Lake Alabaster – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page provides information about the current water temperature at Lake Alabaster in Southland Region. Here you can view recent temperature trends on a 30-day chart, check typical monthly water temperature ranges, and compare today’s reading with historical averages for this date. A 7-day water temperature forecast, local weather conditions, and an overview of swimming suitability are also included.
Current Water Temperature
The water temperature in Lake Alabaster today is 13°C.
Water Temperature in Lake Alabaster: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ Lake temperatures between 10 and 15°C are cold but can be manageable for short swims on sunny, warm days. Shallow areas may feel slightly warmer, while deeper sections remain cold and slow to warm up. Most swimmers keep sessions brief, and wetsuits are often used for comfort. Wind and cooler air temperatures can quickly reduce how pleasant the swim feels.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
Water temperatures in Lake Alabaster have been gradually cooling over the past month, with a further drop recorded during the last week.
According to our forecast, the water temperature in Lake Alabaster will be 9.3°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.
Table of Daily Water Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 6 | 14.8°C | 8.7°C | |
| May 7 | 15.3°C | 8.7°C | |
| May 8 | 15.5°C | 8.7°C | |
| May 9 | 15.5°C | 8.7°C | |
| May 10 | 13.9°C | 8.7°C | |
| May 11 | 13.9°C | 8.7°C | |
| May 12 | 13.7°C | 8.7°C | |
| May 13 | 13.7°C | 8.7°C | |
| May 14 | 13.3°C | 8.7°C | 13.3°C |
| May 15 | 8.7°C | 12.7°C | |
| May 16 | 8.7°C | 12.2°C | |
| May 17 | 8.7°C | 11.6°C | |
| May 18 | 8.7°C | 11.0°C | |
| May 19 | 8.7°C | 10.4°C | |
| May 20 | 8.7°C | 9.9°C | |
| May 21 | 8.7°C | 9.3°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual lake water temperatures may differ from the reported values by several degrees, particularly during periods of strong winds or rapid weather changes. Wind can mix surface and deeper layers in a lake, bringing cooler water to the surface, while shallow areas may warm more quickly under direct sunlight. Air temperature, sunshine, and cloud cover strongly influence how quickly a lake heats up or cools down. These factors can lead to noticeable temperature variations across different parts of the lake.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that considers real-time lake temperature observations, historical trends, seasonal cycles, wind strength and direction, and region-specific air temperature. To enhance accuracy, we also incorporate data from nearby monitored locations and comparable lakes within New Zealand.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Today | Yesterday | A Week Ago |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | 16°C | 22°C |
| February | 10°C | 15°C | 20°C |
| March | 6°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| April | 5°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| May | 2°C | 6°C | 10°C |
| June | 0°C | 4°C | 8°C |
| July | 0°C | 4°C | 7°C |
| August | 0°C | 4°C | 7°C |
| September | 2°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| October | 4°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| November | 6°C | 12°C | 17°C |
| December | 8°C | 13°C | 18°C |
Lake Alabaster: Weather Forecast
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
Location & Local Information
Lake Alabaster is a remote freshwater lake in northern Fiordland, Southland Region, surrounded by steep forested slopes and high rainfall catchments. Its location within a cool, alpine-influenced environment means water temperatures remain low for most of the year. During summer, from December to February, surface temperatures generally range between 11°C and 15°C, occasionally rising a little higher during settled weather. In spring and autumn, the lake typically sits between 7°C and 12°C. Through winter, temperatures often fall to around 4°C to 7°C, reflecting cold air temperatures and frequent rainfall typical of Fiordland.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming is not prohibited, but it is uncommon due to the lake’s isolation, lack of facilities and consistently cool water. Even in mid-summer, the temperature feels brisk, and immersion is usually limited to short dips rather than extended swimming. The shoreline is natural and undeveloped, with no designated beaches or lifeguard services. Access is generally by boat or backcountry routes, which further limits recreational use. While experienced outdoors enthusiasts may take a refreshing plunge on a warm day, Lake Alabaster is better known for fishing, tramping and wilderness scenery than for swimming, particularly given the cold water and changeable Fiordland weather conditions.