Lake Tahoe in September

In September, Lake Tahoe averages 22°C (72°F) during the day and 12°C (53°F) at night, with only about 4 rainy days.

Shoulder

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

It's peak hurricane season in Lake Tahoe during September. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.

22°C
Avg high
12°C
Avg low
4
Rain days
25 mm
Rainfall

How September compares to the rest of the year in Lake Tahoe

4th
warmest month of the 12
8th
wettest month of the 12
3%
of yearly rainfall falls in September
12 h 28 min
daylight on the 15th

September is in the middle of the year for warmth in Lake Tahoe (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C above the annual average (14°C). September runs 4°C cooler than August (26°C) and cools 6°C in October (16°C).

September sunrise & sunset in Lake Tahoe

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:41 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:09 PM
Day length
12 h 28 min

Times shown for Lake Tahoe local time (America/Los_Angeles), calculated for the 15th of September. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Lake Tahoe — September

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of September, in Lake Tahoe's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:41 AM – 6:21 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:21 AM – 7:21 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:29 PM – 7:29 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:29 PM – 8:09 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Lake Tahoe.

📅 When to book — Lake Tahoe in September

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 September's tier (Shoulder) and Lake Tahoe's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel. ⚠ Peak hazard season — book flexible-change tickets and travel insurance with weather-disruption coverage.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — September in Lake Tahoe

Shoulder

Lake Tahoe is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather peak hazard season (1 active)

Sun & mosquito risk — September in Lake Tahoe

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
9.7
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

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.

Lake Tahoe in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow 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 September weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Lake Tahoe in September →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Lake Tahoe in September?

In September, Lake Tahoe averages a high of 22°C (72°F) and a low of 12°C (53°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Lake Tahoe in September?

September is generally dry in Lake Tahoe, with about 4 rainy days on average.

Is September a good time to visit Lake Tahoe?

September is mild and pleasant and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Lake Tahoe in September?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full September packing list for Lake Tahoe for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Lake Tahoe on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.