Lake Wapello State Park, IA

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White Oak Lake in Shimek State Forest, Farmington, Iowa

Today’s Forecast:

☁
39°F
High: 39° | Low: 27°
Current Temperature
Cloudy
Station: KTVK
Observed at: 7:55 pm CST on 11/12/26
Wind: 9 mph | Humidity: 56%
Tonight:Mostly cloudy. Low around 27, with temperatures rising to around 29 overnight. North northwest wind around 7 mph.
Friday:Sunny. High near 43, with temperatures falling to around 39 in the afternoon. North wind 2 to 7 mph.
Friday Night:Clear, with a low around 23. North wind around 1 mph.
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Today’s Report:

🛶 Paddling

  23 /100

Not Recommended for paddling. High near 43°F. Light wind (7 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (43°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 23/100
Not Recommended for paddling. High near 47°F. Temperatures outside comfort limits (47°F).

⛺ Camping

Good
  78 /100

Good for camping. High near 43°F. Light wind (7 mph).

  • Temp: Marginal weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Excellent 88/100
Ideal conditions for camping. Comfortable temperature (high near 47°F), light wind, and clear forecast.

🥾 Hiking

Good
  75 /100

Good for hiking. High near 43°F. Light wind (7 mph).

  • Temp: Marginal weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Good 82/100
Ideal conditions for hiking. Comfortable temperature (high near 47°F), light wind, and clear forecast.

About Lake Wapello State Park

Lake Wapello State Park is a wooded southeast Iowa lake destination with a beach, paddling, cabins, campground, shoreline walks, and family day-use areas.

Make the Most of a Lake Wapello State Park Day

Morning usually offers the calmest paddling and coolest trails. Check beach and water notices, and expect wooded campsites to stay damp and buggy after heavy summer rain.

Weather Tips for Lake Wapello State Park

  • For Lake Wapello State Park, check temperature, wind, rain timing, and thunderstorm potential before choosing the day’s route.
  • Wind, waves, current, water temperature, and lightning should guide water plans more than sunshine alone.
  • Check overnight lows, wet ground, drainage, and the nearest substantial shelter before settling into camp.
  • Open-country wind and summer humidity can make biking and hiking feel harder than the mileage suggests.

Nearby Towns and Areas

This page can also be useful when planning outdoor time near:

  • Drakesville
  • Bloomfield
  • Davis County
  • Soap Creek
  • Lake Fisher
  • Ottumwa
  • Eldon
  • Shimek State Forest region

Plan Around the Conditions

Use the forecast to choose the best version of a Lake Wapello State Park day. Match wind, storm timing, water levels, trail surfaces, road conditions, and temperature to the activity that gives your group the safest and most comfortable plan.

7-Day Forecast for Lake Wapello State Park

☁
39°F
High: 39° | Low: 27°
Current Temperature
Cloudy
Station: KTVK
Observed at: 7:55 pm CST on 11/12/26
Wind: 9 mph | Humidity: 56%
Fri ☀
43° 23°
0%
Sat ☀
47° 25°
0%
Sun ☀
50° 27°
0%
Mon ☀
53° 30°
0%
Tue ☀
56° 37°
0%
Wed ⛅
59° 46°
1%
Thu 🌧
62° --°
27%

7-Day High Temperature Trend

43° Fri 47° Sat 50° Sun 53° Mon 56° Tue 59° Wed 62° Thu

7-Day Low Temperature Trend

23° Fri 25° Sat 27° Sun 30° Mon 37° Tue 46° Wed 50° Thu

📊 7-Day Outdoor Outlook

Good Fair Poor 20 Fri 20 Sat 70 Sun 85 Mon 100 Tue 100 Wed 100 Thu
Forecast data from the National Weather Service  |  Last Updated: November 12, 2026 8:48 pm CST

Lake Wapello State Park Weather by Season

Winter

Winter at Lake Wapello State Park brings cold, wind chill, snow, and freeze-thaw ice. Lake or river ice should never be judged from air temperature alone; use local access guidance. Check road and facility status before a long drive.

Spring

Spring around Lake Wapello State Park is changeable, with rain, muddy surfaces, rising waterways, and severe thunderstorms. Verify current, levels, ramps, and launch conditions before putting on the water. Lightning, hail, and strong wind can arrive well ahead of a rain core.

Summer

Summer days at Lake Wapello State Park are often warm and humid, with strong sun, mosquitoes, and afternoon thunderstorm potential. Morning commonly offers calmer water and a larger margin before storms. Ventilate tents and keep a dry shelter plan for overnight storms.

Fall

Fall is often one of the most comfortable seasons at Lake Wapello State Park, with lower humidity, cooler nights, and changing color. Water cools faster than the air, so paddlers and boaters should dress for immersion risk. Watch for harvest traffic on rural roads and hunting activity near public lands.

Key Climate Data Points

  • Annual average temperature: around 49–53°F depending on latitude based on the surrounding Iowa region.
  • Annual snowfall: generally 20–40 inches, increasing toward northeast Iowa, with meaningful year-to-year variation.
  • Warmest months: June through August are typically warmest, with July often bringing the highest heat and humidity.
  • Coolest months: December through February are coldest, and January commonly has the strongest winter chill.
  • Wettest season: late spring and early summer usually brings the greatest rainfall and thunderstorm frequency.
  • Driest season: winter is normally driest, although snow, ice, and frozen ground still affect plans.
  • Best outdoor window: late May through September for water activities, with fall strong for trails.