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 12.2°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 54°F (12°C) to 60°F (15°C). The water is significantly warmer, and swimming becomes possible for most people. However, caution may still be required for prolonged stays in the water, as extended exposure can cause discomfort. This is a suitable temperature range for short swims and for those accustomed to cooler water. For more comfortable swimming, it is recommended to use proper gear. 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 | 13.1°C | 9.6°C | |
| AUG 7 | 13.2°C | 9.6°C | |
| AUG 8 | 13.1°C | 9.6°C | |
| AUG 9 | 13.1°C | 9.6°C | |
| AUG 10 | 12.6°C | 9.6°C | |
| AUG 11 | 12.6°C | 9.6°C | |
| AUG 12 | 12.5°C | 9.6°C | |
| AUG 13 | 12.2°C | 9.6°C | |
| AUG 14 | 9.6°C | 12.1°C | |
| AUG 15 | 9.6°C | 11.9°C | |
| AUG 16 | 9.6°C | 11.8°C | |
| AUG 17 | 9.6°C | 11.7°C | |
| AUG 18 | 9.6°C | 11.6°C | |
| AUG 19 | 9.6°C | 11.4°C | |
| AUG 20 | 9.6°C | 11.3°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
August 14
August 15
August 16
August 17
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.