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 12.74°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.

54.9

°F

October 8, 08:39

Trend:

decreasing

Yesterday:

55.1°F

Tomorrow:

54.8°F

Sunrise:

07:32

Sunset:

18:26

Day Length:

10 h. 54 min.

Kirkwall in October

Minimum:

45.9°F

Average:

46.6°F

Maximum:

47.7°F

Sea water temperature in Kirkwall today

As of now, in Kirkwall, the water temperature is 54.9°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 0.6°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 55.4°F on 2025, while the historical minimum was 53.2°F on 2018.

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 54.6°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 24	55.6°F	56.2°F	55.3°F
Sep 25	54.9°F	56.1°F	55.2°F
Sep 26	55.6°F	56.2°F	55.3°F
Sep 27	55.6°F	56.2°F	55.3°F
Sep 28	55.4°F	56.6°F	55.1°F
Sep 29	55.6°F	56.0°F	55.1°F
Sep 30	55.3°F	56.3°F	55.0°F
Oct 1	55.4°F	56.0°F	54.8°F
Oct 2	55.6°F	56.1°F	54.8°F
Oct 3	55.5°F	55.9°F	54.6°F
Oct 4	55.3°F	56.0°F	54.6°F
Oct 5	55.7°F	55.7°F	54.6°F
Oct 6	55.3°F	55.6°F	54.6°F
Oct 7	55.1°F	55.7°F	54.5°F
Oct 8	54.9°F	55.4°F	54.3°F
Oct 9	54.8°F	55.2°F	54.1°F
Oct 10	54.8°F	55.1°F	54.1°F
Oct 11	54.8°F	55.2°F	54.2°F
Oct 12	54.7°F	55.0°F	54.1°F
Oct 13	54.5°F	54.5°F	53.9°F
Oct 14	54.5°F	54.4°F	53.8°F
Oct 15	54.3°F	54.8°F	53.7°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, 54.0°F in Summer, and 53.5°F in Autumn.