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weather

Weather can make a huge impact on how we explore and play on Lake Tahoe. Understanding High Sierra weather and the conditions on the lake can help you plan your adventure and prepare for your Clearly Tahoe experience!


Lake Tahoe is an alpine lake that sits at 6,225 feet, and its high Sierra Nevada mountain weather is a large part of what makes it such a perfect playground for guests looking to recreate outside. The weather is divided into four distinct seasons but sunshine is usually always on the menu with over 300 days of sun per year! Guests can step inside a living snow globe in winter months, marvel at the abundant wildflowers and waterfalls in spring, swim and splash on hot summer days, and enjoy crisp cool mountain air in the fall.

One of the greatest obstacles we face in terms of weather on the lake is not temperature or precipitation, but WIND. Here at Clearly Tahoe we are always keeping a eye on the forecasts for our guests, but if you plan to spend time on the water independently, be sure to familiarize yourself with wind speeds and the effects they have on lake conditions. Winds are always lowest in the early morning making it the best time for a paddle!

At this elevation storms can develop quickly over the mountains and move over the lake. During the winter months they bring snowfall, turning the surrounding peaks into a dreamland for winter sports. During the spring and summer they commonly join us as afternoon thunderstorms, and can quite literally dampen the day. It is best to get out early in the day to avoid them. These systems are least common during the early fall when mild air temperatures level out with the summer warmed water temperatures of the lake.


WINTER

a snow covered slope
  • Average Temperature: High 42°F / Low 19°F
  • What to Wear: Warm layers, jackets, snow pants, hats, gloves, boots
  • Best Tour Time: 12:00 pm
  • Our Favorite Way to Play: Polar Paddle!
  • Available Clearly Activities:
    – Polar Paddle
    – Snowshoe Rental
    – Tahoe Adventure Shop

SPRING

People kayaking on clear, turquoise water with rocky shoreline and snowy mountains in the background.
  • Average Temperature: High 53°F / Low 30°F
  • What to Wear: Light layers, sweatshirt or light jacket, easily removable shoes
  • Best Tour Time: 8:00 am
  • Our Favorite Way to Play: Bonsai Rock Tour!
  • Available Clearly Activities:
    – Bonsai Rock Tour
    – Summit Shores Tour
    – Bike Rentals
    – Take & Go Rentals
    – Tahoe Adventure Shop

SUMMER

Two people paddleboarding on clear turquoise water surrounded by rocks.
  • Average Temperature: High 77°F / Low 47°F
  • What to Wear: Swimwear, light layers, sunglasses, hats, sandals or watershoes
  • Best Tour Time: 7:00 am
  • Our Favorite Way to Play: The Clearly Explorer!
  • Available Clearly Activities:
    – Bonsai Rock Tour
    – Summit Shores Tour
    – Emerald Bay Tour
    – Uncharted Tour
    – Sunset Excursion
    – LED Glow Tour
    – LED Stargazing Tour
    – Eco Canoe Tour
    – Bike Rentals
    – Take & Go Rentals
    – Tahoe Adventure Shop

FALL

2022-10-16_Moondulla_06
  • Average Temperature: High 61°F / Low 31°F
  • What to Wear: Light layers, sweatshirt or light jacket, hat, easily removable shoes
  • Best Tour Time: 8:00 am
  • Our Favorite Way to Play: Summit Shore Tour!
  • Available Clearly Activities:
    – Bonsai Rock Tour
    – Summit Shores Tour
    – Emerald Bay Tour
    – Uncharted Tour
    – Sunset Excursion
    – LED Glow Tour
    – LED Stargazing Tour
    – Eco Canoe Tour
    – Bike Rentals
    – Take & Go Rentals
    – Tahoe Adventure Shop