Lake Tahoe in the Fall – Visiting Guide

Our California residents have created this guide to provide you with everything you should know for your autumn visit to South Lake Tahoe:

Please use the links above to jump to your desired month.

All of the links above open in a new tab. They are incredibly useful for your Lake Tahoe trip in October.

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Learn  everything you need to know about:

  • The Weather
  • What to Wear | Outfits | Packing
  • The Crowds
  • The Best Things to Do

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SEPTEMBER Weather Overview

September marks Lake Tahoe’s final warm days of the year, with average daily high temperatures from 68°F to 77°F (20-25°C). However, the evenings and mornings may reach freezing temperatures, particularly at the end of the month. It rains one day on average and snow is highly unlikely.

We’ll cover early-month, mid-month, and late-month September weather in South Lake Tahoe. The average high temps throughout the month:

  • Early September: 77°F (25°C)
  • Mid-September: 74°F (23°C)
  • Late September: 68°F (20°C)

Though you are less likely to get a sunburn in September, you should still wear sunscreen and a hat as higher elevations can give you more exposure to harmful sun rays.

Daily temperature progression on a typical day:

  • Morning: 45°F
  • Afternoon: 73°F
  • Evening: 55°F
Early September

Labor Day is one of the ideal three-day weekends to enjoy Lake Tahoe. At the beginning of September, daily high temperatures are in the mid to upper 70 F° degrees, with evening and morning temperatures in the upper 30 F° degrees.

The daytime hours between 10:30 and 7:30 p.m. are comfortable. The sun sets at around 7:30 p.m., after which temperatures turn cold. Skies are clear most of early September with less than a 5% chance of rain.

Mid-September

Temperatures hold steady through the middle of August, with daily high temperatures around 80 F° degrees and evenings and mornings in the upper 30 F° degrees. Temperatures are comfortable between 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., after which the air cools quickly.

Daytime hours between 10:30 and 7:30 p.m. are comfortable. Skies remain mostly clear, with little chance of rain.

Late September

Autumn in Lake Tahoe begins in late September. Daily highs lower to the upper 60 F° to lower 70 F° degrees. Additionally, early mornings and evenings decrease to freezing temperatures.

There are a few comfortable hours between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m., but you’ll experience the area’s cooler temperatures in late September.

Snow and Rain Forecast in September

September in South Lake Tahoe is the shoulder season, and the likelihood of snow is extremely low, with just over a 0% chance. The month is often so dry that there is a higher risk than average for wildfires. There is, however, a higher chance of rain throughout the month, with up to a 9% chance by September 30.

Swimming in September

The Lake Tahoe water temperature in September can vary between 60 F° and 70 F° degrees, which means it will feel cold for swimming and may cause cold water shock. You can swim in September, but you should check the water temperature before going for a dip.

Remember that the lake is filled with melting snow, so it’s naturally frigid and dangerous to swim in, even during the warmer summer months. Enjoy your swim, especially in early September when the water is warmer. Please consider these safety tips for cold water:

  • Know your swimming limitations and consider a life jacket (drowning can happen to anyone, even if you are a good swimmer)
  • Enter the water slowly
  • Do not swim alone
  • Respect the dangers of cold water
  • Check the wind conditions and the weather forecast
  • File a ‘float plan’ before boating and leave with a friend or loved ones

September Outfits & Packing

September afternoons in Lake Tahoe are warm and sunny, but daytime temperatures begin to cool quickly after mid-month. During the day, you’ll probably choose to wear layers like t-shirts, lightweight long-sleeved shirts, shorts, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

You can still swim in the lake during the day, so bring a swimsuit and dry clothes to change into afterward.

During the evening, temperatures drop after 6:00 p.m., so begin to layer up with warm clothing after 5:00 p.m. By late evening, and in the early morning, you may even need winter clothing like jackets, gloves, and scarves.

💡 The mornings before 10:00 a.m. will be cold, and you’ll want to wear warm clothing like sweaters, jackets, and scarves.

