Mirror Lakes – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page provides information about the current water temperature at Mirror Lakes in Southland 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 Mirror Lakes today is 13°C.
Water Temperature in Mirror Lakes: 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
Over the past 30 days, water temperatures in Mirror Lakes have generally increased, although a slight cooling trend has set in over the last week.
According to our forecast, the water temperature in Mirror Lakes will be 8.2°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 | 13.3°C | 7.6°C | |
| May 7 | 13.3°C | 7.6°C | |
| May 8 | 13.5°C | 7.6°C | |
| May 9 | 13.5°C | 7.6°C | |
| May 10 | 12.1°C | 7.6°C | |
| May 11 | 12.1°C | 7.6°C | |
| May 12 | 11.8°C | 7.6°C | |
| May 13 | 13.1°C | 7.6°C | |
| May 14 | 12.6°C | 7.6°C | 12.6°C |
| May 15 | 7.6°C | 12.0°C | |
| May 16 | 7.6°C | 11.4°C | |
| May 17 | 7.6°C | 10.7°C | |
| May 18 | 7.6°C | 10.1°C | |
| May 19 | 7.6°C | 9.5°C | |
| May 20 | 7.6°C | 8.9°C | |
| May 21 | 7.6°C | 8.2°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 | 9°C | 16°C | 22°C |
| February | 10°C | 15°C | 20°C |
| March | 6°C | 12°C | 18°C |
| April | 5°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| May | 2°C | 6°C | 10°C |
| June | 0°C | 4°C | 8°C |
| July | 0°C | 4°C | 7°C |
| August | 0°C | 4°C | 7°C |
| September | 2°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| October | 4°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| November | 6°C | 12°C | 17°C |
| December | 8°C | 13°C | 18°C |
Mirror Lakes: Weather Forecast
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
Location & Local Information
Mirror Lakes are a series of small, shallow tarns located along the Milford Road in Fiordland, Southland Region. Surrounded by wetlands and native vegetation, these lakes are fed by rainfall and nearby mountain runoff, which keeps the water cool for most of the year. In summer, from December to February, surface water temperatures generally range between 10°C and 15°C, occasionally edging slightly higher during calm, sunny spells. In spring and autumn, temperatures are usually between 7°C and 12°C, while in winter they often fall to around 4°C to 8°C, reflecting the cold alpine climate of Fiordland.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming is not officially promoted and is strongly discouraged in practice. The lakes are part of a protected natural area, valued for their mirror-like reflections and fragile wetland ecosystem. Access is via a short boardwalk designed for viewing rather than water entry, and the soft, marshy margins are unsuitable for safe swimming. Even in mid-summer, the water remains cold and conditions are better suited to sightseeing than recreation. As a result, Mirror Lakes are appreciated primarily for their scenic qualities, and swimming is neither common nor advisable due to low temperatures and environmental considerations.