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 14.15°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.

57.5

°F

September 16, 05:17

Trend:

decreasing

Yesterday:

57.5°F

Tomorrow:

57.3°F

Sunrise:

06:42

Sunset:

19:30

Day Length:

12 h. 48 min.

Kirkwall in September

Minimum:

46.1°F

Average:

46.5°F

Maximum:

47.7°F

Sea water temperature in Kirkwall today

As of now, in Kirkwall, the water temperature is 57.5°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 2.0°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 is also close to the historical maximum temperature for this date. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 56.8°F on 2023, while the historical minimum was 54.2°F on 2015.

latest data

last year

Observations from the last two weeks indicate that the water temperature was in proximity to the highest values recorded on those days in the past. Over the next week, the forecast shows a steady trend, with temperatures staying close to the average of 57.3°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
Sep 2	58.9°F	56.3°F	56.2°F
Sep 3	58.5°F	56.0°F	56.2°F
Sep 4	58.7°F	55.9°F	56.2°F
Sep 5	58.4°F	55.8°F	56.1°F
Sep 6	58.6°F	56.0°F	56.1°F
Sep 7	58.2°F	55.6°F	56.0°F
Sep 8	57.9°F	56.3°F	56.0°F
Sep 9	58.6°F	56.0°F	56.0°F
Sep 10	58.5°F	56.0°F	56.1°F
Sep 11	58.0°F	55.7°F	56.0°F
Sep 12	58.2°F	55.5°F	55.9°F
Sep 13	57.5°F	55.1°F	55.8°F
Sep 14	57.4°F	55.1°F	55.8°F
Sep 15	57.5°F	54.3°F	55.5°F
Sep 16	57.5°F	54.6°F	55.5°F
Sep 17	57.3°F	54.5°F	55.3°F
Sep 18	57.3°F	55.0°F	55.3°F
Sep 19	57.3°F	55.4°F	55.3°F
Sep 20	57.3°F	55.3°F	55.4°F
Sep 21	57.3°F	55.1°F	55.3°F
Sep 22	57.3°F	55.2°F	55.3°F
Sep 23	57.2°F	55.0°F	55.3°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, 46.0°F in Spring, 53.7°F in Summer, and 53.4°F in Autumn.