Riesco Island
Island Remote Chilean island in Magallanes with rugged terrain
Riesco Island in southern Chile occupies part of Magallanes with fjorded coasts, glaciated ridges and sparse settlement; expedition cruises and specialized treks visit for Patagonian landscapes and wildlife.
Riesco Island is a large island in Chile’s Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region, located in southern Patagonia and characterized by rugged terrain and coastal fjords. It is part of the complex archipelago of islands that fringe southern Chile and is separated from the mainland by channels and sounds.
The island’s coastline is dissected by fjords and inlets and the interior includes mountainous and glaciated areas typical of the Magallanes region. Human settlement is sparse and access is generally by watercraft from regional ports.
Riesco Island sits west of mainland Tierra del Fuego and north of the Strait of Magellan in the southern Chilean archipelago system, within the administrative Region of Magallanes. Nearest larger centers are in the regional mainland and maritime transport links are seasonal and weather dependent.
Best Time to Visit Riesco Island #
The austral summer (December-February) is the best time for access and outdoor activity on Riesco Island, when conditions are least severe.
Weather & Climate near Riesco Island #
Riesco Island's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -2°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1448 mm/year), wettest in March, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (140 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and breezy conditions.
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