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 10.67°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.

51.2

°F

May 20, 05:20

Trend:

increasing

Yesterday:

51.1°F

Tomorrow:

51.3°F

Sunrise:

04:29

Sunset:

21:48

Day Length:

17 h. 19 min.

Kirkwall in May

Minimum:

46.5°F

Average:

46.9°F

Maximum:

48.0°F

Sea water temperature in Kirkwall today

As of now, in Kirkwall, the water temperature is 51.2°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 3.1°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 stay about the same.

Recent sea temperature and forecast

Today's water temperature is notably higher than the average recorded over the past two weeks, indicating a significant warming trend. It is also close to the historical maximum temperature for this date. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 49.5°F on 2022, while the historical minimum was 46.7°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 51.5°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
May 6	48.1°F	46.4°F	47.0°F
May 7	48.1°F	46.5°F	47.0°F
May 8	47.7°F	46.7°F	46.9°F
May 9	47.6°F	46.7°F	47.2°F
May 10	47.6°F	46.9°F	47.3°F
May 11	47.7°F	46.9°F	47.4°F
May 12	47.6°F	46.9°F	47.3°F
May 13	47.8°F	47.5°F	47.4°F
May 14	47.8°F	47.4°F	47.4°F
May 15	49.2°F	48.1°F	47.6°F
May 16	50.3°F	48.4°F	47.9°F
May 17	51.1°F	48.2°F	48.0°F
May 18	51.5°F	48.2°F	48.2°F
May 19	51.1°F	48.4°F	48.0°F
May 20	51.2°F	48.7°F	48.1°F
May 21	51.3°F	48.4°F	48.3°F
May 22	51.4°F	48.7°F	48.3°F
May 23	51.3°F	48.7°F	48.3°F
May 24	51.2°F	48.5°F	48.2°F
May 25	51.7°F	49.4°F	48.6°F
May 26	51.8°F	49.2°F	48.7°F
May 27	51.9°F	49.1°F	48.8°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 10, 2023, reaching a 58.0°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, 45.8°F in Spring, 53.5°F in Summer, and 53.4°F in Autumn.