The month in detail
What to expect in December
Off-season for skiing Lake Tahoe — lifts are closed. Consider hiking, mountain biking or summer activities at altitude.
December ranks 12 out of 12 months in Lake Tahoe. Compared to November: −4°C daytime, 6 pts more rainy days, −1.2h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in December
UV index
3 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
-4°
Daylight
9.3h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 36
Compare
Is December the right month?
The best month in Lake Tahoe is July (9.3/10), 8.2 pts higher than December.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Lake Tahoe
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Lake Tahoe
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a mountain stay.
Country · United States
🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeAlpine mountain climate
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 27°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 4°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘMarch · 27%
🏔️ Mountain stay
⛰️Village altitude1900 m
🎿Ski area1900 → 2967 m
⛷️Ski seasonDec → May
🥾Hiking seasonJun → Sep
🧗High mountains ⓘGuide recommended
Explore
Other destinations in December
If December doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Similar climate
Mammoth MountainUnited StatesSteamboat SpringsUnited StatesPark CityUnited StatesSun ValleyUnited States
SamarkandUzbekistan
Location
Where is Lake Tahoe ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
United StatesAlpine mountain climate climate with a 9.3 → 1.1 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
39.10°N · 120.03°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Lake Tahoe?
It depends on the activity. For skiing: February (ski score 8.2/10). For hiking/summer: June (9.3/10, 22.0°C).
Can you ski in Lake Tahoe in winter?
Yes, it's peak ski season. Average ski score December–February: 8.1/10. Cold temperatures (4°C max in January) and frequent snowfall.
Is it warm in Lake Tahoe in summer?
In June, temperatures average 22.0°C. Best period for hiking and outdoor activities.
What is the wettest month in Lake Tahoe?
November is the wettest month with November has the lowest climate score of the year.
Do you need sun protection in Lake Tahoe in December?
The average UV index reaches 3 in December in Lake Tahoe (low), with about 9.3h of daylight. No protection needed.