Lake Kohangatera – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page provides information about the current water temperature at Lake Kohangatera in Wellington 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 Kohangatera today is 11°C.
Water Temperature in Lake Kohangatera: 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 Kohangatera 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 Kohangatera will be 9.7°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 19 | 13.3°C | 9.6°C | |
| Aug 20 | 13.1°C | 9.6°C | |
| Aug 21 | 13.0°C | 9.6°C | |
| Aug 22 | 13.3°C | 9.6°C | |
| Aug 23 | 13.5°C | 9.6°C | |
| Aug 24 | 13.9°C | 9.6°C | |
| Aug 25 | 10.5°C | 9.6°C | |
| Aug 26 | 10.5°C | 9.6°C | |
| Aug 27 | 10.5°C | 9.6°C | 10.5°C |
| Aug 28 | 9.6°C | 10.4°C | |
| Aug 29 | 9.6°C | 10.3°C | |
| Aug 30 | 9.6°C | 10.2°C | |
| Aug 31 | 9.6°C | 10.1°C | |
| Sep 1 | 9.6°C | 9.9°C | |
| Sep 2 | 9.6°C | 9.8°C | |
| Sep 3 | 9.6°C | 9.7°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 | 11°C | 17°C | 22°C |
| February | 12°C | 17°C | 22°C |
| March | 10°C | 16°C | 21°C |
| April | 8°C | 12°C | 16°C |
| May | 7°C | 11°C | 15°C |
| June | 5°C | 10°C | 14°C |
| July | 4°C | 8°C | 11°C |
| August | 5°C | 9°C | 12°C |
| September | 5°C | 10°C | 14°C |
| October | 6°C | 13°C | 19°C |
| November | 6°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| December | 9°C | 14°C | 19°C |
Lake Kohangatera: Weather Forecast
August 28
August 29
August 30
August 31
September 1
Location & Local Information
Lake Kohangatera, in the Wellington Region within East Harbour Regional Park, is a coastal lake separated from the sea by a gravel barrier. Larger than nearby Kohangapiripiri, it is shallow and exposed to strong winds that frequently sweep across Palliser Bay. Water temperatures reflect seasonal air conditions and the lake’s limited depth. In winter, surface temperatures are generally around 8–12°C. During spring, the lake gradually warms to approximately 12–16°C. In summer, particularly in January and February, shallow areas may reach about 17–22°C on warm, settled days. By autumn, temperatures usually ease back to between 12 and 16°C. Wind mixing and occasional inflows from the surrounding hills can cause short-term changes.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming is allowed at Lake Kohangatera, but it is not widely used as a swimming destination. While summer water temperatures can feel comfortable when above 18°C, the lake’s soft, silty bed and variable water quality mean conditions are not always ideal. Strong winds can also create choppy surface conditions. Swimmers should choose calm days and accessible shoreline areas, and check regional water quality information beforehand. For most visitors, the lake is appreciated more for walking, birdlife and scenic views than for recreational swimming.