Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
South Lake Tahoe in January
Little changes in South Lake Tahoe from December: highs stay near 38°F (3°C), lows near 22°F (-5°C), and about 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain or snow falls.
With a comfort score of 45/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 38°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 22°F (-5°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.6 in (91 mm)
- Humidity
- 76%
- Cloud cover
- 57%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 33 min
- Comfort score
- 45/100 · Fair
What January feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 38°F (3°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 22°F (-5°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – October.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, December – February.
- Comfort improves from 41/100 in December to 45/100.
- January sits inside the Dec – Mar window our South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 22°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.6 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in South Lake Tahoe in January
With highs near 38°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
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.
Heavenly Gondola
Gondola from Heavenly Village up the mountain, with an observation deck partway up overlooking the lake.
Lakeside Beach
Small sandy beach near Stateline that faces west across the lake toward the Sierra crest.
Nearby in January
- Tahoe City & Palisades in January~18 mi · highs 37°F, 3.6 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Truckee in January~31 mi · highs 37°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Old Sacramento Waterfront in January~86 mi · highs 58°F, 3.6 in rain · 11°C (20°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Napa in January~127 mi · highs 54°F, 4.7 in rain · 9°C (16°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit South Lake Tahoe?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 45/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – October. Expect highs of 38°F (3°C) and 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain or snow. January is inside the Dec – Mar window our South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee route recommends.
How cold is South Lake Tahoe in January?
Average highs are 38°F (3°C) and average lows 22°F (-5°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in South Lake Tahoe in January?
Some: about 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 4th-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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 22°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.6 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on South Lake Tahoe
Routes in season in January
- South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee Dec – Mar
Planning South Lake Tahoe in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.