Cold water can hold more dissolved oxygen than warm water. In winter and early spring, when the water temperature is low, the dissolved oxygen concentration is high. In summer and fall, when the water temperature is high, the dissolved-oxygen concentration is often lower.

Why does temperature affect oxygen concentration?

Air and Water Temperature Increases

Lower levels of dissolved oxygen due to the inverse relationship that exists between dissolved oxygen and temperature. As the temperature of the water increases, dissolved oxygen levels decrease.

How does temperature affect oxygenation?

As it turns out, temperature affects the affinity, or binding strength, of hemoglobin for oxygen. Specifically, increased temperature decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. As oxyhemoglobin is exposed to higher temperatures in the metabolizing tissues, affinity decreases and hemoglobin unloads oxygen.