Alta River — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in the Alta River, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in the Alta River today is 4.6°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges less than 41°F (5°C). Such water is extremely cold and not recommended for swimming without proper preparation. In these conditions, the risk of hypothermia is very high, and prolonged exposure to the water can be hazardous to your health. If you decide to swim, it is important to have the appropriate gear, such as a wetsuit. Typically, only experienced swimmers or those who practice winter swimming venture into such waters. 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 23 | 5.4°C | 8.0°C | |
| SEP 24 | 5.1°C | 8.0°C | |
| SEP 25 | 5.3°C | 8.0°C | |
| SEP 26 | 5.2°C | 8.0°C | |
| SEP 27 | 5.0°C | 8.0°C | |
| SEP 28 | 4.7°C | 8.0°C | |
| SEP 29 | 4.7°C | 8.0°C | |
| SEP 30 | 4.6°C | 8.0°C | |
| OCT 1 | 2.0°C | 4.5°C | |
| OCT 2 | 2.0°C | 4.3°C | |
| OCT 3 | 2.0°C | 4.2°C | |
| OCT 4 | 2.0°C | 4.1°C | |
| OCT 5 | 2.0°C | 4.0°C | |
| OCT 6 | 2.0°C | 3.8°C | |
| OCT 7 | 2.0°C | 3.7°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 | 1°C | 2°C |
| February | 0°C | 1°C | 2°C |
| March | 0°C | 1°C | 2°C |
| April | 0°C | 0°C | 3°C |
| May | 0°C | 2°C | 7°C |
| June | 0°C | 5°C | 11°C |
| July | 3°C | 8°C | 14°C |
| August | 5°C | 10°C | 15°C |
| September | 3°C | 8°C | 12°C |
| October | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
| November | 0°C | 1°C | 4°C |
| December | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
Alta River: Water Temperature by Location
Alta River: Weather Forecast
September 30
October 1
October 2
October 3
October 4
Location & Local Information
Source South of Reisa National Park near the border with Finland and Finnmark
• location Kautokeino, Finnmark, Norway
• coordinates 69°04′50″N 22°23′02″E
• elevation 483 m (1,585 ft)
Mouth Alta
• location Alta Municipality, Finnmark, Norway
• coordinates 69°58′10″N 23°22′24″E
• elevation 0 m (0 ft)
Length 240 km (150 mi)
Altaelva (the Alta River) in Finnmark is an Arctic river with generally cold water temperatures driven by snowmelt and the northern climate. Seasonal surface temperatures typically range from near freezing in winter — around 0–2 °C (32–36 °F) under ice — to spring values commonly between 1–8 °C (34–46 °F) as the runoff increases. In summer the river is at its warmest but remains cool compared with more temperate waters, often measuring roughly 8–15 °C (46–59 °F), with sheltered shallow stretches occasionally reaching 16–18 °C (61–64 °F) on unusually warm days. In autumn the water usually cools back toward 4–10 °C (39–50 °F) as air temperatures fall.
Swimming is generally allowed under Norway’s right of access, but practical opportunities are limited by temperature, strong currents and variable depths. While some calm bays, side arms and shallow stretches can be used for a brief swim during the warmest weeks, the risk of cold shock and hypothermia is real even in summer. Local restrictions may apply close to infrastructure such as dams or fishery facilities, and currents near the main channel can be hazardous. Anyone choosing to swim should use caution, limit exposure time, consider a wetsuit, and check local conditions before entering the water.