Climate and monthly weather forecast
Lake Tahoe, CA

Lake Tahoe, an idyllic destination located in the Sunshine State, categorically belongs to the 'Csb' Köppen climate group, signifying Mediterranean climate with warm summers. The Köppen classification underscores the harmonious blend of temperatures, precipitation levels, and daylight hours unique to this region, contributing to its typical warm summer Mediterranean climate.

Lake Tahoe proffers an annually varying panorama of weather elements. Noticeably, the highest average monthly temperature, 77.9°F (25.5°C), finds its footing in July, aptly characterizing the zenith of summer, whilst the antithesis in the form of the lowest average temperature, 19.1°F (-7.2°C), secures a perch in the heart of winter, particularly in January.

Concerning precipitation, the maximum rainfall of a generous 6" (152mm) lavishes upon the area in January, tapering progressively to parched lows of 0.3" (8mm) in both July and August, thereby scripting an epilogue to the summer narrative. On the contrary, snowfall volumes launch a defiant counterpoint, opting for magnanimous highs of 45.9" (1166mm) in December and retreating to negligible 0" (0mm) in the middle of summer, during June and July.

Suffusing the landscape with natural illumination, daylight hours vary across the yearly calendar, maxing out at 14.9 hours in June, the height of summer solstice, and dipping down to a modest 9.5 hours during the depths of winter solstice in December.

Lake Tahoe is primarily acclaimed for its Mediterranean, warm summer climate, which often commences from May and extends until September. This duration witnesses conspicuously low precipitation, a scant 0.3" (8mm) in the rain-starved months of July and August, coupled with long-lasting daylight, reaching an impressive peak of 14.9 hours in June. Tourists and weather enthusiasts can sufficiently indulge in the inviting warmth offered by the praiseworthy temperatures, which heighten to a pleasant 77.9°F (25.5°C) in July.

The unfavorable combination of low temperatures averaging 19.1°F (-7.2°C) in January, paired with intense snowfall, reaching swift highs of 45.9" (1166mm) in December, makes the winter months a cautionary period for visitors. The challenge is amplified by relatively limited daylight hours, descending to a low of 9.5 hours in December, rendering the climate inhospitable for those unfamiliar with severe winter conditions.

Spring weaves a tale of gradual transition in Lake Tahoe. Reflecting the shifting moods of the season, the average lowest temperatures range from 22.8°F (-5.1°C) to 32.8°F (0.4°C) between March and May respectively, while the highs hopscotch between 44°F (6.7°C) and 59.6°F (15.3°C). Rainfall inches its way down progressively from 4.1" (104mm) in March to 1.2" (30mm) by May end. Concurrently, snowfall marks a noticeable descent, dwindling from 35.2" (894mm) in March to a mere 3.7" (94mm) by May, heralding the onset of warmth.

Summers in Lake Tahoe greet visitors with a pleasant potpourri of welcoming weather. Above all, it incorporates high temperatures oscillating from 68.7°F (20.4°C) to 77.9°F (25.5°C) from June to July respectively. The rainfall charts minor amounts, dwindling to a meager 0.3" (8mm) in July and August. Snowfall is virtually absent during this season, while generous daylight hours, peeking at 14.9 in June, ensure long, sunlit days.

Autumn at Lake Tahoe unfolds with a palpable dip in temperatures - the lows oscillating from 39°F (3.9°C) in September to 25.8°F (-3.4°C) by November end. High temperatures also take a downward turn; they glide down from 69.8°F (21°C) in September to 46.9°F (8.3°C) in November. Rainfall inches it way up, moving from 0.6" (15mm) to 3.6" (91mm) within this period, even as snowfall demonstrates a significant rise from 0.3" (8mm) in September to 15.5" (394mm) by November, preluding the arrival of winter.

Winter in Lake Tahoe resonates with cold, making itself known with lows plummeting to 19.1°F (-7.2°C) in January. Atmosphere highs are also restrained, managing a mere 40.3°F (4.6°C) in December and February. With snowfall marking its apex at 45.9" (1166mm) in December, winter takes centerstage. Rainfall also notches up to 6" (152mm) at the start of the year, while daylight hours minimize to 9.5 in December, further casting the winter chill.

In Lake Tahoe, January kicks off the new year with a blend of snowy landscape and chilly temperatures, creating a winter wonderland. The weather contrast between December and January is modest, as both months share similar weather patterns. Weather in January »

February in Lake Tahoe does not stray far from January's weather attributes, maintaining the winter atmosphere with somewhat similar conditions. However, snowfall recedes gradually from January’s high, inching towards the transition to spring in the later part of this month. Weather in February »

As sites all over Lake Tahoe thaw from winter, March carries an atmospheric transition towards spring. The weather variation from February to March is distinctive, with snowfall records diminishing significantly and temperatures starting to rise gently. Weather in March »

April marks a clear shift in Lake Tahoe's atmospheric conditions from cooler to warmer months. Compared to March, the snowfall dramatically decreases, thus positioning April in the more moderate weather category as compared to the previous months. Weather in April »

May beckons the complete onset of spring in Lake Tahoe, with the weather changing significantly from April. With increased temperatures and receding snowfall, Springtime vibes are hard to miss. Snowfall is very minimal this month, averaging only 3.7" (94mm). Weather in May »

One of the most striking aspects of Lake Tahoe's year-round climate is the significant transition between May and June. With the advent of summer, June brings in golden rays and warmer temperatures, truly distinguishing itself from the spring season. Weather in June »

July is synonymous with the peak of summer throughout Lake Tahoe. As temperatures peak, rainfall also hits a low of 0.3" (8mm), marking this month as the driest period. While many embrace the sun-soaking periods, respectfully limited rainfall ensures dry conditions. Weather in July »

August continues the summer stretch in Lake Tahoe with conditions closely resembling that of July. However, this month signals a subtle retreat of summer's peak temperatures while maintaining the minimal rainfall conditions. August averages 0.3" (8mm) in precipitation, making the weather dry enough for a variety of outdoor activities. Weather in August »

September gently brings in the fall season to Lake Tahoe, with a noticeable change in weather from August. Although the summer warmth still prevails, the transitioning foliage signals the approach of cooler days. There's a nominal increase in precipitation, with September receiving an average rainfall of 0.6" (15mm). Weather in September »

October in Lake Tahoe showcases a remarkable weather change, welcoming more fall-like conditions. With temperatures dropping consistently from the highs of September, October stably steps into cooler weather. Rainfall increases quite substantially, averaging 1.8" (46mm), providing the necessitated hydration for majestic fall foliage. Weather in October »

November in Lake Tahoe presents a blend of late autumn and early winter conditions. After October's vibrant autumn weather, November presents a considerable shift in temperature and a notable increase in rainfall. A precipitation level of 3.6" (91mm) and a significant increase in snowfall herald the advent of the winter season. Weather in November »

The year comes to a close with December bringing in full-fledged winter conditions to Lake Tahoe. Following the transitioning weather of November, December experiences a temperature drop, bringing colder days and nights. The month sees a significant leap in snowfall, averaging 35.2" (894mm), creating an enchanting winter wonderland. Weather in December »