Thompson River — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in the Thompson River, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in the Thompson River today is 9°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 47°F (8°C) to 50°F (10°C). This is still cool water, suitable only for experienced swimmers or those accustomed to cold water. Swimming in such conditions is possible, but not recommended for prolonged periods. Extra caution should be taken during extended exposure, as the cold water can cause heat loss and lead to hypothermia. For added comfort, special clothing can be used. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCT 5 | 10.5°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 6 | 10.3°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 7 | 10.4°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 10.2°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 10.0°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 9.9°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 10.5°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 9.1°C | 12.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 12.0°C | 9.2°C | |
| OCT 14 | 12.0°C | 9.3°C | |
| OCT 15 | 12.0°C | 9.5°C | |
| OCT 16 | 12.0°C | 9.6°C | |
| OCT 17 | 12.0°C | 9.8°C | |
| OCT 18 | 12.0°C | 9.9°C | |
| OCT 19 | 12.0°C | 10.1°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 | 3°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
| April | 0°C | 5°C | 11°C |
| May | 4°C | 10°C | 17°C |
| June | 7°C | 13°C | 19°C |
| July | 15°C | 20°C | 25°C |
| August | 17°C | 19°C | 24°C |
| September | 11°C | 16°C | 20°C |
| October | 7°C | 12°C | 16°C |
| November | 3°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
Thompson River: Water Temperature by Location
Thompson River: Weather Forecast
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Location & Local Information
Source Confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers
• location Kamloops
• coordinates 50°40′49″N 120°20′36″W
• elevation 345 m (1,132 ft)
Mouth Fraser River
• location Lytton
• coordinates 50°14′07″N 121°35′00″W
• elevation 195 m (640 ft)
Length 489 km (304 mi)
The Thompson River, which flows through the interior of British Columbia, is a large, powerful river characterized by its cold water and fast currents. Due to its mountain-fed nature, the water remains dangerously cold throughout the year. Even in the peak summer months, surface temperatures generally only reach a range of 17∘C to 22∘C (63∘F to 72∘F), which is cold enough to induce cold shock and hypothermia quickly. In the winter, the water cools considerably, often dropping to the range of 0∘C to 5∘C (32∘F to 41∘F).
Swimming in the Thompson River is highly discouraged and inherently dangerous. The combination of cold temperatures and the river's significant flow creates powerful, unpredictable currents, undertows, and turbulent water that can quickly sweep even strong swimmers away. The City of Kamloops, where the North and South Thompson meet, only provides one supervised swimming area—a roped-off section at Riverside Park—and explicitly warns against swimming elsewhere. Outside of this specific, supervised zone, swimming is strictly at the swimmer's own risk, and authorities strongly advise against it due to the high risk of drowning from the cold, swift water, and hidden obstacles.