What is the current water temperature in Lerwick?

Q: What is the current water temperature in Lerwick?

As of now, in Lerwick, the water temperature is 8.42°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 > Lerwick

Water temperature in Lerwick

Detailed information about the current water temperature in Lerwick. 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.

47.2

°F

January 16, 15:23

Trend:

decreasing

Yesterday:

47.5°F

Tomorrow:

47.0°F

Sunrise:

08:53

Sunset:

15:37

Day Length:

6 h. 44 min.

Lerwick in January

Minimum:

46.8°F

Average:

47.5°F

Maximum:

48.6°F

Sea water temperature in Lerwick today

As of now, in Lerwick, the water temperature is 47.2°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 0.8°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 fall a bit.

Recent sea temperature and forecast

Today's water temperature is slightly lower than the average registered over the last two weeks, indicating a slight cooling trend. It is also close to the historical maximum temperature for this date. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 47.2°F on 2017, while the historical minimum was 45.7°F on 2024.

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 46.9°F. Both minimum and maximum temperatures expected to be close to the average, offering a week of stable water conditions.

Daily water temperature in Lerwick

Date	Current Year actual* / forecast**	last year	10 years average
Jan 2	48.2°F	47.3°F	47.4°F
Jan 3	48.3°F	47.1°F	47.4°F
Jan 4	47.9°F	46.8°F	47.2°F
Jan 5	47.9°F	46.9°F	47.1°F
Jan 6	47.8°F	46.7°F	47.0°F
Jan 7	47.7°F	46.7°F	47.0°F
Jan 8	47.5°F	46.6°F	46.8°F
Jan 9	47.4°F	46.5°F	46.8°F
Jan 10	47.4°F	46.5°F	46.8°F
Jan 11	47.4°F	46.5°F	46.7°F
Jan 12	47.3°F	46.4°F	46.6°F
Jan 13	47.1°F	46.3°F	46.5°F
Jan 14	47.3°F	46.3°F	46.5°F
Jan 15	47.5°F	46.3°F	46.5°F
Jan 16	47.2°F	46.3°F	46.4°F
Jan 17	47.0°F	46.2°F	46.2°F
Jan 18	47.0°F	46.7°F	46.3°F
Jan 19	47.0°F	46.8°F	46.2°F
Jan 20	47.0°F	46.8°F	46.2°F
Jan 21	47.0°F	46.7°F	46.2°F
Jan 22	46.9°F	46.6°F	46.1°F
Jan 23	46.8°F	46.6°F	46.0°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 Lerwick by month

In an average year, Lerwick offers no days when the water temperature is warm enough to swim comfortably.

The warmest water in Lerwick was recorded on July 22, 2025, reaching a 58.3°F. While the coldest temperature occurred on March 21, 2018, dipping to 42.8°F. The average readings by season are 46.7°F in Winter, 46.0°F in Spring, 53.1°F in Summer, and 52.4°F in Autumn.