Lake Chelan Water Temperature

Washington State’s Lake Chelan is located in the North Cascades National Forest. Surrounded by mountains, forest and acres of vineyards, and boasting 300 days of sunshine per year, Lake Chelan is one of the most beautiful vacation spots in the region.

Lake Chelan is a village close to Lake Chelan. August is the month with the highest water temperature at 73.6°F / 23.1°C.
The coldest month is February with an average water temperature of 33.1°F / 0.6°C.
February is the driest at 0in / 0mm and December the wettest month with 3.6in / 91.3mm.
With an average air temperature of 72°F / 22.2°C, July is the warmest month in a year. December is the coldest with 28.2°F / -2.1°C average air temperature.
The Climate is described as cold steppe climates. Best time to Visit would be in June, July, August, September.

Lake Chelan Summary

Description Value
Warmest Month Water Temperature: August with 73.6°F / 23.1°C
Coldest Month Water Temperature: February with 33.1°F / 0.6°C
Warmest Month Air Temperature: July with 72°F / 22.2°C
Coldest Month Air Temperature: December with 28.2°F / -2.1°C
Wettest Month: December with 3.6in / 91.3mm
Driest Month: February with 0in / 0mm
Highest Humidity January with 86.2%
Lowest Humidity July with 38.9%
Best Time to Visit: June, July, August, September
Climate Classification cold steppe climates

Lake Chelan water temperature by month

Lake Chelan water temperature by month

Max. Water

Temperature (°F)

ø. Water

Temperature (°F)

Min. Water

Temperature (°F)

January

36.1 34.3 33.3

February

33.6 33.3 33.1

March

37.2 34.9 33.3

April

43 39.7 37

May

55.6 48.7 43

June

66.9 59.4 54.3

July

74.7 68.5 63.5

August

75.4 71.2 67.3

September

70.3 65.7 61.2

October

62.6 56.1 50.5

November

50.5 45.9 41.9

December

41.7 39 36.5

Lake Chelan water temperature by month

Max. Water

Temperature (°C)

ø. Water

Temperature (°C)

Min. Water

Temperature (°C)

January

2.3 1.3 0.7

February

0.9 0.7 0.6

March

2.9 1.6 0.7

April

6.1 4.3 2.8

May

13.1 9.3 6.1

June

19.4 15.2 12.4

July

23.7 20.3 17.5

August

24.1 21.8 19.6

September

21.3 18.7 16.2

October

17 13.4 10.3

November

10.3 7.7 5.5

December

5.4 3.9 2.5


The hottest water temperature typically reached in August with around 73.6°F / 23.1°C. The coldest in February with an average water temperature of 33.1°F / 0.6°C.

Water temperatures vary greatly throughout the year in Lake Chelan with a low of 41F in January and February which rises to approximately 50F in May. Seasonal highs of around 72.5 in late July, through August and September. Sailing conditions are perfect and jet skis and scuba diving gear can be easily hired locally. The Manson vineyards at the northern end of Lake Chelan make for a great day trip and kids will adore the Slidewaters water slides in Chelan.

In winter the nearby skiing is world class, while anglers flock to Lake Chelan in spring and autumn for the abundance of cold water fish species.


Lake Chelan weather by month / climate table

Max.

Temperature

°F

ø.

Temperature

°F

Min.

Temperature

(°F)

Precip.

(in)

Rainy Days

(d)

Rel. Humidity

(%)

January

36.3 28.2 21.2 1.9 1 86.2%

February

38.8 31.5 25.7 0 1 78.1%

March

50.2 37.8 27.5 0.4 0 71.6%

April

62.4 46.2 33.3 0.1 0 59.9%

May

71.8 56.3 40.6 0.1 0 50.3%

June

81.9 63.3 47.3 0 0 45.6%

July

88.7 72 55 0 0 38.9%

August

88.3 71.8 56.3 0 0 41.2%

September

78.8 62.4 48.7 0 0 50.2%

October

67.3 49.3 36.7 0 0 66.8%

November

48 36.3 26.4 1 1 81.2%

December

36 28.2 22.8 3.6 3 85.4%

Max.

Temperature

°C

ø.

Temperature

°C

Min.

Temperature

(°C)

Precip.

(mm)

Rainy Days

(d)

Rel. Humidity

(%)

January

2.4 -2.1 -6 49.2 1 86.2%

February

3.8 -0.3 -3.5 0 1 78.1%

March

10.1 3.2 -2.5 10.8 0 71.6%

April

16.9 7.9 0.7 1.4 0 59.9%

May

22.1 13.5 4.8 3.5 0 50.3%

June

27.7 17.4 8.5 0 0 45.6%

July

31.5 22.2 12.8 0 0 38.9%

August

31.3 22.1 13.5 0 0 41.2%

September

26 16.9 9.3 0 0 50.2%

October

19.6 9.6 2.6 0 0 66.8%

November

8.9 2.4 -3.1 26.2 1 81.2%

December

2.2 -2.1 -5.1 91.3 3 85.4%
February is the most draught at 0in / 0mm and December the month with the most rain around 3.6in / 91.3mm. The avg. temperature is around 72°F / 22.2°C, July is the hottest month in a year. December is the coolest with 28.2°F / -2.1°C avg. temperature.

Best Time to Visit Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan is accessible from anywhere in the world with flights to Seattle International Airport(SEA) or Spokane International Airport(GEG). The drive to Lake Chelan is a scenic road trip and the lake lies on US Highway 97. However, there are excellent Amtrak rail links from Seattle and Spokane to nearby Wenatchee where local transport is readily available to the town of Chelan.

May to late September are the busiest times, and swimming, sailing and sightseeing are the big attractions, while cycling and hiking in the spectacular surrounding countryside are also popular. Fed by glaciers, Washington State’s biggest lake is 50.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. At 1486ft deep, Lake Chelan is the third deepest lake in the US and 26th deepest in the world.

During summer, temperatures are approximately 71F in May to 78F in June and September, with annual highs of 86-87F in July and August earning Lake Chelan its name as Washington’s summer playground.

Activities around Lake Chelan

With gorgeous beaches and warm waters in summer you’ll enjoy a relaxing break, but be sure to fetch sunscreen to avoid burning from sunlight reflected by the lake. Bring waterproof clothing in spring or autumn as weather in the Lake Chelan area can change quickly and layers are often the best option.

Activities & POI in Lake Chelan

Type of Activity List
Beach Minneapolis Beach
Marina for Sailing, Boat adventures, fishing Lakeshore Marina, Manson Bay Marina
Golf Course Lake Chelan Golf Course
Caravan Site Lakeshore RV Park, Beebe Bridge Park Campground

Picture Copyright Flick CC BY 2.0: teresatrimm

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