Cow Green Reservoir — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Cow Green Reservoir, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Cow Green Reservoir today is 11.4°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
Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEP 16 | 12.7°C | 17.0°C | |
| SEP 17 | 12.9°C | 17.0°C | |
| SEP 18 | 12.8°C | 17.0°C | |
| SEP 19 | 12.5°C | 17.0°C | |
| SEP 20 | 12.3°C | 17.0°C | |
| SEP 21 | 12.1°C | 17.0°C | |
| SEP 22 | 12.0°C | 17.0°C | |
| SEP 23 | 11.4°C | 17.0°C | |
| SEP 24 | 17.0°C | 11.7°C | |
| SEP 25 | 17.0°C | 12.0°C | |
| SEP 26 | 17.0°C | 12.2°C | |
| SEP 27 | 17.0°C | 12.5°C | |
| SEP 28 | 17.0°C | 12.8°C | |
| SEP 29 | 17.0°C | 13.1°C | |
| SEP 30 | 17.0°C | 13.4°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 | 3°C | 6°C |
| February | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
| March | 1°C | 5°C | 8°C |
| April | 4°C | 8°C | 11°C |
| May | 7°C | 14°C | 19°C |
| June | 11°C | 18°C | 24°C |
| July | 13°C | 20°C | 25°C |
| August | 13°C | 19°C | 25°C |
| September | 11°C | 17°C | 22°C |
| October | 7°C | 11°C | 14°C |
| November | 3°C | 7°C | 10°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
Cow Green Reservoir: Water Temperature by Location
Cow Green Reservoir: Weather Forecast
September 23
September 24
September 25
September 26
September 27
Location & Local Information
#Cumbria
Cow Green Reservoir is a high, exposed upland lake in Upper Teesdale, so its water stays cold for most of the year. Typical seasonal surface temperatures range from around 0–6 °C (32–43 °F) in winter, 4–10 °C (39–50 °F) through spring and autumn, and roughly 8–15 °C (46–59 °F) at the warmest in summer. These figures vary with weather, wind and depth; deeper or shaded sections remain noticeably cooler even in warm spells. Cold, deep water, sudden drop-offs and unpredictable outflows make immersion risky for unprepared swimmers.
Swimming at Cow Green is not actively promoted and is generally discouraged. The reservoir sits within sensitive conservation land and is managed primarily for water supply and habitat protection, so official facilities and lifeguards are absent. Visitors can enjoy views and cautious shoreline paddling, but full swimming carries safety and environmental concerns. Nearby attractions include the dramatic Teesdale scenery, the Pennine Way, Moor House–Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve with rare alpine plants, and waterfalls such as High Force a short drive away.