Best Time To Visit

Lake Chelan is a year round destination with 300 days of sun a year; however if watersports and warm weather are your game, June through September are optimal months with average high temperatures rising to 76 in June, 85 in July, 84 in August, before trending down in September to an average high of 76. Note, it’s not uncommon to have temperatures reach triple digits in the summer, although 80’s and 90’s are more common.

Given the depth of Lake Chelan and the fact that it is fed by snowmelt well into the summer, the water temperatures can be cool. This is especially pronounced as you go uplake, with water temperatures at Stehekin being considerably cooler than the Southern part of the lake. Most people find that by July, even though the lake can still be cool, the soaring air temps make it bearable if not enjoyable, with water temperatures increasing until the beginning of September (although my seven year old son would disagree and say the water is always too cold!). Water temperatures average 68 in July and 71 in August. Lake Chelan PUD has a mobile application which providers water

Much like the temperatures, the lake level lowers in the winter and rises in the summer. While you will still be able to use boat launches and enjoy the water with lower lake levels, many docks and boat lifts attached to docks in the area are at a fixed height, leaving them many feet above the waterline when it is fully drawn down.

Fall and Spring have average cooler temperatures, but can still be great times to visit. In September, the water temperature is still typically warm, and the summer crowds will have abated. Winter is often cold in the Lake Chelan Valley, and large storms will bring clouds and snowy weather to the area. Expect temperatures below freezing, and be prepared for snow on the ground. This also means there are a lot of winter time activities, from sledding to skiing and snowboarding and snowmobiling.