Lake Hartwell State Park, SC

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Outdoor scenery at Lake Hartwell State Park

Today’s Forecast:

☀
64°F
High: 71° | Low: 60°
Current Temperature
Mostly Clear
Station: KCEU
Observed at: 5:35 am CDT on 10/11/26
Wind: 3 mph | Humidity: 94%
⚠️
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued October 11 at 6:13AM EDT until October 11 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC (Expires: October 11, 2026 1:00 pm)
Show Alert Details & Instructions
Description: * WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of northeast Georgia, including the following areas, Elbert, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Rabun and Stephens, western North Carolina, including the following areas, Avery, Buncombe, Burke Mountains, Caldwell Mountains, Eastern McDowell, Eastern Polk, Greater Burke, Greater Caldwell, Greater Rutherford, Haywood, Henderson, Macon, McDowell Mountains, Mitchell, Northern Jackson, Polk Mountains, Rutherford Mountains, Southern Jackson, Transylvania and Yancey, and Upstate South Carolina, including the following areas, Abbeville, Anderson, Central Greenville, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Greenville Mountains, Greenwood, Laurens, Northern Spartanburg, Oconee Mountains, Pickens Mountains, Southern Greenville and Southern Spartanburg. * WHEN...Until 2 PM EDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - As a cold front associated with the remnants of Isaias moves through the area, periods of rain will continue. High rainfall rates will continue in short bursts this morning. Additional accumulations of generally 1 to 2 inches are expected with locally higher amounts. Rainfall tapers off behind the front, but runoff from previous rainfall will keep high water levels in portions of the area. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood Instructions: A Flood Watch for flash flooding means there is a potential for rapid onset flooding based on current forecasts. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation and may impact areas that do not typically flood. Please monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action quickly should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. Rainfall of more than five inches in similar storms has been associated with an increased risk of landslides, especially fast-moving debris flows and debris slides. If you live on a mountainside or in a cove at the base of a mountain, especially near a stream, be ready to leave in advance of the storm and follow evacuation orders from local officials. Consider postponing travel along mountain roads during the heavy rainfall event.
Today:Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Southwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight:Mostly clear, with a low around 60. West wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Columbus Day:Sunny, with a high near 84. West northwest wind around 8 mph.
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Today’s Report:

⛵ Boating

  29 /100

Not Recommended for boating. High near 84°F. Light wind (8 mph).

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
  • Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 29/100
Not Recommended for boating. High near 84°F. Light wind (8 mph).

🛶 Paddling

  29 /100

Not Recommended for paddling. High near 84°F. Light wind (8 mph).

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
  • Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 29/100
Not Recommended for paddling. High near 84°F. Light wind (8 mph).

🐟 Fishing

  25 /100

Not Recommended for fishing. High near 84°F. Light wind (8 mph).

  • Temp: Marginal weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
  • Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 25/100
Not Recommended for fishing. High near 84°F. Light wind (8 mph).

⛺ Camping

  24 /100

Not Recommended for camping. High near 84°F. Light wind (8 mph).

  • Temp: Marginal weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
  • Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 24/100
Not Recommended for camping. High near 84°F. Light wind (8 mph).

About Lake Hartwell State Park

Lake Hartwell State Park brings together a large interstate-accessible reservoir with boating, paddling, fishing, and shoreline camping.

Planning an Outing at Lake Hartwell State Park

Choose the most weather-sensitive part of the outing first, then keep a shorter or more sheltered alternative ready if wind, heat, rain, or lightning changes the day.

Weather Tips for Lake Hartwell State Park

  • Compare the lake level and launch status with the wind forecast; broad reaches can become rough well before conditions look severe from shore.
  • Leave exposed water when thunder is heard and allow time for storms upstream to affect local conditions.
  • Expect heat, insects, slippery banks, submerged obstacles, and changing shoreline access during the warm season.
  • Confirm campground, park, refuge, and boat-ramp notices before the drive.

Nearby Towns and Areas

Use this forecast as practical context for outdoor plans near:

  • Anderson
  • Clemson
  • Seneca
  • Fair Play
  • Townville
  • Savannah River
  • Georgia shoreline

Adjust the Day to the Forecast

Review current wind, precipitation, visibility, temperature, water conditions, access, and daylight before choosing the final route or activity. Turn around early when conditions stop matching the plan.

7-Day Forecast for Lake Hartwell State Park, SC

☀
64°F
High: 71° | Low: 60°
Current Temperature
Mostly Clear
Station: KCEU
Observed at: 5:35 am CDT on 10/11/26
Wind: 3 mph | Humidity: 94%
Sun ☁
71° 60°
7%
Mon ☀
84° 55°
0%
Tue ☀
85° 57°
0%
Wed ☀
88° 61°
1%
Thu ☀
86° 61°
1%
Fri ☀
82° 56°
4%
Sat ⛅
73° 44°
5%

7-Day High Temperature Trend

71° Sun 84° Mon 85° Tue 88° Wed 86° Thu 82° Fri 73° Sat

7-Day Low Temperature Trend

60° Sun 55° Mon 57° Tue 61° Wed 61° Thu 56° Fri 44° Sat

📊 7-Day Outdoor Outlook

Good Fair Poor 29 Sun 6 Mon 6 Tue 6 Wed 6 Thu 6 Fri 29 Sat
Forecast data from the National Weather Service  |  Last Updated: October 11, 2026 11:31 pm CDT

Lake Hartwell State Park Weather by Season

Winter

Winter at Lake Hartwell State Park is quieter and often mild, though cold fronts can produce freezing mornings, gusty wind, and dangerously cold water. Check campground and launch schedules before traveling.

Spring

Spring alternates between mild stretches and strong fronts. Rising water, muddy approaches, pollen, thunderstorms, and cold-water exposure deserve attention before a trail or launch day.

Summer

Summer lake days are hot and humid, and afternoon storms can send sharp gusts across open water. Launch early, carry ample water, and be ashore before lightning approaches.

Fall

Fall usually offers cooler air and steady recreation weather. Watch reservoir levels, river releases, tropical remnants, hunting-season activity, and earlier sunset when choosing routes and return times.

Key Climate Data Points

  • Annual average temperature: about 63–67°F, with cooler averages in the Blue Ridge and warmer averages toward the southern coast.
  • Annual snowfall: Snow is usually limited, but brief wintry events can affect bridges, roads, and elevated or shaded surfaces; the highest Upstate terrain receives more.
  • Warmest months: July and August are normally warmest.
  • Coolest months: January is typically coolest.
  • Wettest season: Summer is often wettest because of frequent thunderstorms and tropical moisture, though local patterns vary.
  • Driest season: Fall is often driest, especially from October into November.
  • Best outdoor window: Spring and fall generally offer the broadest combination of comfortable temperatures and usable access.