What is the current water temperature in Kirkwall?

Q: What is the current water temperature in Kirkwall?

As of now, in Kirkwall, the water temperature is 8.24°C. Swimming in water of this temperature is considered as extremely cold, and there's a substantial risk of hypothermia if exposed for more than a brief duration.

United Kingdom > Kirkwall

Water temperature in Kirkwall

Detailed information about the current water temperature in Kirkwall. The trend over the last two weeks, daily averages, and precise forecast of the water temperature changes. Gain a deeper understanding of seasonal dynamics with monthly statistical analyses covering recent years.

46.8

°F

January 11, 22:30

Trend:

decreasing

Yesterday:

47.0°F

Tomorrow:

46.7°F

Sunrise:

08:58

Sunset:

15:43

Day Length:

6 h. 45 min.

Kirkwall in January

Minimum:

46.5°F

Average:

47.2°F

Maximum:

48.4°F

Sea water temperature in Kirkwall today

As of now, in Kirkwall, the water temperature is 46.8°F. Swimming in water of this temperature is considered as extremely cold, and there's a substantial risk of hypothermia if exposed for more than a brief duration. Today's reading is 0.3°F higher than the average recorded on this particular day in recent years. The sea temperature remains approximately unchanged from yesterday. According to the forecast, we expect the temperature to fall a bit.

Recent sea temperature and forecast

Today's water temperature is slightly lower than the average registered over the last two weeks, indicating a slight cooling trend. It also falls within the range of the average temperature recorded for this date, suggesting a consistent weather trend. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 47.7°F on 2017, while the historical minimum was 45.8°F on 2025.

latest data

last year

Over the last two weeks, the water temperature has stayed slightly above than historical averages for those days. Over the next week, the forecast shows a steady trend, with temperatures staying close to the average of 46.5°F. Both minimum and maximum temperatures expected to be close to the average, offering a week of stable water conditions.

Daily water temperature in Kirkwall

Date	Current Year actual* / forecast**	last year	10 years average
Jan 1	48.2°F	47.2°F	47.2°F
Jan 2	47.9°F	46.9°F	47.1°F
Jan 3	47.7°F	46.8°F	47.1°F
Jan 4	47.4°F	46.8°F	47.0°F
Jan 5	47.2°F	46.8°F	46.9°F
Jan 6	47.0°F	46.6°F	46.8°F
Jan 7	47.0°F	46.4°F	46.7°F
Jan 8	46.9°F	46.3°F	46.7°F
Jan 9	47.0°F	46.1°F	46.6°F
Jan 10	47.0°F	45.9°F	46.6°F
Jan 11	46.8°F	45.8°F	46.5°F
Jan 12	46.7°F	45.6°F	46.3°F
Jan 13	46.6°F	45.6°F	46.3°F
Jan 14	46.5°F	45.5°F	46.2°F
Jan 15	46.5°F	45.8°F	46.2°F
Jan 16	46.5°F	46.0°F	46.1°F
Jan 17	46.4°F	46.1°F	46.0°F
Jan 18	46.4°F	46.2°F	46.1°F
Dec 28	48.4°F	47.7°F	47.6°F
Dec 29	48.6°F	47.5°F	47.6°F
Dec 30	48.5°F	47.4°F	47.4°F
Dec 31	48.3°F	47.3°F	47.3°F

* actual - actual temperature values

** forecast - projected values for the next week

Real-time coastal temperatures could deviate by several degrees from the provided readings. These deviations often become evident following intense rainfall or strong winds.

Our forecasting methodology leverages a mathematical model, that uses current water and weather conditions, historical records, wind intensity and direction.

Sea water temperature in Kirkwall by month

In an average year, Kirkwall offers no days when the water temperature is warm enough to swim comfortably.

The warmest water in Kirkwall was recorded on September 2, 2025, reaching a 58.9°F. While the coldest temperature occurred on March 21, 2018, dipping to 42.2°F. The average readings by season are 46.4°F in Winter, 46.1°F in Spring, 53.9°F in Summer, and 53.5°F in Autumn.