Late spring · Weather & things to do
South Lake Tahoe in May
South Lake Tahoe warms up: highs climb to 62°F (17°C), from 51°F in April, with lows of 38°F (4°C) and about 1.5 in (38 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 90/100 (6th of 12).
- Avg high
- 62°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 38°F (4°C)
- Rain
- 1.5 in (38 mm)
- Humidity
- 60%
- Cloud cover
- 46%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 08 min
- Comfort score
- 90/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are mild at around 62°F (17°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 38°F (4°C), about 13°C (23°F) below the afternoon high.
About 1.5 in (38 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's May.
Plan around May
May is one of South Lake Tahoe's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May – October.
- Comfort improves from 69/100 in April to 90/100.
- Our South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee route recommends Dec – Mar, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 38°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in South Lake Tahoe in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Heavenly Village
Pedestrian village at the base of the gondola, with shops, restaurants and bars a short walk from the Stateline casinos.
Why now May scores 90/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Heavenly Gondola
Gondola from Heavenly Village up the mountain, with an observation deck partway up overlooking the lake.
Why now Highs near 62°F and 1.5 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Heavenly Mountain Resort
Ski resort straddling the California–Nevada line above South Lake Tahoe, with lake views from most of its runs.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Emerald Bay State Park
Granite-walled bay on Lake Tahoe's southwest shore around Fannette Island, the lake's only island.
Nearby in May
- Tahoe City & Palisades in May~18 mi · highs 62°F, 1.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Truckee in May~31 mi · highs 63°F, 1.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Old Sacramento Waterfront in May~86 mi · highs 80°F, 0.9 in rain · 10°C (19°F) warmer by day, drier
- Napa in May~127 mi · highs 73°F, 0.9 in rain · 6°C (11°F) warmer by day, drier
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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit South Lake Tahoe?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 90/100. Expect highs of 62°F (17°C) and 1.5 in (38 mm) of rain. Our South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee route recommends Dec – Mar, so May is outside its suggested window.
How cold is South Lake Tahoe in May?
Average highs are 62°F (17°C) and average lows 38°F (4°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in South Lake Tahoe in May?
Not much: about 1.5 in (38 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 25.3 in (642 mm).
What should I pack for South Lake Tahoe in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 38°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on South Lake Tahoe
Planning South Lake Tahoe in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.