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Contents
- The climate of South Lake Tahoe
- The best time to visit South Lake Tahoe
- The worst time to visit South Lake Tahoe
- Spring weather in South Lake Tahoe
- Summer weather in South Lake Tahoe
- Autumn weather in South Lake Tahoe
- Winter weather in South Lake Tahoe
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The Emerald Bay in South Lake Tahoe, California, with a side view of the mountain slope
The climate of South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe, California, graces its residents and visitors with a Mediterranean climate, duly marked under the Köppen Climate Classification as Csb. This Californian city is nestled amidst cold winters and warm summers, making it vibrant and versatile throughout the year.
High temperatures typically progress from a chilly 35.8°F (2.1°C) in December, touching peaks of 73.9°F (23.3°C) in July, before settling back to lower degrees towards the year-end. Low temperatures chart a similar course, starting at 21°F (-6.1°C) in December and January, culminating at 46.8°F (8.2°C) in July, and returning to the 20s°F bracket by December. One must note that the upper 70s°F in July and August present a delightful respite from the overall cooler year-round weather.
South Lake Tahoe witnesses varied precipitation forms in the form of rainfall and snowfall, regulated by the changing seasons. Annual rainfall varies from a meager 0.28" (7mm) in August to 4.25" (108mm) in March. Snowfall is most prominent during the winter month of March, showcasing 27.24" (692mm). Snowfall days peak in both December and March, with 12.8 and 15 days, respectively.
The city enjoys average daylight hours fluctuating between 9.5 and 14.9 and boasts an average UV index of 2 to 5 throughout the year. Wind speeds waver between 5.3mph (8.5km/h) and 7.6mph (12.2km/h), with maximum gusts reaching 12.1mph (19.5km/h).
High temperatures typically progress from a chilly 35.8°F (2.1°C) in December, touching peaks of 73.9°F (23.3°C) in July, before settling back to lower degrees towards the year-end. Low temperatures chart a similar course, starting at 21°F (-6.1°C) in December and January, culminating at 46.8°F (8.2°C) in July, and returning to the 20s°F bracket by December. One must note that the upper 70s°F in July and August present a delightful respite from the overall cooler year-round weather.
South Lake Tahoe witnesses varied precipitation forms in the form of rainfall and snowfall, regulated by the changing seasons. Annual rainfall varies from a meager 0.28" (7mm) in August to 4.25" (108mm) in March. Snowfall is most prominent during the winter month of March, showcasing 27.24" (692mm). Snowfall days peak in both December and March, with 12.8 and 15 days, respectively.
The city enjoys average daylight hours fluctuating between 9.5 and 14.9 and boasts an average UV index of 2 to 5 throughout the year. Wind speeds waver between 5.3mph (8.5km/h) and 7.6mph (12.2km/h), with maximum gusts reaching 12.1mph (19.5km/h).
The best time to visit South Lake Tahoe
The most favorable time to visit South Lake Tahoe is undoubtedly during the summer months of June through August. Weather conditions are mild, with average high temperatures ranging from 64.9°F (18.3°C) to 73.9°F (23.3°C) and low temperatures measuring between 40.8°F (4.9°C) and 46.8°F (8.2°C). Additionally, summer correlates with an increase in sunshine hours (from 10.6 to 12), contributing to longer, sunlit days to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing. Besides, it's the time of year with the lowest rainfall of only 0.51" (13mm) in June, promising mostly dry weather.
The worst time to visit South Lake Tahoe
Travellers might want to avoid the rather harsh winter months from December to February, characterized by freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and reduced visibility. Low temperatures can drop to a bitter 21°F (-6.1°C) in December and January, causing potential discomfort. Moreover, this season records the highest snowfall, reaching an impressive 27.24" (692mm) in March, which might make travel around the city challenging.
