Lake Wilkie – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page provides information about the current water temperature at Lake Wilkie in Otago 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 Wilkie today is 14°C.
Water Temperature in Lake Wilkie: 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 Wilkie 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 Wilkie will be 10.9°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 | 13.9°C | 10.5°C | |
| May 8 | 13.9°C | 10.5°C | |
| May 9 | 14.0°C | 10.5°C | |
| May 10 | 14.0°C | 10.5°C | |
| May 11 | 14.0°C | 10.5°C | |
| May 12 | 14.0°C | 10.5°C | |
| May 13 | 13.9°C | 10.5°C | |
| May 14 | 13.9°C | 10.5°C | |
| May 15 | 13.5°C | 10.5°C | 13.5°C |
| May 16 | 10.5°C | 13.1°C | |
| May 17 | 10.5°C | 12.8°C | |
| May 18 | 10.5°C | 12.4°C | |
| May 19 | 10.5°C | 12.0°C | |
| May 20 | 10.5°C | 11.6°C | |
| May 21 | 10.5°C | 11.3°C | |
| May 22 | 10.5°C | 10.9°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 | 13°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| February | 14°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| March | 12°C | 17°C | 21°C |
| April | 8°C | 13°C | 17°C |
| May | 7°C | 11°C | 14°C |
| June | 3°C | 8°C | 12°C |
| July | 4°C | 7°C | 9°C |
| August | 3°C | 8°C | 12°C |
| September | 3°C | 8°C | 12°C |
| October | 8°C | 12°C | 15°C |
| November | 8°C | 13°C | 17°C |
| December | 11°C | 16°C | 21°C |
Lake Wilkie: Weather Forecast
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
Location & Local Information
Lake Wilkie, located near Tautuku in the Catlins area of the Otago Region, is a small, shallow freshwater lake surrounded by native forest and wetlands. Because of its modest depth and sheltered setting, water temperatures can warm up reasonably well in summer compared with larger alpine lakes in the South Island. During the warmest months from December to February, surface water temperatures typically range between 16°C and 20°C on calm, sunny days. In spring and autumn, temperatures are generally cooler, around 10°C to 15°C, while in winter they often drop to between 6°C and 9°C, making the water quite cold.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming is not officially prohibited, but it is not commonly recommended or promoted. The lake is part of a protected scenic reserve and is known more for its boardwalk, birdlife and tranquil forest setting than for recreation in the water. The shallow margins, natural vegetation and potential for soft lakebed conditions can make entry less convenient. In summer, confident swimmers may find short dips refreshing when temperatures approach 18°C to 20°C, though it remains cooler than many coastal spots. Outside the peak summer period, the low water temperatures mean swimming is generally limited to brief immersion rather than extended bathing.