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September Packing List for Lake Tahoe

September in South Lake Tahoe is still warm and sunny, though evenings and mornings may drop to freezing temperatures. So, here’s a list of items to pack for a September stay in Tahoe.

  • Layers of sun-protective, lightweight clothing for the daytime (shorts, t-shirts)
  • Warm clothing layers for the mornings and evenings (long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, hoodies)
  • Autumn clothing like jackets and scarves for early morning and late-night outings
  • Hiking boots or running shoes with good grip
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, chapstick with SPF, and a hat
  • A water bottle and electrolytes for daytime activities
  • A swimsuit and beach clothes and shoes for the lake

September Best Time and Crowds

If you’re visiting Lake Tahoe on the weekend in early September, you’ll see nearly as many tourists as you would in August (about 10% less).

If you’re planning to visit for Labor Day weekend, you’ll need to reserve accommodation months in advance and prepare to arrive at popular spots before 9:00 a.m. However, schools have already begun in August, so you’ll experience fewer crowds as September progresses.

Tip: To find the best rates for accommodations in September, book them months ahead if possible. However, you can also try to find deals and special rates via booking.com – Lake Tahoe Hotels (price check)

The best time to visit for the most comfortable daytime temperatures is in early September, but if you’d like fewer people, it’s best to travel to Tahoe from mid to late September.

Lake Tahoe Activities in September

There are multiple activities to enjoy in South Lake Tahoe in September, including:

  • Biking: Rent bikes or bring your own bike to explore the mountainous terrain in sites like Boreal Mountain Resort and Northstar California Resort.
  • Horseback Riding: The cooler temperatures of September make for incredible horseback riding along the lake.
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: One unique way to experience a September sunrise is to sign up for a hot air balloon ride in South Lake Tahoe.
  • Hiking: Hike the trails at Heavenly Ski Resort or explore day hikes in the Lake Tahoe region. Look into the guided via ferrata tours at Palisades Tahoe for a more challenging trek.
  • Rock Climbing: There are multiple outdoor climbing spots in the Lake Tahoe area, and Heavenly Ski Resort has a climbing wall for those who prefer the adventurous indoors.
  • Watersports: This region is one of the only places with a “water trail” for visitors who want to explore the lake. Rent kayaks or even charter a lake cruise.
  • Other: Lake Tahoe offers many adventurous sports like ziplining and parasailing.

7 Lake Tahoe Events in September

September marks the unofficial beginning of autumn in the Lake Tahoe region, but several summer events continue through Labor Day, which falls on the first weekend of September. Labor Day weekend is the ideal time to visit most cities around Lake Tahoe, including South Lake Tahoe, which hosts memorable holiday activities.

Ongoing activities include concerts, architecture tours, farmers’ markets, a wine festival, and a surprisingly early Oktoberfest. As the evenings get colder, most September events conclude by late afternoon, so be sure to have a campfire or fireplace to return to.

Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series
  • When: Friday and Saturday evenings in early September
  • Where Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe

To wrap up the summer, the Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe hosts a free, family-friendly live music series. The shops and restaurants near the stage are also excellent for visitors looking for dinner with a show. Read more at TheShopsatHeavenly.com.

Alpen Wine Fest
  • When: First weekend of September
  • Where: The Village at Palisades Tahoe, Northwest Shore of Lake Tahoe

The Palisades Tahoe resort hosts this long-running wine festival on the Sunday afternoon of Labor Day weekend. The Wine Fest includes live music and wine tasting at dozens of wineries. Tickets cost $40, and profits go towards a multiple sclerosis support organization.

This resort is a one-hour drive from South Lake Tahoe, and after all the tasting, it may be best to stay at the lodge or in nearby Tahoe City. Read more at PalisadesTahoe.com.

