reports, and historical temperature records. The featured lakes, primarily located in hot, arid regions like the Southwest, boast peak summer surface temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit, allowing for extended swimming seasons far beyond what's typical in northern latitudes. These spots also support unique ecosystems and draw millions of annual visitors.

The warmest include Lake Havasu (straddling Arizona and California), with July-August averages of 88–92°F and occasional highs over 93°F, thanks to its moderate depth, intense desert sun, and heat-absorbing surroundings; Lake Austin in Texas, reaching 89–90°F (up to 93°F) due to its shallow profile and abundant sunshine; and Patagonia Lake in southern Arizona, hitting 86–90°F with similar peaks. Cooler but still swimmable options like Lake Mead (around 82°F) and Lake Powell (low-to-upper 70s°F, with shallows up to 84°F) benefit from thermal layering where surface waters warm effectively under triple-digit air temperatures. These lakes offer comfortable, refreshing escapes during hot weather, enhanced by their shallow areas and sunny environments.