Yelcho LakeWhen to Go
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.
Air Quality:
AQI 58
Moderate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
21°
Warmest Month
3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 11° - 21° | 16° | 104 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 11° - 20° | 16° | 95 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 10° - 18° | 14° | 111 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 7° - 15° | 11° | 175 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 6° - 12° | 7° | 298 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 4° - 9° | 5° | 279 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 3° - 8° | 4° | 276 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 4° - 10° | 5° | 235 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 5° - 13° | 7° | 170 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 7° - 15° | 11° | 120 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 8° - 17° | 13° | 122 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 10° - 19° | 14° | 135 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
Getting There & Around
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.