Lake Superior Water Temperature, Tides & Buoy Report

Region: Minnesota / Wisconsin / Michigan

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world, covering 31,700 square miles with a maximum depth of 1,333 feet. Its sheer size and depth create conditions more akin to an inland sea than a lake — Superior generates its own weather systems, and its cold, deep water stores enough thermal energy to resist temperature changes that would transform smaller lakes overnight. The lake is ringed by rocky shoreline, dramatic cliffs, and remote wilderness, with minimal development along large stretches of the Canadian and Minnesota shores.

NOAA Stations Near Lake Superior

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does Big Buoy track on Lake Superior?
Big Buoy tracks real-time water temperature, wave height, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure from 44 stations across the region, including Mid Superior (central basin), East Superior, West Superior, and Western Lake Superior near Duluth. You also get solunar tables and extended weather outlooks covering the lake from the western arm to the eastern basin.
How dangerous are waves on Lake Superior?
Lake Superior generates the most dangerous wave conditions of any Great Lake. The enormous fetch — over 350 miles east to west — allows sustained winds to build massive waves, with the record exceeding 28 feet. November storms are legendary for their destructive power. The lake's cold water (near 40°F in the deep) makes immersion immediately life-threatening. Checking the NOAA buoy data and extended wind forecast before heading out is not optional on Superior.
What conditions should I check before heading out on Lake Superior?
Wave height and the extended wind forecast are the most critical variables — Superior's enormous fetch means seas can build to dangerous heights rapidly with sustained wind. Check water temperature at the buoy nearest your location since wind-driven upwelling can drop nearshore temps 15–20°F in hours. Conditions vary dramatically across the lake, so check the buoy in your specific basin. In fall and early winter, the lake has not yet cooled enough to suppress wave development, making this the most dangerous season. Big Buoy shows real-time data from 44 NOAA stations across all three basins so you can compare conditions before heading out.
What NOAA stations does Big Buoy track near Lake Superior?
Big Buoy tracks 882 NOAA buoys and 3,400+ tide stations nationwide, with many in the Lake Superior area — including Mid Superior (45001), EAST SUPERIOR -70 NM NE Marquette, MI (45004), WEST SUPERIOR - 30NM NE of Outer Island, WI (45006), Western Lake Superior (45028). Each station reports water temperature, wave height, wind speed and direction, and more — updated every 10 minutes. Open the map to see all stations near Lake Superior.
What marine conditions are available for Lake Superior?
Big Buoy shows real-time water temperature, wave height, swell period, wind speed and direction, 7-day tide tables with exact high and low times, and daily solunar peak windows for Lake Superior.
Is Big Buoy free to use for Lake Superior marine conditions?
Yes. Real-time buoy data, tides, and solunar for Lake Superior are completely free with no account required. Big Buoy Pro adds the Wind Tab, the Depth Chart, satellite overlays (sea surface temp, chlorophyll, currents), 16-day forecasts, and forecast model switching.