Lake Wairarapa – current water temperature and swimming conditions

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

13.9°C

Today

14.8°C

Yesterday

16.7°C

A Week Ago

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

Water Temperature in Lake Wairarapa: 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 Wairarapa 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 Wairarapa will be 12.2°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	14.2°C	11.9°C
May 7	14.2°C	11.9°C
May 8	16.7°C	11.9°C
May 9	16.7°C	11.9°C
May 10	16.8°C	11.9°C
May 11	16.8°C	11.9°C
May 12	16.4°C	11.9°C
May 13	14.8°C	11.9°C
May 14	13.9°C	11.9°C	13.9°C
May 15		11.9°C	13.7°C
May 16		11.9°C	13.4°C
May 17		11.9°C	13.2°C
May 18		11.9°C	12.9°C
May 19		11.9°C	12.7°C
May 20		11.9°C	12.4°C
May 21		11.9°C	12.2°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	14°C	19°C	24°C
February	14°C	19°C	24°C
March	12°C	17°C	22°C
April	9°C	14°C	18°C
May	7°C	11°C	15°C
June	5°C	10°C	14°C
July	5°C	8°C	11°C
August	5°C	9°C	12°C
September	6°C	12°C	17°C
October	7°C	12°C	17°C
November	9°C	15°C	20°C
December	11°C	17°C	23°C

Lake Wairarapa: Weather Forecast

May 15

9°C / 13°C

light drizzle

rain: 4% | wind: 11 km/h

May 16

8°C / 12°C

light drizzle

rain: 29% | wind: 11 km/h

May 17

5°C / 12°C

overcast

rain: 32% | wind: 10 km/h

May 18

4°C / 12°C

partly cloudy

rain: 6% | wind: 7 km/h

May 19

3°C / 13°C

overcast

rain: 0% | wind: 7 km/h

May 20

4°C / 15°C

overcast

rain: 6% | wind: 7 km/h

Location & Local Information

Lake Wairarapa, in the Wellington Region, is a large, shallow lake located south of Featherston and fed mainly by the Ruamāhanga River. Because of its shallow depth and broad open surface, water temperatures respond quickly to seasonal air changes and wind mixing. In winter, surface temperatures are generally around 8–12°C. During spring, the lake gradually warms to approximately 12–17°C. In summer, particularly in January and February, shallow areas can reach about 18–24°C on hot, settled days. By autumn, temperatures usually ease back to between 13 and 18°C. Strong winds, which are common in the Wairarapa, can mix the water and influence surface temperatures.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Lake Wairarapa, but it is not widely regarded as a prime swimming destination. Water quality can vary due to nutrient levels, sediment and inflows from surrounding farmland, especially during warm and calm periods. While summer temperatures may feel comfortable when above 18°C, swimmers should be cautious about water clarity and potential algal growth. It is advisable to check regional water quality updates before entering the lake. For most visitors, the lake is better known for birdlife and scenic views rather than recreational swimming.

Nearby Lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current water temperature in Lake Wairarapa?

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

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

In summer, water temperatures in Lake Wairarapa at Wangi Wangi typically range from 11°C to 24°C.

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

Yes — you can swim in parts of Lake Wairarapa in summer when it’s warm, but it’s not a classic swimming lake: much of it is shallow, silty and fringed by reeds, so conditions and suitability vary around the shore. Always check Greater Wellington Regional Council’s recreational water quality updates and avoid swimming after heavy rain or during visible blue‑green algal (cyanobacteria) blooms, as nutrient run‑off can cause poor water quality and low visibility.