Today’s Conditions: A December Miracle or Climate Change Horror Show?

Well, well, well. Look who decided to show up in December wearing spring’s clothes. Today Lake Altoona delivers a stunning high of 67°F rising from a crisp 43°F morning low, with wall-to-wall sunshine and winds so calm they’re practically comatose. Either we’ve been very good this year, or Wisconsin has completely lost the plot.

The Paddling Window: 7AM to 7PM Breakdown

Let’s talk about this absurdly pleasant day. You’ll start the morning at 7am with 43°F and dead calm conditions at 0 mph wind—basically glass water if you can handle the chill. Temperatures climb steadily through the morning: 47°F by 9am, 50°F by 10am, and 54°F by 11am. The magic really happens in the afternoon when we hit peak warmth of 67°F at 4pm. Your best paddling sub-window? Between 1pm and 5pm when temps hover in the mid-60s. This is December in Wisconsin, folks. We don’t deserve this, but we’ll take it.

Morning, Midday, and Afternoon: A Tale of Warming Waters

Early birds at 7am face 43°F temps and 93% humidity—expect fog lifting off the water and that brisk December air nipping at your nose. By noon you’re at 57°F with winds still at 0 mph, making for utterly serene paddling conditions. The afternoon brings a gentle 5 mph breeze from the southeast starting around 1pm, which will create the faintest ripple on the water but nothing remotely challenging. By 6pm, winds drop back to 0 mph as temperatures ease down to 61°F. It’s a picture-perfect progression from bundled-up morning paddler to t-shirt afternoon cruiser.

Who Should Paddle Today?

Everyone. Literally everyone. With winds maxing out at a laughable 5 mph during the afternoon hours and averaging just 2 mph across the full day, this is beginner paradise. Experienced paddlers will enjoy the glass-calm morning conditions, while casual paddlers and families can roll in during the warm afternoon hours without a single excuse not to get on the water. If you skip kayak rental Lake Altoona today, you’re doing December wrong.

Visit Details

We’ve got 6 kayaks and 6 paddleboards ready for your December rebellion against winter. The kiosk operates sunrise to sunset with no staff on site—just pure self-service paddleboard rental Wisconsin freedom. Grab your gear and get out there.

Get Out There

Looking for things to do Wisconsin style in December? This is it. Lake Altoona kayak conditions don’t get better than sunny skies, 67°F highs, and wind so negligible it barely registers. Come claim your unexpected gift from the weather gods before they realize their mistake.

Weather & Safety Disclaimer: This forecast is based on current data and is subject to rapid change. Always check current conditions in person before paddling. Water conditions can change suddenly and unexpectedly. Kayak Kiosk is not liable for changes in weather, water conditions, or personal injury. Paddlers assume all risks associated with paddling. Always wear a properly fitting PFD, check official weather forecasts, and use good judgment. Do not paddle in conditions you are uncomfortable with.