Yelcho Lake

Lake Scenic glacial lake within Chile's southern lakes district

Patagonian lake in Chile’s Los Lagos Region framed by Andes peaks; anglers, kayakers and hikers use it as a base for trout fishing and access to nearby national parks.

Main image
Yelcho Lake
Yelcho Lake area, Palena Province, Los Lagos Region, Chile
-43.2928, -72.2987

How to Get to Yelcho Lake #

Yelcho Lake is in southern Chile’s Los Lagos Region. Access is typically via Puerto Cárdenas or Chaitén with long gravel roads that require good vehicles; regional flights connect to Chaitén from larger Chilean hubs in season. Boat transfers and lodge arrangements are commonly organised by local operators.

Tips for Visiting Yelcho Lake #

  • Hire a local guide from Puerto Río Tranquilo or Chaitén for boat trips and fishing advice.
  • The road approaches are long and often unsealed - factor travel time from the nearest towns and check seasonal conditions.
  • Bring warm layers and waterproof clothing: Patagonian weather changes quickly.

Best Time to Visit Yelcho Lake #

A glacial-fed lake in Chilean Patagonia, known for fishing, remote lodges and vistas of the Andes.

Summer (Dec-Feb)
December-February · 5-20°C (41-68°F)
Longest daylight and best conditions for boating and fishing.
Spring/Autumn (Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr)
October-November, March-April · 3-15°C (37-59°F)
Fewer tourists and crisp air for hiking; some services reduced outside summer.

Weather & Climate near Yelcho Lake #

Climate

Yelcho Lake's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 3°C to 21°C. Heavy rainfall (2120 mm/year), wettest in May.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
21°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 20°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 18°

Weather

111 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (175 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

175 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (298 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

298 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (279 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

279 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (276 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

276 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (235 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

235 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (170 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

170 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

122 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 19°

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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