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 2.1°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges less than 41°F (5°C). Such water is extremely cold and not recommended for swimming without proper preparation. In these conditions, the risk of hypothermia is very high, and prolonged exposure to the water can be hazardous to your health. If you decide to swim, it is important to have the appropriate gear, such as a wetsuit. Typically, only experienced swimmers or those who practice winter swimming venture into such waters. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| APR 11 | 1.7°C | 1.0°C | |
| APR 12 | 1.7°C | 1.0°C | |
| APR 13 | 1.7°C | 1.0°C | |
| APR 14 | 1.8°C | 1.0°C | |
| APR 15 | 1.9°C | 1.0°C | |
| APR 16 | 2.0°C | 1.0°C | |
| APR 17 | 2.1°C | 1.0°C | |
| APR 18 | 2.1°C | 1.0°C | |
| APR 19 | 1.0°C | 2.0°C | |
| APR 20 | 1.0°C | 2.0°C | |
| APR 21 | 1.0°C | 1.9°C | |
| APR 22 | 1.0°C | 1.9°C | |
| APR 23 | 1.0°C | 1.8°C | |
| APR 24 | 1.0°C | 1.8°C | |
| APR 25 | 1.0°C | 1.7°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 | 5°C | 9°C |
| July | 4°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| August | 6°C | 10°C | 15°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
April 19
April 20
April 21
April 22
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.