Balderhead Reservoir — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast

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

Cow Green Reservoir, United Kingdom © By Paul White, CC BY-SA 4.0

Current Water Temperature

12.3°C

Today

12.4°C

Yesterday

12.7°C

A Week Ago

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Water Temperature in Balderhead Reservoir today is 12.3°C.

Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 54°F (12°C) to 60°F (15°C). The water is significantly warmer, and swimming becomes possible for most people. However, caution may still be required for prolonged stays in the water, as extended exposure can cause discomfort. This is a suitable temperature range for short swims and for those accustomed to cooler water. For more comfortable swimming, it is recommended to use proper gear. 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 May 10 to June 10

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

Date	Current	Average	Forecast
JUN 3	12.0°C	18.5°C
JUN 4	12.0°C	18.5°C
JUN 5	12.0°C	18.5°C
JUN 6	12.0°C	18.5°C
JUN 7	12.4°C	18.5°C
JUN 8	12.4°C	18.5°C
JUN 10	12.3°C	18.5°C
JUN 11		18.5°C	12.6°C
JUN 12		18.5°C	12.9°C
JUN 13		18.5°C	13.2°C
JUN 14		18.5°C	13.5°C
JUN 15		18.5°C	13.9°C
JUN 16		18.5°C	14.2°C
JUN 17		18.5°C	14.5°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	0°C	4°C	7°C
February	0°C	4°C	7°C
March	2°C	6°C	9°C
April	5°C	9°C	12°C
May	8°C	14°C	20°C
June	11°C	19°C	25°C
July	16°C	21°C	26°C
August	16°C	21°C	26°C
September	12°C	18°C	23°C
October	8°C	12°C	15°C
November	3°C	7°C	11°C
December	0°C	3°C	7°C

Balderhead Reservoir: Water Temperature by Location

🇬🇧 United Kingdom > England

Balderhead Reservoir: Weather Forecast

June 9

° / °

moderate rain

rain: 100% | wind:

June 10

° / °

light drizzle

rain: 87% | wind:

June 11

° / °

slight rain

rain: 94% | wind:

June 12

° / °

light drizzle

rain: 67% | wind:

June 13

° / °

overcast

rain: 38% | wind:

Location & Local Information

#County Durham

Balderhead Reservoir, set in the uplands of County Durham within the North Pennines, is a cold, deep upland impoundment. Surface temperatures typically vary by season: in winter the water commonly sits around 0–4 °C (32–39 °F), spring and autumn usually range from about 4–10 °C (39–50 °F), and summer surface temperatures may reach roughly 10–18 °C (50–64 °F) on warmer days. These figures are approximate and can change with weather, wind and depth, with deeper areas staying markedly colder.

Swimming is not widely promoted at Balderhead and is generally discouraged, partly because the reservoir forms part of a public water supply and partly because of safety risks such as cold shock, deep water, submerged structures and lack of lifeguards. Some people do undertake wild swimming elsewhere in the North Pennines, but any entry here is at one’s own risk and subject to local restrictions or signage. The surrounding area offers alternative outdoor activities including walking, cycling and birdwatching within the North Pennines AONB and nearby forestry and reservoir landscapes.

Nearby Lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current water temperature in Balderhead Reservoir?

Water Temperature in Balderhead Reservoir today is 12.3°C.

What is the water temperature in Balderhead Reservoir during the summer months?

The water temperature in Balderhead Reservoir in summer fluctuates in the range of 11°C - 26°C.

Is it possible to swim in Balderhead Reservoir (United Kingdom) and what are the possibilities for this?

There is no official public swimming provision at Balderhead Reservoir — while some people do wild swim there at their own risk, access can be restricted by the water company and landowner and safety, water quality and conservation concerns mean organised or supervised sessions through approved local providers are the safer option.