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 8.92°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.

48.1

°F

May 15, 15:55

Trend:

increasing

Yesterday:

47.9°F

Tomorrow:

48.4°F

Sunrise:

04:42

Sunset:

21:36

Day Length:

16 h. 54 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 48.1°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 about the same as the average recorded on this particular day in recent years. Since yesterday, there was a slight increase in temperature. This indicates a warming trend over the past day. 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 also falls within the range of the average temperature recorded for this date, suggesting a consistent weather trend. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 50.6°F on 2025, while the historical minimum was 46.5°F on 2021.

latest data

last year

Over the last two weeks, the water temperature has stayed slightly above than historical averages for those days. The forecast for the upcoming week suggests a gradual increase. The average temperature is expected to rise up to 48.8°F, with minimum temperature starting at 48.4°F, while the maximum might reach 49.1°F.

Daily water temperature in Kirkwall

Date	Current Year actual* / forecast**	last year	10 years average
May 1	48.6°F	48.4°F	46.9°F
May 2	48.3°F	48.9°F	46.9°F
May 3	47.7°F	48.7°F	47.0°F
May 4	47.9°F	48.5°F	47.1°F
May 5	47.9°F	48.5°F	47.1°F
May 6	47.4°F	48.4°F	47.2°F
May 7	47.7°F	48.3°F	47.2°F
May 8	47.4°F	48.3°F	47.1°F
May 9	47.6°F	48.8°F	47.4°F
May 10	47.6°F	48.7°F	47.3°F
May 11	47.5°F	48.8°F	47.4°F
May 12	47.6°F	48.8°F	47.4°F
May 13	47.8°F	50.3°F	47.8°F
May 14	47.9°F	50.8°F	47.8°F
May 15	48.1°F	50.6°F	47.9°F
May 16	48.4°F	50.7°F	48.3°F
May 17	48.6°F	50.8°F	48.5°F
May 18	48.8°F	51.5°F	48.7°F
May 19	48.8°F	51.1°F	48.7°F
May 20	49.0°F	51.6°F	48.8°F
May 21	49.1°F	51.9°F	49.0°F
May 22	49.1°F	51.4°F	49.0°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.