Drift Reservoir — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Drift Reservoir, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Drift Reservoir today is 18.7°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 6 | 18.5°C | 22.0°C | |
| AUG 7 | 18.5°C | 22.0°C | |
| AUG 8 | 18.5°C | 22.0°C | |
| AUG 9 | 18.4°C | 22.0°C | |
| AUG 10 | 18.6°C | 22.0°C | |
| AUG 11 | 18.6°C | 22.0°C | |
| AUG 12 | 18.7°C | 22.0°C | |
| AUG 13 | 18.7°C | 22.0°C | |
| AUG 14 | 22.0°C | 18.9°C | |
| AUG 15 | 22.0°C | 19.0°C | |
| AUG 16 | 22.0°C | 19.2°C | |
| AUG 17 | 22.0°C | 19.4°C | |
| AUG 18 | 22.0°C | 19.5°C | |
| AUG 19 | 22.0°C | 19.7°C | |
| AUG 20 | 22.0°C | 19.9°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 | 4°C | 8°C | 11°C |
| February | 4°C | 8°C | 11°C |
| March | 5°C | 9°C | 12°C |
| April | 7°C | 11°C | 14°C |
| May | 7°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| June | 14°C | 20°C | 25°C |
| July | 16°C | 21°C | 26°C |
| August | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| September | 12°C | 18°C | 23°C |
| October | 7°C | 11°C | 14°C |
| November | 5°C | 9°C | 12°C |
| December | 4°C | 8°C | 11°C |
Drift Reservoir: Water Temperature by Location
Drift Reservoir: Weather Forecast
August 14
August 15
August 16
August 17
Location & Local Information
#Cornwall
Drift Reservoir in north Cornwall is a relatively shallow drinking-water impoundment, so its water temperatures follow the mild regional climate. Typical seasonal surface temperatures range from about 4–8 °C (39–46 °F) in winter, rising to 6–12 °C (43–54 °F) during spring. In the warmest months surface readings commonly reach 12–18 °C (54–64 °F), and autumn sees cooling back toward 8–12 °C (46–54 °F). These figures can vary with weather, depth and wind, with colder conditions below the surface even on warm days.
Open-water swimming at Drift is generally not permitted for safety and water-quality reasons, since the reservoir supplies local drinking water and there are hazards such as cold stratified layers and submerged structures. Visitors instead use marked paths for walking, birdwatching and permitted coarse fishing in designated areas. The surrounding countryside offers other attractions within easy reach, including Bodmin Moor’s hiking routes, nearby rivers and woodland walks, and the north Cornwall coast with its beaches and coastal villages for supervised or leisure swimming.