Early autumn · Weather & things to do
South Lake Tahoe in September
South Lake Tahoe cools off: highs slip to 74°F (23°C), from 82°F in August, with lows of 47°F (8°C) and about 0.4 in (9 mm) of rain.
At 100/100 for comfort (2nd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 74°F (23°C)
- Avg low
- 47°F (8°C)
- Rain
- 0.4 in (9 mm)
- Humidity
- 37%
- Cloud cover
- 21%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 14 min
- Comfort score
- 100/100 · Great
What September feels like
Warm afternoons near 74°F (23°C) make long days outdoors easy.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 47°F (8°C), about 15°C (27°F) below the afternoon high.
The air is dry, at about 37% humidity, which keeps warmth comfortable but dries skin and lips.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.4 in (9 mm) of rain.
Clear skies are common, with cloud cover averaging only 21%.
Plan around September
September is one of South Lake Tahoe's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: October highs fall to 61°F.
- Comfort holds steady from August (98 → 100/100).
- Our South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee route recommends Dec – Mar, so September falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clothes74°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 47°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in South Lake Tahoe in September
September is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Lakeside Beach
Small sandy beach near Stateline that faces west across the lake toward the Sierra crest.
Why now September scores 100/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Heavenly Village
Pedestrian village at the base of the gondola, with shops, restaurants and bars a short walk from the Stateline casinos.
Why now Highs near 74°F and 0.4 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 September
- Tahoe City & Palisades in September~18 mi · highs 74°F, 0.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Truckee in September~31 mi · highs 74°F, 0.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Old Sacramento Waterfront in September~86 mi · highs 91°F, 0.2 in rain · 10°C (17°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Napa in September~127 mi · highs 85°F, 0.1 in rain · 6°C (12°F) warmer by day, about as wet
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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit South Lake Tahoe?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 100/100. Expect highs of 74°F (23°C) and 0.4 in (9 mm) of rain. Our South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee route recommends Dec – Mar, so September is outside its suggested window.
How hot is South Lake Tahoe in September?
Average highs are 74°F (23°C) and average lows 47°F (8°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in South Lake Tahoe in September?
Not much: about 0.4 in (9 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 25.3 in (642 mm).
What should I pack for South Lake Tahoe in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (74°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 47°F), lip balm and moisturizer (dry air) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on South Lake Tahoe
Planning South Lake Tahoe in September?
Share this September plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.