Early winter · Weather & things to do
South Lake Tahoe in December
This is the coldest month in South Lake Tahoe: highs average 37°F (3°C) and lows 22°F (-6°C), with about 4.8 in (122 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 37°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 22°F (-6°C)
- Rain or snow
- 4.8 in (122 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 58%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 17 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 37°F (3°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 22°F (-6°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 4.8 in (122 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Only about 9 h 17 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – October.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (December – February), which brings about 12.3 in (312 mm) in total.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 17 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 63/100 in November to 41/100.
- December sits inside the Dec – Mar window our South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee route recommends.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 22°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 4.8 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in South Lake Tahoe in December
Wet days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Heavenly Village
Pedestrian village at the base of the gondola, with shops, restaurants and bars a short walk from the Stateline casinos.
Lakeside Beach
Small sandy beach near Stateline that faces west across the lake toward the Sierra crest.
Heavenly Mountain Resort
Ski resort straddling the California–Nevada line above South Lake Tahoe, with lake views from most of its runs.
Emerald Bay State Park
Granite-walled bay on Lake Tahoe's southwest shore around Fannette Island, the lake's only island.
Nearby in December
- Tahoe City & Palisades in December~18 mi · highs 37°F, 4.8 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Truckee in December~31 mi · highs 36°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Old Sacramento Waterfront in December~86 mi · highs 57°F, 4.6 in rain · 11°C (21°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Napa in December~127 mi · highs 54°F, 6.4 in rain · 9°C (17°F) warmer by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
South Lake Tahoe in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit South Lake Tahoe?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – October. Expect highs of 37°F (3°C) and 4.8 in (122 mm) of rain or snow. December is inside the Dec – Mar window our South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee route recommends.
How cold is South Lake Tahoe in December?
Average highs are 37°F (3°C) and average lows 22°F (-6°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in South Lake Tahoe in December?
Yes: about 4.8 in (122 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 25.3 in (642 mm).
What should I pack for South Lake Tahoe in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 22°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 4.8 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on South Lake Tahoe
Routes in season in December
- South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee Dec – Mar
Planning South Lake Tahoe in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.