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 9.2°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.

48.6

°F

May 1, 15:18

Trend:

increasing

Yesterday:

47.9°F

Tomorrow:

48.7°F

Sunrise:

05:16

Sunset:

21:03

Day Length:

15 h. 47 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 48.6°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 1.9°F higher than 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 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 48.4°F on 2025, while the historical minimum was 45.6°F on 2021.

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 48.9°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
Apr 17	46.0°F	47.1°F	45.6°F
Apr 18	45.9°F	47.4°F	45.8°F
Apr 19	46.0°F	47.1°F	45.9°F
Apr 20	46.2°F	47.7°F	46.1°F
Apr 21	46.2°F	47.6°F	46.3°F
Apr 22	46.3°F	47.6°F	46.4°F
Apr 23	46.5°F	47.5°F	46.3°F
Apr 24	46.8°F	47.6°F	46.4°F
Apr 25	47.4°F	48.2°F	46.4°F
Apr 26	47.5°F	48.4°F	46.6°F
Apr 27	47.3°F	48.6°F	46.6°F
Apr 28	46.9°F	48.4°F	46.6°F
Apr 29	47.7°F	48.2°F	46.6°F
Apr 30	47.9°F	47.6°F	46.6°F
May 1	48.6°F	48.4°F	46.7°F
May 2	48.7°F	48.9°F	46.8°F
May 3	48.9°F	48.7°F	47.0°F
May 4	48.9°F	48.5°F	47.0°F
May 5	49.0°F	48.5°F	47.1°F
May 6	49.0°F	48.4°F	47.1°F
May 7	49.0°F	48.3°F	47.2°F
May 8	49.0°F	48.3°F	47.1°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.