Oulu — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Oulu, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Oulu today is 16.7°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 60°F (15°C) to 65°F (18°C). The water is comfortable for most people, making it an ideal range for water sports enthusiasts. The temperature does not cause significant discomfort, and swimming will be pleasant for the majority. However, it's important to remember that prolonged exposure to the water can still lead to cooling, so it's essential to monitor the time spent in the water, especially for children or elderly people. 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
Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUG 4 | 18.1°C | 15.0°C | |
| AUG 5 | 18.1°C | 15.0°C | |
| AUG 6 | 18.0°C | 15.0°C | |
| AUG 7 | 18.0°C | 15.0°C | |
| AUG 8 | 17.3°C | 15.0°C | |
| AUG 9 | 17.0°C | 15.0°C | |
| AUG 10 | 16.9°C | 15.0°C | |
| AUG 11 | 16.9°C | 15.0°C | |
| AUG 12 | 15.0°C | 16.6°C | |
| AUG 13 | 15.0°C | 16.5°C | |
| AUG 14 | 15.0°C | 16.4°C | |
| AUG 15 | 15.0°C | 16.4°C | |
| AUG 16 | 15.0°C | 16.3°C | |
| AUG 17 | 15.0°C | 16.2°C | |
| AUG 18 | 15.0°C | 16.1°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.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C | 0°C | 3°C |
| February | 0°C | 0°C | 3°C |
| March | 0°C | 0°C | 3°C |
| April | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| May | 2°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| June | 8°C | 12°C | 17°C |
| July | 12°C | 17°C | 21°C |
| August | 10°C | 15°C | 19°C |
| September | 6°C | 10°C | 15°C |
| October | 0°C | 4°C | 7°C |
| November | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| December | 0°C | 0°C | 3°C |
Oulu: Weather Forecast
August 12
August 13
August 14
Location & Local Information
The Oulujoki River, or Ule älv, is a prominent feature of the city of Oulu in North Ostrobothnia, flowing into the Bothnian Bay. Swimming is a year-round activity in the Oulujoki, allowed in designated public areas like Tuira and Värttö beaches. This is protected by Finland’s Everyman’s Rights, which grants public recreational access to natural water bodies. While casual summer swimming is popular, year-round swimming persists due to a strong local tradition of cold-water (winter) bathing, which takes place in spots maintained along the river.
The water temperature of the Oulujoki exhibits extreme seasonal variation. During the winter months, from approximately November to April, the river is partially or fully ice-covered, with water temperatures hovering near freezing, typically between 0∘C and 2∘C. The river remains very cold through the spring thaw. The season for comfortable swimming is short, peaking in July when the average surface water temperature typically reaches 17∘C, though it can sometimes rise a few degrees higher in shallow bays, offering a brief period suitable for prolonged bathing.