Music in the Park
  • When: First weekend in September
  • Where: Tahoe Paradise Park, South Lake Tahoe

Music in the Park wraps up its summer music festival series in early September. This is a free and family-friendly festival that includes food trucks. Tahoe Paradise Park is a 15-minute drive from South Lake Tahoe, making it an easy day trip for visitors. Read more at VisitLakeTahoe.com.

Ski Run Farmer’s Market & Street Fair
  • When: Fridays in September
  • Where: Ski Run Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe

The Ski Run Farmers Market is another summer favorite in South Lake Tahoe. Live music and market vendors show up every Friday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Unlike other events, the Ski Run fair runs through late September. Read more at SkiRunFarmersMarket.com.

Fall Art Hike
  • When: Second weekend in September
  • Where: Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop, North Lake Tahoe

While Lake Tahoe is known for its hiking, one standout event in September – an art hike – also includes music, art, poetry, and dance. The 1.3-mile Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop trail features eight performances and art pieces.

Altogether, the art hike takes 2.5 to 3 hours to complete and is appropriate for attendees of all ages (there is a 9:00 a.m. “mindfulness hike for adults,” if you prefer). Tickets cost $45 per adult and $15 per child. This trail is a 50-minute drive from South Lake Tahoe. Read more at TrailsandVistas.org.

Oktoberfest
  • When: Third or fourth Saturday in September
  • Where: The Village at Palisades Tahoe, East Lake Tahoe

This is the ultimate Oktoberfest in Lake Tahoe, held a month early on one of the last warm afternoons of the year. Travel to Palisades Tahoe, the ski resort just outside Tahoe City, about an hour northeast of South Lake Tahoe.

Here, you’ll sit in beer halls, enjoy hours of German food, listen to Bavarian bands, and participate in the “Oktoberfest games” like a keg roll. Read more at PalisadesTahoe.com.

Historic Vikingsholm Castle Tour
  • When: Daily in September
  • Where: Emerald Bay State Park, South Lake Tahoe

During the summer, visitors to South Lake Tahoe can visit the Vikingsholm Castle, a Scandinavian mansion and designated National Natural Landmark. You’ll need to take a short but steep hike to get to the castle.

Guided tours cost $15 per adult and are free for children under seven. This castle is a 20-minute drive from South Lake Tahoe. You can pay for a boat shuttle from South Lake Tahoe for a more relaxing visit, which costs $70-$125 more. Read more at SierraStateParks.org.

OCTOBER Weather Overview

While the average high temps in October are pleasant, it gets a lot colder in the mornings and evenings.

October is the month that bridges autumn and winter, as temperatures quickly cool and there’s a chance of snow towards the end of the month.

In Lake Tahoe in October, the average high temperature hovers around 60 F° (16°C) degrees. Evenings and mornings are significantly colder, and during the night, temperatures drop to freezing. Additionally, there is more cloud cover and precipitation in October than in September.

Average high temperatures during the day:

  • Early October: 68°F (20°C)
  • Mid-October: 62°F (17°C)
  • Lad October: 56°F (13°C)

We’ll cover early-month, mid-month, and late-month October weather in South Lake Tahoe in detail:

Early October

If you don’t mind bundling up in warm clothing, early October is one of the most idyllic times to visit Lake Tahoe. At the beginning of the month, daily high temperatures in October are mid to upper 60 F° degrees, with evening and morning temperatures around freezing.

Between 2:00 and 5:30 p.m. are the most comfortable hours, and you can explore the outdoors with little to no sunscreen. The sun sets at around 6:30 p.m., and temperatures chill an hour before. Skies are not very cloudy in early October, though there is a 10% chance of rain.

Mid-October

Temperatures begin to steadily decrease through mid-October, with daily high temperatures in the mid to low 60 F° degrees. By contrast, evenings and mornings hover around 30 F° degrees, below freezing.

Temperatures are cool between 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., but if you stay active and layer up with warm clothing, you will probably find the afternoon comfortable. By this time in October, you have a 50% chance of clear skies and a 13% chance of rain. Depending on the temperatures, you may even experience snow.

