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 12.77°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.

55.0

°F

July 6, 06:51

Trend:

increasing

Yesterday:

54.9°F

Tomorrow:

55.2°F

Sunrise:

04:10

Sunset:

22:23

Day Length:

18 h. 13 min.

Kirkwall in July

Minimum:

46.2°F

Average:

46.7°F

Maximum:

47.8°F

Sea water temperature in Kirkwall today

As of now, in Kirkwall, the water temperature is 55.0°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 1.5°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 rise a bit.

Recent sea temperature and forecast

The water temperature today is above average for the last two weeks, showing a small increase in temperature. It is also close to the historical maximum temperature for this date. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 54.7°F on 2022, while the historical minimum was 52.0°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. Over the next week, the forecast shows a steady trend, with temperatures staying close to the average of 55.1°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
Jun 22	53.5°F	53.3°F	52.2°F
Jun 23	53.4°F	54.3°F	52.3°F
Jun 24	53.6°F	54.0°F	52.4°F
Jun 25	54.0°F	53.6°F	52.5°F
Jun 26	53.5°F	53.6°F	52.6°F
Jun 27	54.0°F	54.3°F	52.9°F
Jun 28	54.4°F	54.0°F	52.9°F
Jun 29	54.2°F	54.8°F	53.1°F
Jun 30	55.1°F	54.7°F	53.1°F
Jul 1	55.2°F	54.2°F	53.2°F
Jul 2	54.9°F	54.5°F	53.3°F
Jul 3	54.9°F	54.8°F	53.1°F
Jul 4	54.9°F	54.8°F	53.3°F
Jul 5	54.9°F	54.6°F	53.4°F
Jul 6	55.0°F	54.4°F	53.4°F
Jul 7	55.2°F	55.1°F	53.6°F
Jul 8	55.0°F	55.4°F	53.5°F
Jul 9	55.0°F	55.0°F	53.5°F
Jul 10	55.1°F	55.5°F	53.5°F
Jul 11	55.2°F	55.2°F	53.6°F
Jul 12	55.2°F	55.8°F	53.7°F
Jul 13	55.5°F	56.3°F	53.9°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.