Rankin Inlet — Water Temperature, Sea Conditions & Trends
This page provides clear and up-to-date information about water temperature for Rankin Inlet (Nunavut, Canada). It includes the current water temperature, daily data for the last month presented in a simple chart, and a 7-day forecast. The page also compares today’s value with typical averages for this period, shows usual monthly ranges during the year, and lists nearby beaches with short descriptions. Local weather for the next few days and general details about Rankin Inlet help you plan your visit and choose the best time for swimming.
Current Water Temperature
Water temperature in Rankin Inlet in the Hudson Bay today is 7°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 47°F (8°C) to 50°F (10°C). This is still cool water, suitable only for experienced swimmers or those accustomed to cold water. Swimming in such conditions is possible, but not recommended for prolonged periods. Extra caution should be taken during extended exposure, as the cold water can cause heat loss and lead to hypothermia. For added comfort, special clothing can be used.
It is important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in good weather. When the air temperature is below 68°F (20°C), and sometimes even below 77°F (25°C), swimming can be unpleasant even with relatively high water temperatures.
Water Temperature Chart Over the Last 30 Days
Water temperature in Rankin Inlet rose over the last 30 days but fell over the last week. Currently, the sea water at this location is slightly warmer than average for this day in previous years.
According to our forecast, Water temperature in Rankin Inlet will be 5.2°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.
Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUL 13 | 7.7°C | 3.5°C | |
| JUL 14 | 6.7°C | 3.8°C | |
| JUL 15 | 7.1°C | 4.5°C | |
| JUL 16 | 9.0°C | 4.5°C | |
| JUL 17 | 8.6°C | 4.3°C | |
| JUL 18 | 7.4°C | 5.0°C | |
| JUL 19 | 7.8°C | 5.0°C | |
| JUL 20 | 8.2°C | 4.8°C | |
| JUL 21 | 7.2°C | 4.8°C | 7.2°C |
| JUL 22 | 4.0°C | 6.9°C | |
| JUL 23 | 4.5°C | 6.6°C | |
| JUL 24 | 4.5°C | 6.3°C | |
| JUL 25 | 4.8°C | 6.0°C | |
| JUL 26 | 5.0°C | 5.8°C | |
| JUL 27 | 4.3°C | 5.5°C | |
| JUL 28 | 4.8°C | 5.2°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual nearshore water temperatures may fluctuate by several degrees from the reported values, especially following heavy rainfall or extended periods of strong winds. Certain wind patterns can cause colder, deeper waters to rise and replace the sun-warmed surface water, leading to noticeable variations.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that considers real-time water temperature changes, historical trends, key weather patterns, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each region. Additionally, we incorporate data from other resorts to enhance accuracy.
Water temperature data for this location is gathered from various sources, including buoys and satellite sea and ocean surface maps provided by the NOAA agency. We also incorporate data from local authorities in each specific location worldwide to ensure more accurate temperature readings.
Annual Water Temperature Overview by Month
Monthly Water Temp Ranges
Annual Water Temperature Trend
Rankin Inlet sits on the northwestern shore of Hudson Bay in Nunavut and experiences a short, cool thawing season after a long period of sea ice cover. Sea temperatures there remain low for most of the year; under winter ice the water is typically close to the freezing point, about -1.8°C to 0°C. During spring and early summer as ice breaks up, surface temperatures commonly rise from around 0°C to 3°C. The warmest period is brief, usually in July and August, when sheltered shallow areas and tide-warmed pockets can reach roughly 6°C to 10°C and occasionally approach 12°C in particularly warm summers. By late summer and autumn the water cools quickly, falling back into the 1°C to 4°C range as freeze-up approaches.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -2°C | -1°C | -1°C |
| February | -2°C | -1°C | -1°C |
| March | -2°C | -2°C | -1°C |
| April | -2°C | -1°C | -1°C |
| May | -2°C | -1°C | -1°C |
| June | -3°C | 0°C | 3°C |
| July | -2°C | 3°C | 9°C |
| August | 3°C | 7°C | 10°C |
| September | 1°C | 6°C | 8°C |
| October | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
| November | -2°C | 0°C | 3°C |
| December | -2°C | -2°C | -1°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
Rankin Inlet: Weather Forecast
July 22
July 23
July 24
July 25
Location, Beaches & Local Information
Swimming Conditions
Because of these low temperatures, traditional warm-weather swimming is limited in Rankin Inlet. Casual bathing without thermal protection is generally impractical and hazardous outside very brief, exceptional conditions; even in peak summer the water is cold enough to cause cold-water shock and rapid loss of body heat. Swimming and beach activities are possible for well-prepared visitors using wetsuits or drysuits, with close supervision and flotation. Shorelines are often rocky or pebbly with limited sandy beaches, so beach holidays are more about scenic coastal time, picnicking and marine wildlife viewing than prolonged swimming. Those planning water recreation should account for quick weather changes, lingering ice, tidal currents and the brief window of milder surface temperatures.