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 11.25°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.

52.3

°F

November 6, 00:56

Trend:

decreasing

Yesterday:

52.3°F

Tomorrow:

52.1°F

Sunrise:

07:41

Sunset:

16:09

Day Length:

8 h. 28 min.

Kirkwall in November

Minimum:

45.8°F

Average:

46.5°F

Maximum:

47.7°F

Sea water temperature in Kirkwall today

As of now, in Kirkwall, the water temperature is 52.3°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 0.3°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 considerably lower than the average registered over the last two weeks, indicating a slight cooling trend. 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 53.1°F on 2017, while the historical minimum was 50.9°F on 2023.

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 51.9°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
Oct 23	54.7°F	52.5°F	53.2°F
Oct 24	54.5°F	52.5°F	53.1°F
Oct 25	54.3°F	52.5°F	53.0°F
Oct 26	54.0°F	52.5°F	52.9°F
Oct 27	53.9°F	52.2°F	52.9°F
Oct 28	53.5°F	52.2°F	52.7°F
Oct 29	53.5°F	52.0°F	52.7°F
Oct 30	53.0°F	52.1°F	52.6°F
Oct 31	53.0°F	51.7°F	52.4°F
Nov 1	52.7°F	51.7°F	52.3°F
Nov 2	52.5°F	51.7°F	52.3°F
Nov 3	52.6°F	51.7°F	52.2°F
Nov 4	52.3°F	51.8°F	52.1°F
Nov 5	52.3°F	51.7°F	52.0°F
Nov 6	52.3°F	52.0°F	52.0°F
Nov 7	52.1°F	52.1°F	51.9°F
Nov 8	52.0°F	52.1°F	51.8°F
Nov 9	52.0°F	52.0°F	51.7°F
Nov 10	51.9°F	52.0°F	51.7°F
Nov 11	51.8°F	51.8°F	51.5°F
Nov 12	51.7°F	51.7°F	51.4°F
Nov 13	51.7°F	51.7°F	51.4°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, 46.0°F in Spring, 53.7°F in Summer, and 53.4°F in Autumn.