Early winter · Weather & things to do
Tahoe City & Palisades in December
This is the coldest month in Tahoe City & Palisades: highs average 37°F (3°C) and lows 21°F (-6°C), with about 4.8 in (122 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 40/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 37°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 21°F (-6°C)
- Rain or snow
- 4.8 in (122 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 62%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 15 min
- Comfort score
- 40/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 37°F (3°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 21°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 15 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 15 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 61/100 in November to 40/100.
- 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 21°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 4.8 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Tahoe City & Palisades in December
With 4.8 in of rain or snow, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Fire Sign Cafe
West-shore breakfast and lunch cafe in an old cabin south of Tahoe City, serving locals since the 1970s.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 4.8 in of rain.
Bridgetender Tavern & Grill
Long-running Tahoe City tavern next to Fanny Bridge, known for burgers and a patio over the Truckee River.
Palisades Tahoe
Host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, now linking Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows by gondola, with steep terrain on KT-22.
Fanny Bridge
Bridge in Tahoe City over the Truckee River where it leaves Lake Tahoe, beside the dam that regulates the lake's level.
Nearby in December
- Truckee in December~13 mi · highs 36°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- South Lake Tahoe in December~18 mi · highs 37°F, 4.8 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Old Sacramento Waterfront in December~84 mi · highs 57°F, 4.6 in rain · 12°C (21°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Napa in December~123 mi · highs 54°F, 6.4 in rain · 10°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.
Tahoe City & Palisades in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Tahoe City & Palisades?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 40/100, 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 Tahoe City & Palisades in December?
Average highs are 37°F (3°C) and average lows 21°F (-6°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Tahoe City & Palisades 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 Tahoe City & Palisades in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 21°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 picks involve some walking).
More on Tahoe City & Palisades
Routes in season in December
- South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee Dec – Mar
Planning Tahoe City & Palisades in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.