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 10.99°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.

51.8

°F

November 16, 02:43

Trend:

decreasing

Yesterday:

51.9°F

Tomorrow:

51.6°F

Sunrise:

08:05

Sunset:

15:47

Day Length:

7 h. 42 min.

Kirkwall in November

Minimum:

45.8°F

Average:

46.5°F

Maximum:

47.7°F

Sea water temperature in Kirkwall today

As of now, in Kirkwall, the water temperature is 51.8°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 0.7°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 52.1°F on 2022, while the historical minimum was 49.4°F on 2019.

latest data

last year

The water temperature over the last two weeks displayed soome variability. While the two week average stayed close to the historical average, there were some days when the temperature was close to the maximum recorded over the past years. The forecast for the upcoming week shows a gradual cooling trend. The average temperature is expected to be 51.3°F, the minimum temperature may reach 50.9°F, and the maximum might stay at 51.6°F.

Daily water temperature in Kirkwall

Date	Current Year actual* / forecast**	last year	10 years average
Nov 2	52.5°F	51.7°F	52.3°F
Nov 3	52.6°F	51.7°F	52.2°F
Nov 4	52.3°F	51.8°F	52.1°F
Nov 5	52.3°F	51.7°F	52.0°F
Nov 6	52.3°F	52.0°F	52.0°F
Nov 7	52.3°F	52.1°F	51.9°F
Nov 8	52.4°F	52.1°F	51.8°F
Nov 9	52.4°F	52.1°F	51.8°F
Nov 10	52.7°F	52.0°F	51.8°F
Nov 11	52.7°F	51.9°F	51.6°F
Nov 12	52.6°F	51.8°F	51.5°F
Nov 13	52.5°F	51.8°F	51.5°F
Nov 14	52.4°F	51.7°F	51.4°F
Nov 15	51.9°F	51.7°F	51.3°F
Nov 16	51.8°F	51.7°F	51.1°F
Nov 17	51.6°F	51.1°F	51.0°F
Nov 18	51.5°F	50.7°F	50.9°F
Nov 19	51.4°F	50.3°F	50.8°F
Nov 20	51.3°F	50.2°F	50.6°F
Nov 21	51.2°F	50.1°F	50.5°F
Nov 22	51.1°F	49.9°F	50.5°F
Nov 23	50.9°F	49.6°F	50.3°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.