Lake Tahoe is a beautiful natural site located between the states of California and Nevada. It is the largest alpine lake in the United States, and it is a very frequented site due to its incredible landscapes, crystal clear waters, and many fun activities.
But to get the most out of the experience, knowing the best time to visit Lake Tahoe is important. And this is because, in Lake Tahoe, summer temperatures can be around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, in winter, temperatures can drop to -10 degrees Celsius.
This means that the time of year is an important decision to make. If you are more of a warm-weather person, you will prefer to go in summer, while if you are one of those who enjoy the snow, then your perfect time is in the winter.
But since both seasons are so different from one another, we will give you a list of reasons why visiting Lake Tahoe in summer is an incredible plan. And, on the other hand, a list of reasons to go there during the winter when the snow falls and you can enjoy different activities.
You probably won’t be able to choose, and it will seem like the best time to go to Lake Tahoe is any time of the year!
Reasons to visit Lake Tahoe in summertime
Many people choose to travel to Lake Tahoe during June, July, and August. The temperature is warm but not sweltering, and the activities under the sun are many: fishing, biking, hiking, or horseback riding.
It’s a great time to enjoy nature, have a healthy vacation, and not get too hot trying. While in the cities of California, temperatures can be 35 and 40 degrees during these months, Lake Tahoe is around 25 degrees, and at night it drops to 15 degrees.
Remember that summer is also one of the most expensive times to travel to Lake Tahoe. There are many accommodations to consider, ranging from hotels to casinos, one of the activities you can do at night.
There are also motels and cabins, but all of them suffer from a huge amount of bookings in these months, and, therefore, their prices go up compared to the low season. We will tell you the difference in cost between high and low seasons further down, so read on to find out what the best time to travel is.
These are the main reasons why people travel to the lake in winter
The other time when many people choose to travel to Lake Tahoe is in winter. It becomes an incredible place in December, January, and February, full of snow and activities to enjoy the frozen nature.
Lake Tahoe has 15 ski and snowboard resorts, some of the favorites of ski and snowboard fans throughout the United States.
Specifically, one of the resorts is Heavenly Mountain Resort which has a considerable height, allowing stunning views of the lake and reaching the famous Carson Valley in Nevada.
There are still good winter activities for those who do not enjoy skiing as much or have a more limited budget, such as ice skating, dog sledding, or snowshoeing through this beautiful place.
And what about autumn and spring?
Autumn and spring are the intermediate periods between June, July, August, and then December, January, and February. Lake Tahoe is still beautiful, with breathtaking scenery and a huge advantage… A lot less tourism!
Temperatures in the autumn months are cool, around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius during the day and about 10 degrees Celsius at night. Spring also has these temperatures, but it is somewhat rainier than the rest of the months of the year.
If you are not a person especially passionate about winter sports, nor do you like the summer sun, we recommend you go to Lake Tahoe in September or from March onwards. Much less tourism, and also much lower costs.
When to go to Lake Tahoe and the most economical time to go there
If you are still undecided about the best time to travel to Lake Tahoe according to your likes and favorite activities, we will tell you the truth about the cost of a trip. If we compare different seasons, winter is the most expensive time to travel to the lake.
This is because, normally, the accommodations include an extra cost for reserving ski activities. This mostly happens as the snow approaches, so if you pay for your accommodation well in advance, you can avoid being affected by this increase in cost. To give you an idea, the difference that traveling during the ski season can have is about 40 to 50 dollars per person per night in a lodging.
During the summer, a night in a 3-star hotel on the shores of Lake Tahoe can cost around $150. This is for one room and one night. Meanwhile, in the winter, this can go up to $200, yet in the spring and fall, you can easily find it for just over $100.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Lake Tahoe, California, depends greatly on your preferences. If you are looking for an economical trip, it is best to go in the low season, during the fall and spring. And if you are looking for a haven of peace where you can enjoy a warm and incredible vacation, then the summer.
Winter, although a bit more expensive, is a special time for all those who love winter sports, breathtaking landscapes, and traveling at Christmas time. But be that as it may, it’s never a bad time to visit Lake Tahoe if you know what to expect. We hope we’ve helped you do just that.