Skara Brae Beach Water Temperature & Swim Forecast
Orkney wild cove.
Cool water with a light chop and a light breeze — tough conditions for unprotected swimming.
Model estimate · modelled, not a buoy measurement. How accurate is this?
Location
Skara Brae Beach on the map, with nearby beaches and live sea temperatures.
7-day forecast
Water, air, waves, wind and UV outlook for the week ahead.
5/4mm fullsuit + boots & gloves
At 12.0°C you need a 5/4mm fullsuit with boots, gloves and ideally a hood.
- + 5mm boots
- + 3mm gloves
- + Hood for extended sessions
Recommendation tuned for Skara Brae Beach's current water temperature. Individual tolerance, wind chill, and session length all matter — when in doubt, size up.
Skara Brae Beach swimming conditions summary
- Water temperature
- 12.0°C
- Water feels
- Bracing
- Swimmable today
- Only with thermal protection
- Swim conditions score
- 46/100 · Fair
- Wetsuit needed
- 5/4mm fullsuit + boots & gloves
- Air temperature
- —
- Waves
- —
- Wind
- —
- UV index
- —
- Average sea temperature (November)
- 12.0 °C
- Warmest months to swim
- July, August, September
At 12.0°C you need a 5/4mm fullsuit with boots, gloves and ideally a hood. Model estimate. Water, wave, wind and UV values are Open-Meteo marine/weather model estimates, refreshed hourly — not buoy measurements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I swim at Skara Brae Beach right now?
The sea at Skara Brae Beach is currently 12.0°C — cold swimming conditions. Most swimmers will find the water comfortable when it's above 22°C; below 18°C feels fresh and a wetsuit is recommended.
What will the sea temperature be at Skara Brae Beach next week?
Based on long-term November averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Skara Brae Beach to sit close to 12.0°C over the next 7 days. Check the live 7-day chart above for the exact daily outlook.
When is the best month to swim at Skara Brae Beach?
July – August – September are typically the warmest months to swim at Skara Brae Beach, with sea temperatures at their seasonal peak.
Do I need a wetsuit at Skara Brae Beach?
With water currently at 12.0°C: above 22°C no wetsuit needed; 18–22°C a shorty is comfortable for long swims; 14–18°C a 3/2mm full suit; below 14°C a 4/3mm or thicker.
Can I swim at Skara Brae Beach today?
The sea is currently 12.0°C — fair swimming conditions. Acclimatised swimmers will be most comfortable.
- • Located in Orkney, United Kingdom (North Sea).
- • Best suited to confident swimmers and watersports.
- • Live data refreshed hourly from Open-Meteo Marine.
Monthly sea temperature averages
Tap any month to see what to expect — based on regional climatology.
Best time to swim in Skara Brae Beach
The sea in Skara Brae Beach peaks in August, when the water averages around 17°C.
On average, 0 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 9°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically February at around 8°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Skara Brae Beach sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Skara Brae Beach shows an annual mean sea temperature of 12°C, ranging from 8°C in winter to 17°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 9°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Skara Brae Beach, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Skara Brae Beach sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Skara Brae Beach?
August is the warmest month in Skara Brae Beach, when the sea averages about 17°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Skara Brae Beach?
The coldest month in Skara Brae Beach is typically February, when the water averages around 8°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Skara Brae Beach without a wetsuit?
The sea in Skara Brae Beach rarely climbs above 20°C, so a wetsuit is recommended year-round for anything longer than a quick dip.
Do I need a wetsuit in Skara Brae Beach?
Outside peak summer the water in Skara Brae Beach drops toward 9°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Skara Brae Beach?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Skara Brae Beach is about 12°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Skara Brae Beach?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Skara Brae Beach, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Year-round sea temperature
| Month | Sea | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9°C | Cold |
| Feb | 8°C | Cold |
| Mar | 8°C | Cold |
| Apr | 9°C | Cold |
| May | 11°C | Cold |
| Jun | 14°C | Bracing |
| Jul | 16°C | Bracing |
| Aug ⭐ | 17°C | Bracing |
| Sep | 16°C | Bracing |
| Oct | 14°C | Bracing |
| Nov | 12°C | Cold |
| Dec | 10°C | Cold |
Nearby beaches
The closest coastline, with live water temperatures.