Pripyat River — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in the Pripyat River, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in the Pripyat River today is 14.9°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEP 13 | 15.9°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 14 | 15.3°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 15 | 15.3°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 16 | 15.4°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 17 | 14.9°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 18 | 15.7°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 19 | 15.0°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 20 | 15.3°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 21 | 18.0°C | 15.1°C | |
| SEP 22 | 18.0°C | 15.2°C | |
| SEP 23 | 18.0°C | 15.4°C | |
| SEP 24 | 18.0°C | 15.5°C | |
| SEP 25 | 18.0°C | 15.7°C | |
| SEP 26 | 18.0°C | 15.8°C | |
| SEP 27 | 18.0°C | 16.0°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 | 5°C | 9°C |
| February | 0°C | 5°C | 9°C |
| March | 1°C | 6°C | 11°C |
| April | 5°C | 10°C | 14°C |
| May | 8°C | 13°C | 18°C |
| June | 15°C | 20°C | 25°C |
| July | 16°C | 20°C | 25°C |
| August | 15°C | 20°C | 26°C |
| September | 13°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| October | 9°C | 13°C | 16°C |
| November | 3°C | 8°C | 11°C |
| December | 1°C | 5°C | 9°C |
Pripyat River: Water Temperature by Location
Pripyat River: Weather Forecast
September 21
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
Location & Local Information
The Pripyat River is a large, slow-flowing river that winds through the Polissia region and eventually feeds into the Kyiv reservoir. Because of its size, depth, and variable shading from surrounding forested wetlands, water temperatures can vary quite a bit. In the height of summer, the surface in calm, shallow stretches may warm to the low twenties (around 20-24 °C), though in deeper or faster sections the water remains noticeably cooler. In spring and autumn the river is cold, often with water temperatures barely exceeding 10-15 °C, making swimming uncomfortable except for the toughest souls.
When it comes to swimming in the Pripyat, there are several caveats. Parts of the river pass through or near areas impacted by contamination from the Chernobyl zone, which raises serious health and safety concerns. Water quality and radioactive safety must be considered, especially downstream of affected zones. Moreover, the river has natural risks — currents, submerged vegetation, uneven riverbed topography, and limited infrastructure — which make uncontrolled swimming dangerous. In many parts, official recreational swimming zones simply don’t exist, so anyone venturing into the Pripyat for a swim should be extremely cautious about location, water quality, and potential radiological exposure.