River Thames — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in the River Thames, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in the River Thames today is 16.2°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 60°F (15°C) to 65°F (18°C). The water is comfortable for most people, making it an ideal range for water sports enthusiasts. The temperature does not cause significant discomfort, and swimming will be pleasant for the majority. However, it's important to remember that prolonged exposure to the water can still lead to cooling, so it's essential to monitor the time spent in the water, especially for children or elderly people. 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 16 | 17.9°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 17 | 17.9°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 18 | 17.4°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 19 | 17.2°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 20 | 16.3°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 21 | 17.0°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 22 | 16.5°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 23 | 16.2°C | 18.0°C | |
| SEP 24 | 18.0°C | 16.3°C | |
| SEP 25 | 18.0°C | 16.4°C | |
| SEP 26 | 18.0°C | 16.5°C | |
| SEP 27 | 18.0°C | 16.6°C | |
| SEP 28 | 18.0°C | 16.7°C | |
| SEP 29 | 18.0°C | 16.7°C | |
| SEP 30 | 18.0°C | 16.8°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 | 2°C | 6°C | 9°C |
| February | 3°C | 7°C | 9°C |
| March | 5°C | 9°C | 11°C |
| April | 7°C | 11°C | 14°C |
| May | 9°C | 14°C | 18°C |
| June | 13°C | 19°C | 24°C |
| July | 16°C | 20°C | 25°C |
| August | 15°C | 19°C | 24°C |
| September | 13°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| October | 9°C | 13°C | 16°C |
| November | 4°C | 8°C | 11°C |
| December | 3°C | 7°C | 9°C |
River Thames: Water Temperature by Location
🇬🇧 United Kingdom > England
- Abingdon16.6°C
- Brentford16.9°C
- Cricklade15.1°C
- Dagenham16.5°C
- Dartford16.7°C
- Datchet16.5°C
- Erith17.0°C
- Eton16.6°C
- Gravesend16.3°C
- Grays16.5°C
- Henley-on-Thames15.8°C
- Kingston upon Thames16.6°C
- Lechlade15.2°C
- London16.9°C
- Maidenhead16.3°C
- Marlow16.2°C
- Oxford17.0°C
- Reading15.8°C
- Richmond16.3°C
- Shepperton17.1°C
- Staines-upon-Thames16.8°C
- Sunbury-on-Thames16.1°C
- Tilbury16.7°C
- Wallingford16.8°C
- Walton-on-Thames16.0°C
- Windsor16.0°C
River Thames: Weather Forecast
September 23
September 24
September 25
September 26
September 27
Location & Local Information
Source:
• location Thames Head, Gloucestershire, UK
• coordinates 51°41′40″N 02°01′47″W
• elevation 110 m (360 ft)
2nd source:
Mouth Thames Estuary, North Sea
• location Southend-on-Sea, Essex, UK
• coordinates 51°30′00″N 00°36′36″E
• elevation 0 m (0 ft)
Length 215 mi (346 km)
The River Thames in England experiences a significant temperature swing across the seasons, remaining quite cold year-round. In the height of summer, water temperatures typically peak in the range of 18 to 22∘C (64 to 72∘F) in the non-tidal upper reaches, though the lower tidal sections are generally cooler and can be much colder at depth. Winter sees the river chill considerably, often sitting between 6 and 10∘C (43 and 50∘F).
For the majority of the Thames, particularly the central and tidal London section, swimming is officially prohibited by the Port of London Authority. This restriction is primarily due to extreme hazards like strong, unpredictable currents and powerful tides, heavy commercial boat traffic, and poor water quality issues, including sewage overflows that pose significant health risks. While wild swimming is unofficially tolerated or permitted in certain specific upstream stretches, it is safer to enjoy the river via official boat tours, or to visit nearby attractions such as the historic Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, and the bustling South Bank cultural area.