Chelker Reservoir — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Chelker Reservoir, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Chelker Reservoir today is 7.3°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 41°F (5°C) to 47°F (8°C). This water temperature is still quite low, and swimming in such conditions may only be comfortable for hardened individuals. It is recommended to limit the time spent in the water to avoid hypothermia. For those not accustomed to cold water, it is better to refrain from swimming. However, if you decide to enter the water, it is advisable to wear a warm wetsuit for protection against the cold. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCT 28 | 8.1°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 29 | 8.2°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 30 | 8.2°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 31 | 7.9°C | 13.0°C | |
| NOV 1 | 8.0°C | 8.0°C | |
| NOV 2 | 7.4°C | 8.0°C | |
| NOV 3 | 7.4°C | 8.0°C | |
| NOV 4 | 7.3°C | 8.0°C | |
| NOV 5 | 8.0°C | 7.3°C | |
| NOV 6 | 8.0°C | 7.4°C | |
| NOV 7 | 8.0°C | 7.4°C | |
| NOV 8 | 8.0°C | 7.4°C | |
| NOV 9 | 8.0°C | 7.5°C | |
| NOV 10 | 8.0°C | 7.5°C | |
| NOV 11 | 8.0°C | 7.5°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 | 1°C | 5°C | 8°C |
| February | 1°C | 5°C | 8°C |
| March | 2°C | 6°C | 9°C |
| April | 6°C | 10°C | 13°C |
| May | 9°C | 15°C | 21°C |
| June | 12°C | 19°C | 26°C |
| July | 15°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| August | 15°C | 21°C | 26°C |
| September | 12°C | 18°C | 23°C |
| October | 9°C | 13°C | 17°C |
| November | 4°C | 8°C | 11°C |
| December | 1°C | 5°C | 8°C |
Chelker Reservoir: Water Temperature by Location
Chelker Reservoir: Weather Forecast
November 5
November 6
November 7
November 8
November 9
Location & Local Information
#North Yorkshire
Chelker Reservoir’s water is generally cool throughout the year. Typical seasonal surface temperatures range from around 2–6 °C (36–43 °F) in winter, rising to roughly 6–12 °C (43–54 °F) in spring, about 12–18 °C (54–64 °F) in summer and falling back to 6–12 °C (43–54 °F) in autumn. Because it is a working reservoir with variable depths, submerged structures and often cold, quickly changing conditions, swimming is not encouraged and may be officially prohibited for safety and water quality reasons. Cold-water shock, hidden currents and the reservoir’s role in water supply lead landowners and water authorities to discourage recreational bathing rather than promote it.
Around Chelker there are pleasant walking routes, good birdwatching opportunities and nearby attractions in the Wharfe valley. The attractive market towns of Ilkley and Bolton Abbey are a short drive away, offering moorland walks, riverside paths and historic sites. Visitors often combine a circuit of the reservoir with exploring the surrounding countryside and local villages rather than treating Chelker as a primary swimming location.