Lake Benmore – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page provides information about the current water temperature at Lake Benmore in Canterbury 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

12.2°C

Today

12.5°C

Yesterday

12.6°C

A Week Ago

The water temperature in Lake Benmore today is 12°C.

Water Temperature in Lake Benmore: 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 Benmore 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 Benmore will be 11.2°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	12.5°C	11.0°C
May 7	12.5°C	11.0°C
May 8	12.6°C	11.0°C
May 9	12.6°C	11.0°C
May 10	14.0°C	11.0°C
May 11	14.0°C	11.0°C
May 12	13.9°C	11.0°C
May 13	12.5°C	11.0°C
May 14	12.2°C	11.0°C	12.2°C
May 15		11.0°C	12.1°C
May 16		11.0°C	11.9°C
May 17		11.0°C	11.8°C
May 18		11.0°C	11.6°C
May 19		11.0°C	11.5°C
May 20		11.0°C	11.3°C
May 21		11.0°C	11.2°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	13°C	17°C	21°C
February	13°C	18°C	22°C
March	12°C	17°C	21°C
April	10°C	14°C	17°C
May	7°C	11°C	15°C
June	4°C	8°C	11°C
July	3°C	6°C	9°C
August	3°C	6°C	9°C
September	1°C	7°C	12°C
October	7°C	11°C	14°C
November	10°C	14°C	17°C
December	12°C	16°C	20°C

Lake Benmore: Weather Forecast

May 15

0°C / 10°C

overcast

rain: 0% | wind: 6 km/h

May 16

0°C / 7°C

light drizzle

rain: 0% | wind: 4 km/h

May 17

0°C / 6°C

overcast

rain: 0% | wind: 3 km/h

May 18

1°C / 7°C

partly cloudy

rain: 0% | wind: 3 km/h

May 19

2°C / 7°C

overcast

rain: 5% | wind: 5 km/h

May 20

2°C / 8°C

overcast

rain: 33% | wind: 5 km/h

Location & Local Information

Lake Benmore, in the Canterbury Region near Ōmārama, is a large hydro lake formed on the Waitaki River. Surrounded by dry high country and rolling hills, its water temperature reflects both alpine inflows and hot inland summers. In winter, surface temperatures are generally around 6–9°C. During spring, snowmelt from upstream catchments keeps the lake cool, typically between 8 and 13°C. In summer, particularly in January and February, sheltered bays and near-shore areas can warm to approximately 15–20°C on calm, sunny days, while deeper water remains cooler. By autumn, temperatures usually ease back to between 9 and 15°C. Wind can mix the surface layer and influence comfort levels.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at many accessible shoreline spots and campgrounds around Lake Benmore, and it is popular during the warmer months. The most comfortable conditions are usually in mid to late summer when water temperatures approach the high teens and winds are light. However, the lake is large and can become choppy in strong winds, which are common in this inland area. Swimmers should choose sheltered bays and calm days, and enter gradually due to the cool alpine influence. Checking weather conditions beforehand helps ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Nearby Lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current water temperature in Lake Benmore?

The water temperature in Lake Benmore today is 12°C.

What is the water temperature in Lake Benmore during the summer months?

In summer, water temperatures in Lake Benmore at Wangi Wangi typically range from 12°C to 22°C.

Is it possible to swim in Lake Benmore (Canterbury Region)?

Yes — you can swim in Lake Benmore, with several sheltered bays and boat-launch spots commonly used for a dip, but the water can be quite cold; surface temperatures typically range from roughly 6°C in winter up to the mid-teens (around 12–18°C) in summer depending on depth and location. Always check local signage and weather, avoid swimming alone, be mindful of boat traffic and sudden drop-offs, and consider a wetsuit or flotation device in the cooler months.