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Manchester — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast

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

Manchester, United Kingdom
Manchester, United Kingdom © By Parrot of Doom, CC BY-SA 3.0

Current Water Temperature

11.8°C
Today
11.5°C
Yesterday
12.9°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 Manchester today is 11.8°C.

Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 50°F (10°C) to 54°F (12°C). The water is slightly warmer, but still cool for most people. Swimming in such conditions is possible, but for most people, the time spent in the water should be limited to avoid hypothermia. Even experienced swimmers may feel discomfort if they stay in the water for too long. To improve comfort and safety, a wetsuit can be used. 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 September 13 to October 14

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

Date Current Average Forecast
OCT 712.9°C12.0°C
OCT 812.9°C12.0°C
OCT 913.0°C12.0°C
OCT 1011.9°C12.0°C
OCT 1112.4°C12.0°C
OCT 1211.9°C12.0°C
OCT 1311.5°C12.0°C
OCT 1411.5°C12.0°C
OCT 1512.0°C11.8°C
OCT 1612.0°C11.8°C
OCT 1712.0°C11.8°C
OCT 1812.0°C11.8°C
OCT 1912.0°C11.9°C
OCT 2012.0°C11.9°C
OCT 2112.0°C11.9°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
January1°C5°C8°C
February1°C5°C8°C
March2°C6°C9°C
April6°C9°C12°C
May9°C14°C18°C
June13°C19°C23°C
July15°C19°C24°C
August14°C18°C23°C
September11°C16°C20°C
October9°C12°C15°C
November4°C7°C10°C
December1°C5°C8°C

Manchester: Weather Forecast

October 15

° / °
dense intensity drizzle
rain: 57% | wind:

October 16

° / °
light drizzle
rain: 43% | wind:

October 17

° / °
overcast
rain: 6% | wind:

October 18

° / °
overcast
rain: 18% | wind:

Location & Local Information

The River Irwell flows directly through Manchester, historically acting as a vital artery for the city. Seasonal water temperatures in the river follow the regional climate, with winter lows typically ranging from 4∘C to 8∘C (39∘F to 46∘F). During the warmer summer months, particularly in July and August, the temperature can rise significantly, often falling between 15∘C and 18∘C (59∘F to 64∘F). These temperatures make the water bracingly cold outside of peak summer, and even then, extended exposure carries risks.

Swimming in the River Irwell is strongly discouraged and is generally considered unsafe for the public. The main reasons are health and safety concerns, including risks associated with poor water quality, submerged debris, and strong, unpredictable currents, especially after heavy rainfall which can cause raw sewage overflows. For water-based activity, visitors are better served by the controlled environment of the nearby Salford Quays, which offers watersports and is a hub for culture. Other major attractions in the immediate vicinity include The Lowry theatre and art centre, the Imperial War Museum North, and the iconic Manchester United football ground at Old Trafford.

Nearby Locations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current water temperature in Manchester?
Water Temperature in Manchester today is 11.8°C.
What is the water temperature in Manchester during the summer months?
The water temperature in Manchester in summer fluctuates in the range of 13°C - 24°C.
Is it possible to swim in Manchester (United Kingdom) in River Irwell and what are the possibilities for this?
It is possible to swim in the River Irwell around Manchester, but opportunities are limited—some cleaner stretches and organised club or charity swims and supervised open‑water sessions are used by wild swimmers, while many central sections remain unsuitable because of variable water quality, currents and other hazards, so check local guidance and recent water‑quality information and stick to sanctioned locations.