Puerto Varas has a mild, very wet oceanic climate. Rain is possible in every month — annual totals are in the region of 1,500–2,000 mm — but summer is markedly drier, warmer and brighter than winter. The single most important thing for most visitors is a clear day for the Osorno volcano, and those are most frequent from December to March.
Month by month
| Month | Typical weather | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Warmest (highs around 20–23 °C), longest days, driest | Peak — Chilean holidays | Best weather, book ahead |
| February | Warm, often settled; Semanas Musicales ends | Peak | Excellent, busy |
| March | Mild, stable; autumn colours begin | Falling | Our favourite month |
| April | Cooler, more rain, beautiful autumn forest | Quiet | Good value, pack rain gear |
| May | Cool and wet | Very quiet | Low season |
| June | Coldest, wettest, short days | Quiet, ski season starts | For skiers and hot springs |
| July | Cold (highs around 9–11 °C), wet; snow on the volcano | Winter holidays | Ski on Osorno |
| August | Cold and wet, occasional crisp clear days | Quiet | Low season |
| September | Spring begins, changeable | Quiet (except Fiestas Patrias) | Shoulder season |
| October | Milder, flowers, still showery | Quiet | Good shoulder month |
| November | Warming up, longer days | Building | Very good, fewer crowds |
| December | Early summer, long days | Busy from Christmas | Great, book for the holidays |
Summer (December to March)
The best time for almost everything: the lake is warm enough (just) for swimming, all boat services and tours run, days are long and the volcano is most often visible. January and February are Chile’s holiday months, so hotels fill and prices rise — book ahead. The Semanas Musicales de Frutillar festival runs from late January into early February.
Autumn (April and May)
The forests turn red and gold, the crowds leave and prices drop. Rain becomes more frequent, but clear, cold days after a front passes can be spectacular. A good choice for photographers and anyone who dislikes crowds.
Winter (June to August)
Cold, wet and dark — but the Osorno volcano is at its whitest and its ski centre opens, snow permitting. Hot springs, cosy cafés and quiet hotels are the compensation. Some boat services and tours run a reduced schedule.
Spring (September to November)
Changeable weather, green landscapes and flowering gardens — Puerto Varas is "the City of Roses" for a reason. November in particular is an excellent, uncrowded time to visit.
