2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Lake Tahoe — May

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

May is a good time to visit Lake Tahoe. Mild temperatures around 17°C make it comfortable for exploring. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

8.1
GoTripzi Score Great

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

Avg High

17°C

Avg Low

4°C

Rainy days

7days

Daylight

14.3h

Feels like 15°C / 1°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

37mm

Sunshine

12.8h/day

Humidity

60%

Moderate
Sun Strength

11.2

Extreme
Wind

13 km/h (gusts 44)

Is May a good time to visit Lake Tahoe?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

--

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

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Moderate
  • Travel Costs Value Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

05:49

Sunset

20:06

14.3h daylight

Visiting Lake Tahoe in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals
  • Long daylight hours maximize sightseeing time

Cons

  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in May

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 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 Current 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 6°C -2°C 11d (194mm) 6.6h
78% Humid
3.2 Moderate
Excellent

⚖️Find Your Ideal Month

Adjust the sliders to weight what matters most to you.

5
3
3
Your Best MonthOctScore: 6
1.Oct
62.May
5.63.Jul
5.64.Aug
5.65.Sep
5.26.Apr
4.77.Jun
4.78.Nov
4.79.Mar
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

Open map in new tab

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.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for May

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions. Temperatures drop significantly at night, so pack layers you can add or remove throughout the day. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional showers.

Moderate Moderate

🎒Personalized Packing List

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

Your Packing List

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

Planning a trip to Lake Tahoe?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Lake Tahoe?
May is typically good for visiting Lake Tahoe, with average highs of 17°C and around 7 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 May?
Yes, nights in Lake Tahoe during May are cold, averaging 4°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 May?
With highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C in May, we recommend: Layerable clothing, Light jacket, Compact umbrella, Comfortable walking shoes. 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 May?
Lake Tahoe typically sees around 7 rainy days in May. 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 May?
In May, Lake Tahoe gets approximately 14.3 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 May peak season in Lake Tahoe?
No, May is not peak season in Lake Tahoe. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

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

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: America/Los_Angeles)

Last Updated: February 2026

More Lake Tahoe Guides

Best Time to Visit

Coming soon

Things to Do

Coming soon

Where to Stay

Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations

Find Hotels →

Cost & Budget

Daily costs, money-saving tips, and budget breakdown

Read Guide →

Itineraries

Coming soon

Overview

Complete travel guide for Lake Tahoe: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.

Read Full Guide →