Welcome to January in Wisconsin, where today’s high of 46°F feels like a tropical vacation and the low of 25°F reminds you that nature still wants you to suffer. Jack Lake greets us with mostly sunny skies and winds starting at a whisper-quiet 1 mph from the west. If you’ve been waiting for a “warm” winter paddling day, congratulations—the universe has thrown you a bone.

The Paddling Window: 7AM-7PM Reality Check

Let’s talk about this temperature rollercoaster, shall we? At 7am, you’re looking at a crisp 25°F with 96% humidity—basically, the air is trying to freeze-dry your lungs while simultaneously feeling damp. But here’s where it gets interesting: by 9am you’ll hit 35°F, by 11am you’re at a downright balmy 42°F, and the peak arrives at 3pm with 46°F of pure Wisconsin heat wave. Winds remain gentle early, just 1-2 mph through 9am, then gradually build to 8-9 mph WSW by midday and afternoon. Your best sub-window? The 1pm to 4pm stretch offers the warmest temps (44-46°F) with manageable 8-9 mph winds—practically summer conditions if you squint hard enough.

Through the Day: A Temperature Saga

Early morning paddlers (7-9am) will experience that special kind of cold where your paddle stroke generates the only warmth in your entire body—expect 25-35°F with winds barely registering at 1-2 mph. Midday brings the glory hours: 11am through 3pm sees temps climb from 42°F to 46°F under mostly sunny skies, with winds picking up to 7-9 mph WSW creating some light chop on the water. Late afternoon starts the descent back to reality—by 6pm you’re down to 40°F with partly cloudy skies, and by 7pm you’re at 38°F watching clouds roll in at 8 mph winds. Plan accordingly, or don’t. We’re not your parents.

Why Today Works (For Certain People)

Today’s conditions at Jack Lake are ideal for the hardy Wisconsin paddler who considers anything above freezing a personal victory. With winds averaging 6 mph and topping out at 9 mph WSW, you won’t be fighting whitecaps, but you will be fighting your own questionable life choices. Kayak rental Jack Lake is available for those who look at January and say “yes, this is paddleboard weather.”

Visit Details

We have 4 kayaks and 4 paddleboards ready for the brave souls seeking things to do Wisconsin style. The kiosk operates sunrise to sunset with no staff on site—because even we have limits on our cold tolerance.

Should You Come Today?

If you’re the type who laughs at hypothermia warnings and owns waterproof everything, today is genuinely one of winter’s better paddling days. Paddleboard rental Wisconsin awaits those who understand that 46°F is basically t-shirt weather when you’ve survived a real Wisconsin winter.

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.