NippyIndex - UK Sea & Inland Water Conditions, Tides & Water Temperature

NippyIndex

The conditions shown here are calculated using forecast models, not measured at each location, and can be incorrect or understate what is actually happening.

Nippy Index is an assessment of sea conditions only - not a safety rating
Always make your own assessment before entering the water
This is not a substitute for official forecasts, warnings or lifeguard advice.
A location appearing here does not mean it is safe, accessible or suitable for any activity

Open water swimming carries inherent risks and you are responsible for your own decisions. This tool informs, it does not decide for you.

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What's your beach like?

Pick the shape closest to this beach, from the water's edge at low tide up to the top of the beach. The wave figures and the Nippy Index then allow for it as the tide changes. Not sure? Skip it and nothing is adjusted.

How's the water today?

Current conditions data for UK seas, lakes, lochs and reservoirs

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Typical Waves

estimate

Larger Waves

estimate

Largest Sets

estimate
over 30 minutes

Water

Air

Feels Like

Wind Speed

Gusts --

Wind Direction

Relative Wind

Wave Period

Wave Type

Water Quality

Moonrise

Moonset

Illumination

Sunrise

Sunset

Tidal Flow

Inland swimming - things to be aware of

Cold water at depth - Lakes and lochs are significantly colder below the surface thermocline. Even in summer the deep water may be near 4°C. Never dive headfirst.
Submerged vegetation - Weeds and reeds can entangle swimmers, particularly near shallow margins. Stay clear of dense surface growth.
Boat traffic - Be visible and aware of powerboats, sailing vessels and jet skis, especially on popular lakes and reservoirs.
Leptospirosis (Weil's disease) - Risk is elevated near river inflows, areas with obvious rat activity, or stagnant margins. Any cuts or abrasions should be covered before water contact.

Blue-Green Algae - Where to find alerts

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms are most common in warm, calm, nutrient-rich water during summer months. Water may look green, blue-green or brownish with a paint-like scum. Toxins can cause skin rashes, vomiting, and in serious cases liver damage. Always check for current alerts, regardless of what this tool shows.

Check current advisories:
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England - gov.uk: Lake Bathing Water Quality
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England - EA Swimfo: Designated Bathing Waters
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland - SEPA: Where Can I Swim
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Wales - Natural Resources Wales

Today's Tidal Curve

The conditions here come from forecast models - not readings taken directly at each location. They could be incorrect or understate actual conditions. Open water can change fast and without warning.

Always make your own assessment
Check for local signs, warnings or advice
A location appearing here does not mean it is safe, accessible or suitable for any activity
The Nippy Index describes conditions only. It does not imply any level of safety.

How are these conditions worked out?

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Today's Hourly Nippy Index

Hourly bars · sunrise to sunset

Today's Shoreline Wave Height

Darker base = typical waves · Lighter top = larger waves

Predicting the wave height can be difficult, and these figures should be used only as a guide. They are based on a wave forecast model for open water near this location, adjusted for the wind's direction and strength, and reduced when the waves arrive from well away from the direction the beach faces. They are not reduced for energy lost as waves cross shallow water, unless you have chosen a beach shape: then, while the tide is over flatter sand, they are limited to what can break in about chest-deep water. However, waves behave differently depending on beach shape, tide level, wind, and other conditions.

Today's Wave Force

Relative wave energy from forecast models (estimate). Hourly bars · sunrise to sunset

Today's Air Temp & Weather

Hourly forecast · °C

Today's Rainfall

Hourly forecast · mm per hour

Forecast precipitation only. Heavy or persistent rainfall can increase water quality risk near river mouths, storm drains, and estuaries. Check the SAS Safer Seas Service for sewage alerts.

Today's Tides

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Today's Tide Height Calculator

Pick a time (arrows, click or scroll) for the estimated height.

Estimated height

Tomorrow's Hourly Nippy Index

Hourly bars · sunrise to sunset

Tomorrow's Shoreline Wave Height

Darker base = typical waves · Lighter top = larger waves

Tomorrow's Wave Force

Relative wave energy from forecast models (estimate). Hourly bars · sunrise to sunset

Tomorrow's Air Temp & Weather

Hourly forecast · °C

Tomorrow's Rainfall

Hourly forecast · mm per hour

Forecast precipitation only. Heavy or persistent rainfall can increase water quality risk near river mouths, storm drains, and estuaries. Check the SAS Safer Seas Service for sewage alerts.

Tomorrow's Tides

Loading tide data...

Tomorrow's Tide Height Calculator

Pick a time (arrows, click or scroll) for the estimated height.

Estimated height

7-Day Peak Nippy Index

AM (6am–noon) and PM (noon–6pm) peak score

7-Day Shoreline Wave Height

Darker base = typical waves · Lighter top = larger waves

7-Day Wave Force

Relative wave energy from forecast models (estimate). Daily bars

7-Day Air Temperature & Weather

Daily maximum °C

7-Day Rainfall Forecast

Daily total precipitation (mm)

Forecast precipitation only. Heavy or persistent rainfall can increase water quality risk near river mouths, storm drains, and estuaries. Check the SAS Safer Seas Service for sewage alerts.

Water Quality Risk (Rainfall-based)

Based on forecast rainfall in the 48 hours prior to each day

Risk is estimated from forecast precipitation only and does not account for CSO discharges, river levels, or local drainage. Always check the SAS Safer Seas Service for sewage alerts.

Horizontal overlay

Transparent overlay - drop it over your photo with the stats as a bar across the foot.

Vertical side strip

Slim transparent strip - drop it onto the left or right side of your photo.

Conditions data card

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NippyIndex describes water conditions only. It is not safety advice and never implies that any location is safe, accessible or suitable for any activity.
Always make your own assessment.

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