Lake Emily – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page provides information about the current water temperature at Lake Emily 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

14.3°C

Today

14.3°C

Yesterday

13.9°C

A Week Ago

The water temperature in Lake Emily today is 14°C.

Water Temperature in Lake Emily: 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 Emily have been on a steady rise over the past month and have continued to climb over the last week.

According to our forecast, the water temperature in Lake Emily will be 13.2°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
Mar 22	13.9°C	13.0°C
Mar 23	13.9°C	13.0°C
Mar 24	13.9°C	13.0°C
Mar 25	13.9°C	13.0°C
Mar 26	13.9°C	13.0°C
Mar 27	13.9°C	13.0°C
Mar 28	14.3°C	13.0°C
Mar 29	14.3°C	13.0°C
Mar 30	14.3°C	13.0°C	14.3°C
Mar 31		13.0°C	14.1°C
Apr 1		13.0°C	14.0°C
Apr 2		13.0°C	13.8°C
Apr 3		13.0°C	13.7°C
Apr 4		13.0°C	13.5°C
Apr 5		13.0°C	13.3°C
Apr 6		13.0°C	13.2°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 Australia.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month	Today	Yesterday	A Week Ago
January	9°C	14°C	19°C
February	9°C	15°C	21°C
March	7°C	13°C	19°C
April	4°C	10°C	16°C
May	2°C	7°C	12°C
June	0°C	4°C	8°C
July	0°C	4°C	7°C
August	0°C	4°C	7°C
September	3°C	7°C	11°C
October	4°C	9°C	13°C
November	6°C	11°C	15°C
December	8°C	13°C	17°C

Lake Emily: Weather Forecast

March 30

6°C / 17°C

overcast

rain: 20% | wind: 14 km/h

March 31

6°C / 14°C

fog

rain: 3% | wind: 8 km/h

April 1

11°C / 17°C

partly cloudy

rain: 0% | wind: 9 km/h

April 2

12°C / 19°C

overcast

rain: 0% | wind: 26 km/h

April 3

12°C / 16°C

overcast

rain: 9% | wind: 36 km/h

April 4

6°C / 14°C

slight rain

rain: 28% | wind: 9 km/h

Location & Local Information

Lake Emily, in the Canterbury Region near Ashburton, is a small and relatively shallow lake set within parkland and recreational grounds. Its limited depth means water temperatures respond quickly to seasonal air changes typical of the Canterbury Plains. In winter, surface temperatures are generally around 6–10°C. During spring, the lake gradually warms to approximately 10–15°C as days become milder. In summer, particularly in January and February, shallow areas can reach about 16–22°C on hot, settled days. By autumn, temperatures usually ease back to between 10 and 15°C. Wind can mix the shallow water and influence short-term surface warmth and clarity.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is not generally recommended at Lake Emily. Although summer temperatures may occasionally feel comfortable when above the mid to high teens, water quality can vary and the lake is more commonly used for rowing and passive recreation. The soft lakebed and potential seasonal algal growth can also affect suitability for swimming. Anyone considering entering the water should first check current local water quality information. For most visitors, Lake Emily is appreciated as a community recreation area rather than a designated swimming destination.

Nearby Lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current water temperature in Lake Emily?

The water temperature in Lake Emily today is 14°C.

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

In summer, water temperatures in Lake Emily at Wangi Wangi typically range from 8°C to 21°C.

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

Yes — you can swim at Lake Emily in the Canterbury Region, but conditions vary and access or facilities may be limited. The water can be quite cold outside the warmest months and there are often no lifeguards, so check local water-quality signage, be aware of submerged hazards and never swim alone.