Ardingly Reservoir — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Ardingly Reservoir, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Ardingly Reservoir today is 19.9°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 65°F (18°C) to 68°F (20°C). This is already quite warm water, which is ideal for most people. Swimming becomes comfortable, and prolonged stays in the water do not cause discomfort. This temperature is perfect for family trips and for those who prefer warmer water. It is also comfortable for water sports such as surfing or swimming. 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 26 | 20.2°C | 23.0°C | |
| AUG 27 | 20.1°C | 23.0°C | |
| AUG 28 | 20.1°C | 23.0°C | |
| AUG 29 | 20.1°C | 23.0°C | |
| AUG 30 | 19.6°C | 23.0°C | |
| AUG 31 | 19.8°C | 23.0°C | |
| SEP 1 | 19.5°C | 21.0°C | |
| SEP 2 | 19.9°C | 21.0°C | |
| SEP 3 | 21.0°C | 20.0°C | |
| SEP 4 | 21.0°C | 20.0°C | |
| SEP 5 | 21.0°C | 20.1°C | |
| SEP 6 | 21.0°C | 20.1°C | |
| SEP 7 | 21.0°C | 20.2°C | |
| SEP 8 | 21.0°C | 20.2°C | |
| SEP 9 | 21.0°C | 20.3°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C | 7°C | 10°C |
| February | 4°C | 8°C | 11°C |
| March | 6°C | 10°C | 13°C |
| April | 9°C | 13°C | 17°C |
| May | 10°C | 16°C | 22°C |
| June | 14°C | 21°C | 28°C |
| July | 19°C | 24°C | 29°C |
| August | 18°C | 23°C | 28°C |
| September | 16°C | 21°C | 26°C |
| October | 11°C | 15°C | 19°C |
| November | 5°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| December | 4°C | 8°C | 11°C |
Ardingly Reservoir: Water Temperature by Location
Ardingly Reservoir: Weather Forecast
September 3
September 4
September 5
September 6
September 7
September 8
Location & Local Information
#West Sussex
Ardingly Reservoir in West Sussex is a relatively shallow, managed drinking-water reservoir, so water temperatures follow local seasons. Surface temperatures typically sit around 4–8 °C (39–46 °F) in winter, rise to about 6–12 °C (43–54 °F) in spring, reach roughly 15–22 °C (59–72 °F) in summer during warm spells, and fall back to 8–14 °C (46–57 °F) in autumn. Thermal stratification can occur in summer but the reservoir’s modest depth means temperatures can change quickly with weather.
Open swimming is generally not permitted because Ardingly is part of the public water supply and for safety reasons; uncontrolled bathing could affect water quality and exposes swimmers to cold-water hazards and boating traffic. However, regulated water sports such as sailing, rowing, kayaking and supervised paddleboarding are run from the on-site activity centre or clubs, where guidance and buoyancy aids are provided. The reservoir sits close to attractions like Wakehurst botanic gardens, the South Downs National Park and nearby village amenities, so it’s often visited for walks, wildlife watching and organised watersports rather than wild swimming.