North Queensferry — Water Temperature, Sea Conditions & Trends
This page provides clear and up-to-date information about water temperature for North Queensferry (Scotland, United Kingdom). 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 North Queensferry help you plan your visit and choose the best time for swimming.
Current Water Temperature
Water temperature in North Queensferry in the North Sea today is 16°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
Water temperature in North Queensferry has risen over the last week and month. Currently, the sea water temperature at this location matches the average for this day in previous years.
According to our forecast, Water temperature in North Queensferry will be 14.3°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 20 | 15.3°C | 14.3°C | |
| JUL 21 | 15.3°C | 14.5°C | |
| JUL 22 | 15.3°C | 14.8°C | |
| JUL 23 | 15.7°C | 14.8°C | |
| JUL 24 | 15.6°C | 14.8°C | |
| JUL 25 | 15.9°C | 14.5°C | |
| JUL 26 | 15.5°C | 14.8°C | |
| JUL 27 | 15.6°C | 14.8°C | |
| JUL 28 | 15.8°C | 14.8°C | 15.8°C |
| JUL 29 | 14.0°C | 15.6°C | |
| JUL 30 | 14.0°C | 15.4°C | |
| JUL 31 | 14.0°C | 15.1°C | |
| AUG 1 | 13.8°C | 14.9°C | |
| AUG 2 | 14.0°C | 14.7°C | |
| AUG 3 | 13.5°C | 14.5°C | |
| AUG 4 | 13.3°C | 14.3°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
North Queensferry sits on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth in Scotland, where the waters are temperate but often cool. Seasonal surface temperatures typically range from around 5–8 °C in winter to 6–11 °C in spring. In summer the sea usually warms to roughly 11–16 °C, with the warmest days occasionally reaching about 16–17 °C in shallow, sheltered spots. Autumn temperatures generally fall back to about 9–12 °C. These figures can vary with wind, tides and weather patterns, and shallow bays near the shore warm more quickly than the deeper channels beneath the Forth bridges. Water clarity is influenced by river inflows and tidal movements, so visibility and thermal comfort change throughout the year.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C | 8°C | 10°C |
| February | 4°C | 6°C | 9°C |
| March | 5°C | 6°C | 9°C |
| April | 5°C | 8°C | 10°C |
| May | 6°C | 9°C | 11°C |
| June | 8°C | 12°C | 14°C |
| July | 10°C | 13°C | 16°C |
| August | 11°C | 14°C | 16°C |
| September | 11°C | 13°C | 16°C |
| October | 9°C | 12°C | 14°C |
| November | 8°C | 10°C | 13°C |
| December | 6°C | 8°C | 11°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
North Queensferry: Weather Forecast
July 29
July 30
July 31
Location, Beaches & Local Information
Nearby Beaches & Facilities
North Queensferry Beach
Peatdraught Bay
Inverkeithing Beach
Whitehouse Bay Beach
Downing Point Beach
Dalgety Bay Beach
Cramond Island
Cramond Beach
Aberdour Harbour Beach
Swimming Conditions
Swimming around North Queensferry is possible but requires preparation and local awareness. There are small pebble and rock-strewn shoreline areas and a few sheltered spots beneath the iconic bridges where swimmers and wild swimmers gather, especially in calmer summer months. Currents around the firth can be strong and tides significant, so wetsuits are commonly used outside the warmest weeks and recommended for most open-water swimmers year-round. There are limited lifeguarded beaches, so swimmers should stay close to shore, heed tide and weather information, and, when possible, swim with companions or local groups. For a beach-style holiday, nearby towns offer facilities and scenic walks, but expect cooler water temperatures than typical seaside resorts further south.