Summer water temperatures at Lake Balaton range from about 16 ºC (60 ºF) to the mid 30s (90 ºF); because the lake is shallow, yesterday's air temperature will be a good guide to the warmth of today's water. In comparison with many European lakes, the water of Balaton is very clean. It 'ages' a little over the season but in spring is drinkable without problem. Its reed-beds are home to colonies of freshwater sponges, which act as filters. The water is clean but not clear: most of the rivers that feed it come in from the north through soils that are partly chalky, partly volcanic resulting in slightly alkaline, gentle and turbulent pea-green water under many lights. As a consequence, the water is often described as silky, or at any rate that is the sensation the skin conveys but it could as well be described as heavily diluted mineral water. The therapeutic sunbathing in the sun's rich rays, the microclimate and the non-salty but mineral rich water make bathing as enjoyable as in the sea - often from as early as May through to mid autumn in October.

Beaches on the north shore tend to have more facilities, but most of them have an entrance fee, affordable though. The shore here tends to be rocky, the bottom silty and the water deepens rapidly to a maximum of about 14 m.

Free beaches (szabadstrand) on the north shore are Lidó beach at Balatonakarattya, Fövenyes beach at Balatonudvari and Gödrösi and Somosi beach at Tihany.

Most beaches on the southern shore are free, though large sections of the shore are privately owned by hotels and campsites. The lake shelves slowly, so you can walk out for 500m or more before you are out of your depth and so it is very safe for children. Be careful with headlong dives!

Large free beaches are at Zamárdi, Balatonboglár, Fonyód and Balatonfenyves. There are many hundreds of access points to the shore, so you are unlikely to have to walk far to find a pleasant place to swim.

There really is no shortage to the amount of water-fun one can have in the Lake. Along the beaches, there are many paddling boats and sail boats to be rented. There are many places to go down waterslides and just take in a bit of shallow bathing, but be aware that the shallow banks of Balaton are a bit murky. For boat rental Balatonfüred, Fonyód, Szántód and Balatonlelle are the best places. Kite surfing is an exciting sport on windy days, but it needs a reasonable level of fitness and takes a few days to learn to hold yourself. Centres are in Siófok, Vonyarcvashegy, Tihany, Balatonboglár and Balatonfenyves. Fans of wakeboard will also find this facility in Balatonfüred and Vonyarcvashegy (Keszthely). There are neither jet skis nor motorboats allowed on Lake Balaton, the exception being the local ferry service and water-guards.

Since the lake is shallow, summer storms can create very large waves, and people have drowned in most years. A system of warning beacons around the lake alerts bathers and yachtsmen to expected strong winds and storms: 45 flashes/minute, colour white/yellow means winds 40-60 km/h, and you should move within 500m from the shore. 90 flashes red/white means winds over 60 km/h; in this case you will have to get out quickly!