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Ely — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast

This page provides information on the current water temperature in Ely, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.

River Great Ouse, United Kingdom
River Great Ouse, United Kingdom © William M. Connolley, CC BY-SA 3.0

Current Water Temperature

21.6°C
Today
21.2°C
Yesterday
21.2°C
A Week Ago
Get instant access to real-time water temperatures for this and all other locations with our iOS and Android apps.

Water Temperature in Ely today is 21.6°C.

Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 68°F (20°C) to 74°F (23°C). The water is warm and pleasant for swimming, and in this range, one can stay in the water for extended periods without the risk of hypothermia. This is the ideal temperature for relaxation, swimming, and water sports. Families with children, as well as outdoor enthusiasts, will enjoy swimming and time spent in the water. For most people, this is the optimal temperature for a comfortable beach experience. 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

From July 13 to August 13

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

Date Current Average Forecast
AUG 621.2°C18.0°C
AUG 721.1°C18.0°C
AUG 821.1°C18.0°C
AUG 921.1°C18.0°C
AUG 1021.3°C18.0°C
AUG 1121.3°C18.0°C
AUG 1221.2°C18.0°C
AUG 1321.2°C18.0°C
AUG 1418.0°C21.4°C
AUG 1518.0°C21.2°C
AUG 1618.0°C21.1°C
AUG 1718.0°C20.9°C
AUG 1818.0°C20.7°C
AUG 1918.0°C20.5°C
AUG 2018.0°C20.3°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.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January0°C3°C6°C
February0°C4°C7°C
March2°C6°C9°C
April6°C9°C12°C
May10°C15°C19°C
June13°C18°C22°C
July14°C19°C24°C
August14°C18°C23°C
September10°C15°C19°C
October8°C11°C14°C
November3°C7°C12°C
December0°C4°C8°C

Ely: Weather Forecast

August 14

° / °
overcast
rain: 4% | wind:

August 15

° / °
overcast
rain: 10% | wind:

August 16

° / °
overcast
rain: 8% | wind:

August 17

° / °
moderate drizzle
rain: 26% | wind:

August 18

° / °
light drizzle
rain: 31% | wind:

August 19

° / °
overcast
rain: 16% | wind:

Location & Local Information

The cathedral city of Ely, situated in the low-lying Fenland, is centered on the River Great Ouse, a waterway primarily used for navigation and recreation like canoeing and rowing. The river’s water temperature fluctuates significantly across the seasons. In the winter, the water is naturally quite cold, ranging from approximately 4 to 9∘C (39 to 48∘F). During the summer months, however, the temperature can rise to a much milder range, often reaching 16 to 21∘C (61 to 70∘F), making it tempting for a cooling dip.

However, swimming in the River Great Ouse at Ely is generally discouraged due to significant public health and safety concerns. While there are no blanket prohibitions, navigational byelaws prevent bathing within a certain distance of locks and sluices, and the river's water quality is a major issue. Testing frequently reveals high levels of bacterial contamination from sewage, posing a serious health risk to swimmers. Therefore, the river is best enjoyed from its banks or by boat. Beyond the river, Ely is dominated by its magnificent medieval cathedral and offers historical attractions like Oliver Cromwell’s House, alongside picturesque markets and riverside walking paths.

Nearby Locations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current water temperature in Ely?
Water Temperature in Ely today is 21.6°C.
What is the water temperature in Ely during the summer months?
The water temperature in Ely in summer fluctuates in the range of 13°C - 24°C.
Is it possible to swim in Ely (United Kingdom) in River Great Ouse and what are the possibilities for this?
It is possible to swim in parts of the River Great Ouse around Ely, but there are no official river swimming facilities and variable water quality, currents, submerged hazards and boat traffic make it safer to join organised wild‑swim groups or supervised open‑water events or use local public swimming pools instead.