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 20.8°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 68°F (20°C) to 74°F (23°C). The water is warm and pleasant for swimming, and in this range, one can stay in the water for extended periods without the risk of hypothermia. This is the ideal temperature for relaxation, swimming, and water sports. Families with children, as well as outdoor enthusiasts, will enjoy swimming and time spent in the water. For most people, this is the optimal temperature for a comfortable beach experience. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUL 15 | 23.8°C | 20.0°C | |
| JUL 16 | 23.8°C | 20.0°C | |
| JUL 17 | 22.0°C | 20.0°C | |
| JUL 18 | 21.9°C | 20.0°C | |
| JUL 19 | 21.9°C | 20.0°C | |
| JUL 20 | 21.9°C | 20.0°C | |
| JUL 21 | 20.9°C | 20.0°C | |
| JUL 22 | 20.8°C | 20.0°C | |
| JUL 23 | 20.0°C | 20.8°C | |
| JUL 24 | 20.0°C | 20.7°C | |
| JUL 25 | 20.0°C | 20.7°C | |
| JUL 26 | 20.0°C | 20.6°C | |
| JUL 27 | 20.0°C | 20.6°C | |
| JUL 28 | 20.0°C | 20.6°C | |
| JUL 29 | 20.0°C | 20.5°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
- Abingdon20.5°C
- Brentford18.7°C
- Cricklade18.1°C
- Dagenham20.9°C
- Dartford20.9°C
- Datchet18.7°C
- Erith18.7°C
- Eton18.7°C
- Gravesend20.9°C
- Grays20.9°C
- Henley-on-Thames20.8°C
- Kingston upon Thames18.8°C
- Lechlade18.3°C
- London20.8°C
- Maidenhead20.8°C
- Marlow20.8°C
- Oxford20.4°C
- Reading20.7°C
- Richmond20.9°C
- Shepperton18.7°C
- Staines-upon-Thames20.9°C
- Sunbury-on-Thames21.0°C
- Tilbury18.7°C
- Wallingford18.4°C
- Walton-on-Thames20.9°C
- Windsor20.7°C
River Thames: Weather Forecast
July 23
July 24
July 25
July 26
July 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.