Germany — Water Temperature in Seas, Lakes and Rivers
Check today’s water temperatures across Germany, including seas, lakes, and rivers. View real-time updates and seasonal ranges for both coastal and inland waters. We find every place where you can swim and show you the water temperature there today and throughout the year.
Sea Water Temperature Along the Coast
Chart of Average Temperature Changes Over the Last 60 Days
Places with the Warmest Sea Water Today
The Most Popular Seaside Places
Coastal Seas and Oceans
Water Temperature in Lakes and Rivers
Popular Lakes
Popular Rivers
Popular Places
Water Temperature and Swimming Overview
Regions and Map
Water Temperature Trends
Germany’s coastal waters along the North Sea and the Baltic Sea show distinct temperature patterns. In summer, Baltic Sea temperatures typically range from about 18 to 22 °C (64 to 72 °F), and in sheltered bays or shallow areas can reach 23 °C (73 °F) or slightly more; the North Sea is generally cooler, often 14 to 20 °C (57 to 68 °F) in the warm months. Spring and autumn bring much lower values, commonly 5 to 12 °C (41 to 54 °F), while winter temperatures near the coast can fall to around 0 to 8 °C (32 to 46 °F), with occasional near-freezing conditions in sheltered spots. Tidal influence, wind, and local depth drive short-term variability, so the same beach can feel quite different day to day.
Swimming Conditions
Inland lakes and rivers warm more strongly in summer, with many Bavarian and Mecklenburg lakes reaching 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F) and some shallow or southern lakes rising to 25–27 °C (77–81 °F). Large deep lakes such as Lake Constance remain cooler at depth but offer pleasant surface temperatures in the high teens to low twenties °C (mid-60s to low 70s °F). Rivers like the Rhine, Elbe and Danube often reach 18–24 °C (64–75 °F) in summer but stay quite cold outside that season. Swimming is widely allowed and popular at designated beaches and bathing areas; however, authorities may close sites for safety reasons (strong currents, tides, boat traffic), contamination or cyanobacterial algae blooms, and lifeguards are seasonal. Visitors should follow local signage and water-quality notices to ensure safe swimming.