Kitcliffe Reservoir — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Kitcliffe Reservoir, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Kitcliffe Reservoir today is 10.5°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCT 7 | 11.8°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 11.7°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 12.0°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 11.3°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 11.4°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 10.9°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 10.5°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 14 | 10.2°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 15 | 13.0°C | 10.6°C | |
| OCT 16 | 13.0°C | 10.8°C | |
| OCT 17 | 13.0°C | 10.9°C | |
| OCT 18 | 13.0°C | 11.0°C | |
| OCT 19 | 13.0°C | 11.1°C | |
| OCT 20 | 13.0°C | 11.3°C | |
| OCT 21 | 13.0°C | 11.4°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 | 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 | 10°C | 15°C | 21°C |
| June | 13°C | 20°C | 26°C |
| July | 16°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| August | 16°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 |
Kitcliffe Reservoir: Water Temperature by Location
Kitcliffe Reservoir: Weather Forecast
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
October 19
Location & Local Information
#Greater Manchester
Kitcliffe Reservoir, set on the edge of the Pennine moors in Greater Manchester, has noticeably cool water year-round. Typical surface temperatures in spring sit around 6–12 °C (43–54 °F), rising in summer to roughly 14–20 °C (57–68 °F) on warm days. Autumn usually brings 8–14 °C (46–57 °F) as air temperatures fall, while winter temperatures commonly range from about 1–6 °C (34–43 °F). These are general surface values and can vary with rainfall, shading and depth; colder pockets and rapid changes are common, so the water often feels much colder than air temperatures suggest.
Swimming at Kitcliffe is generally discouraged and in many cases not permitted because the reservoir forms part of the local water supply and presents hazards such as steep banks, cold shock risk, underwater obstacles and no lifeguard cover. Some local wild swimmers do use nearby waters at their own risk, but visitors should follow signage and water company guidance. The area is nevertheless popular for walking and birdwatching, with Pennine uplands, local trails, and nearby towns such as Littleborough and Rochdale offering cafes and heritage interest.