Lake Tahoe in December
In December, Lake Tahoe averages 4°C (39°F) during the day and -3°C (27°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (143 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December in Lake Tahoe is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Lake Tahoe
December is one of the coolest months in Lake Tahoe (12th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (14°C). December runs 5°C cooler than November (9°C) and stays flat into January.
December sunrise & sunset in Lake Tahoe
Times shown for Lake Tahoe local time (America/Los_Angeles), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Lake Tahoe — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Lake Tahoe's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Lake Tahoe in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Off-peak) and Lake Tahoe's popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in Lake Tahoe
This is off-peak for Lake Tahoe — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Lake Tahoe
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🥶 Bitter cold — Lake Tahoe in December
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Lake Tahoe in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C / 40°F | -3°C / 27°F | 133 mm | 10 | — |
| February | 5°C / 41°F | -3°C / 27°F | 119 mm | 9 | — |
| March | 6°C / 43°F | -2°C / 29°F | 106 mm | 11 | — |
| April | 10°C / 50°F | 1°C / 33°F | 49 mm | 7 | — |
| May | 15°C / 59°F | 5°C / 40°F | 42 mm | 9 | — |
| June | 22°C / 72°F | 10°C / 51°F | 10 mm | 3 | — |
| July | 27°C / 80°F | 15°C / 59°F | 10 mm | 3 | — |
| August | 26°C / 79°F | 15°C / 59°F | 12 mm | 3 | — |
| September | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 53°F | 25 mm | 4 | — |
| October | 16°C / 61°F | 6°C / 43°F | 50 mm | 4 | — |
| November | 9°C / 48°F | 1°C / 33°F | 67 mm | 7 | — |
| December | 4°C / 39°F | -3°C / 27°F | 143 mm | 11 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Lake Tahoe in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Lake Tahoe in December?
In December, Lake Tahoe averages a high of 4°C (39°F) and a low of -3°C (27°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Lake Tahoe in December?
December can be fairly wet in Lake Tahoe, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Lake Tahoe?
December is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Lake Tahoe in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Lake Tahoe for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.