Alta — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Alta, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Alta today is 13°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 54°F (12°C) to 60°F (15°C). The water is significantly warmer, and swimming becomes possible for most people. However, caution may still be required for prolonged stays in the water, as extended exposure can cause discomfort. This is a suitable temperature range for short swims and for those accustomed to cooler water. For more comfortable swimming, it is recommended to use proper gear. 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 6 | 14.1°C | 10.6°C | |
| AUG 7 | 14.1°C | 10.6°C | |
| AUG 8 | 14.1°C | 10.6°C | |
| AUG 9 | 14.0°C | 10.6°C | |
| AUG 10 | 13.4°C | 10.6°C | |
| AUG 11 | 13.4°C | 10.6°C | |
| AUG 12 | 13.4°C | 10.6°C | |
| AUG 13 | 13.0°C | 10.6°C | |
| AUG 14 | 10.6°C | 12.9°C | |
| AUG 15 | 10.6°C | 12.8°C | |
| AUG 16 | 10.6°C | 12.6°C | |
| AUG 17 | 10.6°C | 12.5°C | |
| AUG 18 | 10.6°C | 12.4°C | |
| AUG 19 | 10.6°C | 12.3°C | |
| AUG 20 | 10.6°C | 12.2°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.
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 | 1°C | 4°C |
| May | 0°C | 3°C | 8°C |
| June | 0°C | 6°C | 12°C |
| July | 4°C | 9°C | 15°C |
| August | 6°C | 11°C | 16°C |
| September | 4°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| October | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
| November | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
| December | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
Alta: Weather Forecast
August 14
August 15
August 16
August 17
Location & Local Information
Alta (in Norwegian — Alta) in Finnmark County sits well above the Arctic Circle and its lakes reflect the region’s cool maritime and continental influences. Surface water temperatures in inland lakes are typically close to freezing through late winter, around 0–2 °C (32–36 °F) until ice break-up. In spring they slowly climb to roughly 1–6 °C (34–43 °F) as snowmelt continues. During the brief summer season, shallow and sheltered lakes can warm to about 12–18 °C (54–64 °F) and on rare warm spells reach near 20 °C (68 °F). By autumn temperatures fall again, often dropping below 10 °C (50 °F) well before the first freeze.
Swimming is generally allowed in Alta’s lakes and is a popular summer activity where conditions permit, because public access to shorelines is governed by the right-to-roam and recreational use of the outdoors. However, swimming is seasonal: most residents and visitors swim in the warmest months when water temperatures are bearable, while ice cover and near-freezing water make swimming impractical and hazardous in winter. Cold-water risks such as cold shock and hypothermia mean that caution, appropriate gear, and attention to local advice are important; some people do practice cold bathing year-round, but this requires experience and safety measures.