Spring weather in South Lake Tahoe
From March to May, South Lake Tahoe experiences temperatures steadily climbing from the mid 30s°F to the mid 50s°F, while low temperatures hover between 24.6°F (-4.1°C) and 33.8°F (1°C). These months bring a significant increase in daylight hours (from 12 hours to 14.3 hours), and as the season progresses, there's a noteworthy decrease in rainfall. March claims the highest rainfall of the season at 4.25" (108mm), which then drops to 1.89" (48mm) in May. Alternatively, a gradual decrease in snowfall from March’s substantial 27.24" (692mm) to May’s minor 6.26" (159mm) can be observed.
Summer weather in South Lake Tahoe
The period from June through August witnesses mildly warm days and comfortably cool nights. High temperatures fluctuate from 64.9°F (18.3°C) in June to an average high of 73.9°F (23.3°C) in July. Concurrently, the daylight hours peak at 14.9 hours in June, gradually dropped to 13.6 hours by August. Precipitation dips to the minimum with rainfall dipping as low as 0.28" (7mm) in August.
Autumn weather in South Lake Tahoe
The autumn months of September through November in South Lake Tahoe feature falling temperatures from 67.3°F (19.6°C) in September to a much cooler 45.3°F (7.4°C) in November. Alongside, low temperatures also nosedive from 42.3°F (5.7°C) to 26.4°F (-3.1°C). Rainfall increases from 0.39" (10mm) in September to 1.85 in November, prefacing the arrival of winter.
Winter weather in South Lake Tahoe
Winter descends in South Lake Tahoe from December to February, with high temperatures dropping rapidly to 35.8°F (2.1°C) in December. The city experiences its coldest month in January, with low temperatures plummeting to 21°F (-6.1°C). Snowfall starts to accumulate from 15.79" (401mm) in December to a significant 27.24" (692mm) in March, ensuring a white winter landscape. This season sees decreased daylight hours, with only 9.5 hours in December but slowly increasing to 10.8 hours by February, hinting at the oncoming spring.
Weather in January
South Lake Tahoe, California, in January, inaugurates the year with a real winter climate. A distinctive trait for this month is the impressive amount of snow with 15.79" (401mm). Days are noticeably shorter compared to later months, and the city gets cloaked under a typical overcast foggy winter look. Weather in January »
Weather in February
February in South Lake Tahoe carries forward the chilly vibes from its predecessor. The weather stays cold all day, with occasional sunshine peeking through the predominately cloudy sky. The city witnesses the highest recorded snowfall of the year at 19.06" (484mm), making it a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March breaks in South Lake Tahoe with the advent of milder weather conditions. Although the remnants of winter are still somewhat present, the climate begins to show signs of warming up. Despite the lingering cold, the snowy mantle turns a touch lesser dense than February with 27.24" (692mm) of snowfall being recorded. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in South Lake Tahoe begins to warm up, suggesting the surefire arrival of the resilient spring. This month witnesses a sharp decline in snowfall to 11.34" (288mm) compared to its predecessor, March. The warming trend begins to take hold, leading to more sunshine hours and the chance to finally leave those thick winter coats in storage. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May in South Lake Tahoe signifies the true beginning of the pleasant spring season. The city is ablaze with blossoms, attracting many tourists to its picturesque landscape. The snowy blanket is now being replaced by drizzles with a merely 6.26" (159mm) of snowfall recorded. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June brings in the summer festivities to South Lake Tahoe. As ready farewell to the last of spring showers, the city sees a negligible amount of snowfall recorded at just 0.24" (6mm). With the scarcity of clouds and an enormous increase in the sunlight hours, South Lake Tahoe starts bustling with outdoor events and carnivals. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is when South Lake Tahoe basks in the summer sunshine at its zenith. A clear demarcation of the season, as it's the only month registering no snowfall throughout the year. Enjoying some of the longest sunlight hours, city dwellers get ample time for their outdoor rendezvous. Weather in July »
Weather in August
Retaining the warmth and vibrancy of the previous month, South Lake Tahoe's weather in August is still firmly set on the summer schedule. Despite this, a hint of monsoon can be felt as a slight increase in rainfall compared to July with a modest 0.28" (7mm). Weather in August »
Weather in September
September marks the commencement of the beautiful fall season in South Lake Tahoe. The barely noticeable snowfall of 0.35" (9mm) is a reflection of the hold summer still exercises over this month. September weather conditions bring about a shift from the peak summer temperatures to slightly cooler days. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in South Lake Tahoe underlines the onset of the colder month cycle with a notable drop in temperature. Large temperature fluctuations become less frequent as autumn settles in, and the first snowfall of the season makes its appearance at 1.14" (29mm). Weather in October »
Weather in November
The month of November in South Lake Tahoe signifies the shift from light snow showers to more severe winter conditions. An evident sign of this trend is when the snowfall jumps from the previous month's 1.14" (29mm) to a whopping 10.47" (266mm). Weather in November »
Weather in December
December rounds off the year in South Lake Tahoe amidst a full-blown winter wonderland setting. With the heaviest snowfall of 22.09" (561mm), the city resembles a classic holiday card. It's the peak time for winter sports in South Lake Tahoe as ski lovers throng to the city. Weather in December »
Updated: Feb 9, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
How much does it rain in South Lake Tahoe?
In South Lake Tahoe, California, during the entire year, the rain falls for 67.1 days and collects up to 23.39" (594mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow in South Lake Tahoe?
January through June, September through December are months with snowfall in South Lake Tahoe.
How much does it snow in South Lake Tahoe?
Throughout the year, in South Lake Tahoe, there are 76 snowfall days, and 113.98" (2895mm) of snow is accumulated.
What is the month with the least sunshine in South Lake Tahoe?
January and December, with an average of 5.6h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in South Lake Tahoe, California.
When is the lowest UV index in South Lake Tahoe?
The months with the lowest UV index in South Lake Tahoe, California, are January through April, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
What is the most humid month in South Lake Tahoe?
With an average relative humidity of 81%, March is the most humid month in South Lake Tahoe.
What is the rainiest month in South Lake Tahoe?
The month with the most rainfall in South Lake Tahoe, California, is March, when the rain falls for 7.3 days and typically aggregates up to 4.25" (108mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow the most in South Lake Tahoe?
March is the month with the most snowfall in South Lake Tahoe, California. Snow falls for 15 days and accumulates 27.24" (692mm) of snow.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in South Lake Tahoe?
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in South Lake Tahoe, and the time zone changes from PST to PDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from PDT to PST.
When are the longest days in South Lake Tahoe?
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 54min of daylight.
What is the month with the highest UV index in South Lake Tahoe?
June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the highest UV index in South Lake Tahoe.
What part of the year is the hottest in South Lake Tahoe?
With average temperatures fluctuating between a high of 73.9°F (23.3°C) and a low of 46.8°F (8.2°C), July stands out as the warmest month in South Lake Tahoe.
When it does not snow in South Lake Tahoe?
July and August are months without snowfall in South Lake Tahoe, California.
What month has the most sunshine in South Lake Tahoe?
The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 12h of sunshine.
What is the least humid month in South Lake Tahoe?
The least humid month in South Lake Tahoe, California, is August, with an average relative humidity of 42%.
What is the driest month in South Lake Tahoe?
The month with the least rainfall in South Lake Tahoe, California, is August, when the rain falls for 4.2 days and typically collects 0.28" (7mm) of precipitation.
What month is the coldest in South Lake Tahoe?
South Lake Tahoe's coldest month, December, generally records average temperatures ranging from a high of 35.8°F (2.1°C) to a low of 21°F (-6.1°C).
What is the month with the shortest days in South Lake Tahoe?
December has the shortest days of the year in South Lake Tahoe, with an average of 9h and 30min of daylight.
Average temperature
South Lake Tahoe, CA
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (73.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (35.8°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (46.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (21°F).
Average pressure
South Lake Tahoe, CA
- Average pressure in January:
30.18"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in April:
30"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.91"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.02"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.15"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.18"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.91"Hg).
Average wind speed
South Lake Tahoe, CA
- Average wind speed in January:
6.6mph - Average wind speed in February:
7.2mph - Average wind speed in March:
7.6mph - Average wind speed in April:
7mph - Average wind speed in May:
6.5mph - Average wind speed in June:
6.5mph
- Average wind speed in July:
5.5mph - Average wind speed in August:
5.3mph - Average wind speed in September:
5.8mph - Average wind speed in October:
6.1mph - Average wind speed in November:
6.3mph - Average wind speed in December:
6.9mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is March (7.6mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.3mph).
Average humidity
South Lake Tahoe, CA
The month with the highest relative humidity is March (81%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (42%).
Average rainfall
South Lake Tahoe, CA
- Average rainfall in January:
3.46" - Average rainfall in February:
3.86" - Average rainfall in March:
4.25" - Average rainfall in April:
2.09" - Average rainfall in May:
1.89" - Average rainfall in June:
0.51"
- Average rainfall in July:
0.47" - Average rainfall in August:
0.28" - Average rainfall in September:
0.39" - Average rainfall in October:
0.91" - Average rainfall in November:
1.85" - Average rainfall in December:
3.43"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is March (4.25").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is August (0.28").
Average rainfall days
South Lake Tahoe, CA
- Average rainfall days in January:
4.9 days - Average rainfall days in February:
3.5 days - Average rainfall days in March:
7.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
8.8 days - Average rainfall days in May:
10 days - Average rainfall days in June:
5.4 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
5 days - Average rainfall days in August:
4.2 days - Average rainfall days in September:
4 days - Average rainfall days in October:
4.5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
3.7 days - Average rainfall days in December:
5.8 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (10 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (3.5 days).
Average snowfall
South Lake Tahoe, CA
- Average snowfall in January:
15.79" - Average snowfall in February:
19.06" - Average snowfall in March:
27.24" - Average snowfall in April:
11.34" - Average snowfall in May:
6.26" - Average snowfall in June:
0.24"
The month with the highest snowfall is March (27.24").
The months with the least snowfall are July and August (0").
Average snowfall days
South Lake Tahoe, CA
- Average snowfall days in January:
10.3 days - Average snowfall days in February:
12 days - Average snowfall days in March:
15 days - Average snowfall days in April:
10.3 days - Average snowfall days in May:
4.6 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0.8 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0.7 days - Average snowfall days in October:
1.6 days - Average snowfall days in November:
7.9 days - Average snowfall days in December:
12.8 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (15 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are July and August (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
South Lake Tahoe, CA
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 5min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 2min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 5min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 4min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 4min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 1min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 1min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 3min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 30min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 4min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 1min - Average sunshine in April:
9h and 5min - Average sunshine in May:
10h and 4min - Average sunshine in June:
11h and 5min
- Average sunshine in July:
12h and 0min - Average sunshine in August:
11h and 5min - Average sunshine in September:
11h and 1min - Average sunshine in October:
7h and 3min - Average sunshine in November:
6h and 4min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 4min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 12h and 0min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 5h and 36min).
Average sunshine days
South Lake Tahoe, CA
- Average sunshine days in January:
18 days - Average sunshine days in February:
15.5 days - Average sunshine days in March:
13.3 days - Average sunshine days in April:
14.1 days - Average sunshine days in May:
16.1 days - Average sunshine days in June:
22.9 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
23.5 days - Average sunshine days in August:
25.6 days - Average sunshine days in September:
24.7 days - Average sunshine days in October:
25 days - Average sunshine days in November:
20.5 days - Average sunshine days in December:
17.4 days
The month with the most sunshine days is August (25.6 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is March (13.3 days).
Average UV index
South Lake Tahoe, CA
The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, April, November and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
South Lake Tahoe, CA
The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 43).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 8).
Average visibility
South Lake Tahoe, CA
The months with the highest visibility are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March and December (5mi).
South Lake Tahoe, California, USA
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