2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Lake Tahoe — December

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

December is an excellent time to visit Lake Tahoe. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 6°C during the day. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. With only around 9 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

4.8
GoTripzi Score Fair

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

6°C

Avg Low

-2°C

Rainy days

11days

Daylight

9.4h

Feels like 2°C / -6°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

194mm

Sunshine

6.6h/day

Humidity

78%

Humid
Sun Strength

3.2

Moderate
Wind

10 km/h (gusts 43)

Is December a good time to visit Lake Tahoe?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

07:12

Sunset

16:39

9.4h daylight

Visiting Lake Tahoe in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices

Things to Do in December

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
☕ Cozy cafes & local food scene
🏛️ Indoor attractions & shopping
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Lake Tahoe Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 4°C -3°C 10d (109mm) 7.4h
76% Humid
4 Moderate
Excellent
Feb 6°C -3°C 9d (110mm) 8.7h
71% Humid
5.7 High
Excellent
Mar 6°C -2°C 14d (149mm) 9.8h
72% Humid
7.5 Very High
Excellent
Apr 11°C -1°C 6d (51mm) 11.5h
67% Humid
10.2 Extreme
Good
May 17°C 4°C 7d (37mm) 12.8h
60% Moderate
11.2 Extreme
Good
Jun 23°C 9°C 6d (20mm) 13.6h
49% Comfortable
11.9 Extreme
Excellent
Jul 29°C 13°C 4d (11mm) 13.4h
43% Comfortable
11.7 Extreme
Excellent
Aug 28°C 13°C 5d (19mm) 12.4h
48% Comfortable
10.4 Extreme
Excellent
Sep 24°C 11°C 4d (31mm) 11.2h
53% Moderate
8.6 Very High
Excellent
Oct 18°C 5°C 5d (51mm) 9.6h
57% Moderate
6.3 High
Good
Nov 9°C -1°C 8d (71mm) 8.1h
72% Humid
4.3 Moderate
Good
Dec Current 6°C -2°C 11d (194mm) 6.6h
78% Humid
3.2 Moderate
Excellent

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2.510.Feb
211.Dec
212.Jan
1.5

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Lake Tahoe – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Lake Tahoe

North America's largest alpine lake straddles the California–Nevada border at 1,897m elevation, offering world-class skiing in winter and crystal-clear kayaking, hiking, and beach days in summer against a backdrop of towering Sierra Nevada peaks.

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What to Pack for December

Bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes. Thermal layers underneath give flexibility as you move between indoors and outdoors. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Moderate Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Lake Tahoe?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Lake Tahoe?
December is typically excellent for visiting Lake Tahoe, with average highs of 6°C and around 11 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Lake Tahoe in December?
Yes, nights in Lake Tahoe during December are cold, averaging -2°C. Pack warm layers, a coat, and consider thermal underwear for extended outdoor evenings. Restaurants and cafés have indoor seating, and many museums stay open late.
What should I pack for Lake Tahoe in December?
With highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C in December, we recommend: Warm winter coat, Thermal base layers, Scarf and gloves, Compact umbrella. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Lake Tahoe in December?
Lake Tahoe typically sees around 11 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Lake Tahoe in December?
In December, Lake Tahoe gets approximately 9.4 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Lake Tahoe?
Yes, December is peak season in Lake Tahoe. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: America/Los_Angeles)

Last Updated: February 2026

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