What Does Lake Tahoe Weather Look Like?

Over the past few years, the resounding questions we get are around here are “What does Lake Tahoe weather look like?” or “When should I come to visit for [insert activity]?” Of course, you can’t predict the weather over the long-range, but you can get a basic theme of what to expect. To help plan your vacation, here’s a few tips and a quick breakdown of our weather.

Lake Tahoe weather is beautiful and can change quickly. Mountain weather is… mountain-y

Being the first mountain range that gets hit by storms, this means Lake Tahoe weather can change quickly or remain constant for a LONG period of time. For example, the Lake Tahoe region has recorded snowfall in every month of the year. On the other hand, we’ve had winters where it didn’t snow for over two months!

Be prepared for South Lake Tahoe weather

Does that mean it’s going to snow in August? Or not snow during your ski vacation? Probably not. The moral of the story is to be prepared. Coming in summer? Bring a sweatshirt just in case. Coming in winter? Bring some shorts because you never know.  With that said, South Lake Tahoe weather is true “weather perfection” for an alpine setting and those that enjoy outdoor activities.

Lake Tahoe weather in summer is for beachgoers

In June, July, and August, the probability of a sunny day exceeds 90% with an average afternoon temperature between 69 to 77 degrees. The biggest risk during this time of year is sunburn due to the high elevation and closeness to the sun. So, be sure to wear sunscreen!

Lake Tahoe weather in winter is for ski bums who like sunshine

In the wintery months (late November, December, January, February), this is typically when huge, powerful storms slam into the area, dumping feet of snow at lake level but statistically on just 50 days. This translates to three days of fair Lake Tahoe weather for every day of fresh powder. Storm activity usually lasts for a few days or up to a week, but once it clears, expect lots of sun.

South Lake Tahoe weather in “Miracle March” means snow, snow and more snow – and sun!

Compared to the mid-winter months, there’s still a high likelihood of snowstorms, but they pass through quicker and the sun is MUCH warmer. Even on the worst (low) snow years, there’s a reason why this month is called “Miracle March” by powder hounds.

South Lake Tahoe weather in spring is for all!

Love the warmth AND snow? During April, May, and June, the storm’s ‘punch’ reduces drastically to a trickle. The colder temps moderate. You can honestly ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon. Although the average May temperature is around 60 in the shade, it’ll feel MUCH warmer. Combine that with overnight lows around freezing and you have a perfect recipe for some of the BEST spring skiing in the world.

Lake Tahoe weather in autumn – “The Second Summer”

As the kids go back to school, the summer weather continues into fall. In September, the highs average around 70 degrees, and once October rolls around, it’s usually about ten degrees colder. With events like Oktoberfest, the running of the salmon at the Taylor Visitor Center, and changing of the leaves, there’s still a TON to do. Simply put, expect warm and dry South Lake Tahoe weather.

A “little” about micro-climates and Lake Tahoe weather

As anyone that has been around the Great Lakes or seen the fog in San Francisco, bodies of water can affect local weather drastically. This is definitely the case with Lake Tahoe weather. Those in-the-know about weather consider the Tahoe Basin to be within the “banana belt.” With the Sierra Nevada crest to the west, our region is spared from the harshest weather. During a heatwave, it can be as much as 10 degrees cooler, and in the winter due to the relative warmth of the waters, it can affect snow levels as well.

As you can see, there really isn’t a “best” time to visit… but rather it’s ALWAYS the best time to visit Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe Forecast

44

44°/38°

Sunday, December 22

Hike, bike & get outside

18 mph S

Sat

44°/38°

Bottoms up in a brewery

Mon

44°/37°

Conditions are a’changin

Tue

42°/20°

Conditions are a’changin

Wed

35°/17°

Hike, bike & get outside

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