Hottah Lake Lake

Large glacial lake in Northwest Territories

A remote lake in the Northwest Territories, Hottah Lake attracts anglers, canoeists and backcountry campers seeking boreal and subarctic landscapes; access is limited and often by floatplane or long forest roads.

Main image

Hottah Lake at a Glance#

How to Get to Hottah Lake#

Remote access requires charter aircraft or long overland travel from regional centers like Yellowknife; floatplanes are frequently used in summer. Travel planning should involve local outfitters and permits.

Tips for Visiting Hottah Lake#

  • If planning a canoe or kayak trip, be prepared for long portages and variable weather; hire local guides for remote-water experience.
  • Fishers prize the lake for pike and lake trout; secure local permits and check seasonal regulations.
  • Summer is short - plan itineraries tightly and allow extra days for weather delays.

Best Time to Visit Hottah Lake#

Best visited in summer for boating and fishing; winter access is possible but extreme and requires specialized gear.

Summer
Jun-Aug · 5-20°C
The only reliably warm months for boating and fishing; mosquitoes can be active in low-lying areas.
Winter
Dec-Feb · -30--10°C (ice cover)
Frozen surface for ice travel - only for experienced winter travelers with proper equipment.

Weather & Climate near Hottah Lake#

Climate

Hottah Lake's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -30°C to 19°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Air Quality: AQI 18 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
19°
Warmest Month
-30°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -30° - -22° -34° 13 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
February - -29° - -20° -32° 10 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
March - -24° - -13° -26° 15 mm - - 3.2 m/s - -
April - -14° - -2° -14° 11 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
May - -3° - 7° -2° 14 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
June - 4° - 14° 7° 20 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
July - 9° - 19° 14° 38 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
August - 8° - 16° 12° 45 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
September - 3° - 10° 4° 31 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
October - -4° - 1° -6° 31 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
November - -18° - -11° -21° 23 mm - - 3.2 m/s - -
December - -26° - -18° -30° 16 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -