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 16.4°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
Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEP 16 | 18.1°C | 21.0°C | |
| SEP 17 | 18.2°C | 21.0°C | |
| SEP 18 | 17.6°C | 21.0°C | |
| SEP 19 | 17.8°C | 21.0°C | |
| SEP 20 | 16.8°C | 21.0°C | |
| SEP 21 | 17.2°C | 21.0°C | |
| SEP 22 | 17.0°C | 21.0°C | |
| SEP 23 | 16.4°C | 21.0°C | |
| SEP 24 | 21.0°C | 16.6°C | |
| SEP 25 | 21.0°C | 16.9°C | |
| SEP 26 | 21.0°C | 17.1°C | |
| SEP 27 | 21.0°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 28 | 21.0°C | 17.6°C | |
| SEP 29 | 21.0°C | 17.8°C | |
| SEP 30 | 21.0°C | 18.0°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 23
September 24
September 25
September 26
September 27
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.