Lake Forsyth – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page provides information about the current water temperature at Lake Forsyth 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
The water temperature in Lake Forsyth today is 14°C.
Water Temperature in Lake Forsyth: 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 Forsyth 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 Forsyth will be 11.5°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 | 14.2°C | 11.1°C | |
| May 7 | 14.2°C | 11.1°C | |
| May 8 | 16.1°C | 11.1°C | |
| May 9 | 16.1°C | 11.1°C | |
| May 10 | 16.2°C | 11.1°C | |
| May 11 | 16.2°C | 11.1°C | |
| May 12 | 16.1°C | 11.1°C | |
| May 13 | 14.5°C | 11.1°C | |
| May 14 | 14.0°C | 11.1°C | 14.0°C |
| May 15 | 11.1°C | 13.6°C | |
| May 16 | 11.1°C | 13.3°C | |
| May 17 | 11.1°C | 12.9°C | |
| May 18 | 11.1°C | 12.6°C | |
| May 19 | 11.1°C | 12.2°C | |
| May 20 | 11.1°C | 11.8°C | |
| May 21 | 11.1°C | 11.5°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 | 14°C | 20°C | 25°C |
| February | 13°C | 19°C | 25°C |
| March | 13°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| April | 8°C | 13°C | 18°C |
| May | 6°C | 11°C | 16°C |
| June | 4°C | 8°C | 12°C |
| July | 3°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| August | 3°C | 9°C | 14°C |
| September | 7°C | 12°C | 17°C |
| October | 9°C | 15°C | 20°C |
| November | 11°C | 17°C | 22°C |
| December | 12°C | 18°C | 23°C |
Lake Forsyth: Weather Forecast
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
Location & Local Information
Lake Forsyth, also known as Te Roto o Wairewa, in the Canterbury Region near Little River, is a shallow coastal lake separated from the Pacific Ocean by a gravel barrier. Its water temperature reflects both seasonal air conditions and occasional openings to the sea. In winter, surface temperatures are generally around 7–11°C. During spring, the lake gradually warms to approximately 11–16°C as days become milder. In summer, particularly in January and February, shallow areas can reach about 17–23°C on hot, settled days. By autumn, temperatures usually ease back to between 12 and 17°C. Wind and changes in the lake’s outlet to the sea can influence short-term temperature and salinity.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming is not recommended at Lake Forsyth. Although summer temperatures may feel comfortable when above the high teens, water quality has often been affected by elevated nutrient levels and algal blooms, especially during prolonged warm periods. The lake also has cultural significance to local iwi and is valued for its ecological importance. For these reasons, recreational swimming is generally discouraged. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the surrounding landscape and birdlife rather than entering the water.