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

14.9°C

Today

15.9°C

Yesterday

16.2°C

A Week Ago

The water temperature in Lake Kohangatera today is 15°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 12.0°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 7	15.4°C	11.6°C
May 8	15.4°C	11.6°C
May 9	16.2°C	11.6°C
May 10	16.2°C	11.6°C
May 11	16.4°C	11.6°C
May 12	16.4°C	11.6°C
May 13	15.9°C	11.6°C
May 14	15.9°C	11.6°C
May 15	14.9°C	11.6°C	14.9°C
May 16		11.6°C	14.5°C
May 17		11.6°C	14.1°C
May 18		11.6°C	13.7°C
May 19		11.6°C	13.3°C
May 20		11.6°C	12.8°C
May 21		11.6°C	12.4°C
May 22		11.6°C	12.0°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

May 15

10°C / 12°C

overcast

rain: 0% | wind: 16 km/h

May 16

10°C / 12°C

light drizzle

rain: 2% | wind: 15 km/h

May 17

7°C / 12°C

light drizzle

rain: 4% | wind: 17 km/h

May 18

6°C / 13°C

overcast

rain: 0% | wind: 14 km/h

May 19

7°C / 14°C

partly cloudy

rain: 3% | wind: 23 km/h

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.

Nearby Lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current water temperature in Lake Kohangatera?

The water temperature in Lake Kohangatera today is 15°C.

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

In summer, water temperatures in Lake Kohangatera at Wangi Wangi typically range from 9°C to 22°C.

Is it possible to swim in Lake Kohangatera (Wellington Region)?

Yes — you can swim in Lake Kohangatera in East Harbour Regional Park, but it’s a small, shallow coastal lake so the water often stays cool even in summer and can be weedy or murky. There are no lifeguards and access is by walking tracks, so check local water-quality or toxic-algal-bloom advisories, avoid swimming after heavy rain, and consider a wetsuit if you’re sensitive to cold.