Mid-October is also the peak time for fall colors
Late October

By the end of October, many days will feel wintery, with daily highs in the upper 50 F° degrees. The evenings and mornings before 10:00 a.m. are almost guaranteed to be freezing-cold, so it’s definitely fireplace season.

By late October, most days will be overcast with a rapidly increasing chance of rain, sleet, or snow (up to 18% chance). By October 31, you may expect a snowy Halloween day.

Snowfall

October in South Lake Tahoe is cold, but the chances of snow are still low, with about a 1% chance of snow across the month. On average, you can expect 1 or 2 snow days in October. Your most likely weather will be rain. However, the chance of snowfall increases towards the end of the month.

In recent years, we didn’t see any snowfall every time we visited Lake Tahoe during October.

Fall Colors in October

Autumn is a fantastic time for “leaf-peeping,” or visiting and photographing trees’ changing leaves. The Lake Tahoe region is well-known for its golden aspen groves, which turn yellow, orange, and red. We loved going in mid-October when the fall colors are almost everywhere near Lake Tahoe.

You can see the beautiful fall color explosion in Lake Tahoe from late September/early October until the end of the month. The peak period in this region for gorgeous displays of fall color is typically mid-October. However, the prime time for when the leaves change color varies from year to year, depending on the weather conditions and temperatures.

Among the many places you can see this fall foliage is Hope Valley, which is about 30 minutes south of South Lake Tahoe.

For a closer visit, consider visiting Fallen Leaf Lake, only 10 minutes west of South Lake Tahoe.

More fantastic spots to photograph and watch the vibrant fall colors (including a Google Maps link for each):

October Outfits and Packing

October days in Lake Tahoe are cool and occasionally cloudy after freezing nights.

Swimming?

It’s best to leave the swimsuit at home as swimming can be dangerous during October in Lake Tahoe, with both air and water temperatures at around 50 F° degrees, making it risky for hypothermia.

October in South Lake Tahoe is the best season for visitors who enjoy bundling in autumn clothing and wearing sweaters, scarves, jackets, and boots. For the daytime, layers are essential, as afternoon temperatures are often warm and mild compared to freezing mornings.

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We always bring waterproof clothing in October, as there is a chance of rain, sleet, or snow.

During the evening, temperatures drop to freezing again, so it’s a great time to wear all the winter clothing you have, including long underwear, hats, gloves, and wool socks.

October Packing List

October is getting colder, so here’s a list of items to pack for a Lake Tahoe stay.

  • Layers of warm clothing for the daytime, including long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and scarves
  • Beanie, hat
  • Short sleeves for pleasant and sunny afternoons
  • Waterproof Jacket, shell, or hoodie
  • Warm winter clothing for the evenings, including wool layers, hats, gloves, and thick jackets
  • Hiking boots with good grip
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Backpack/daypack or tote bag (depending on if you’re hiking)

October Best Time and Crowds

The shores are beautiful in October, especially without the summer crowds.

There are excellent reasons to visit Lake Tahoe in October. First, it’s the best time to walk amongst the fall foliage like the golden-leaved aspen trees.

October is also less busy in Lake Tahoe as there are few to no crowds. For example, lodging places collect 30-50% less revenue than in August and September. And with the ski season typically starting in November, this is a shoulder season month ideal for visitors looking for a peaceful autumn visit.

So, you can visit any time during October when you prefer a less busy place. That’s also one reason why we went to Lake Tahoe quite often during this month.

However, when we liked to avoid the rain and snow and wanted to have more comfortable temperatures, we tried to visit Lake Tahoe in early October.

Lake Tahoe Activities in October

Check the best Lake Tahoe Tours here

There are multiple activities to enjoy in South Lake Tahoe in October, including:

  • Biking: Enjoy the cooler weather by renting a bike or bringing your own to explore the terrain around Tahoe, like Boreal Mountain Resort and Northstar California Resort.
  • Hiking: Hiking is another excellent cool-weather activity, and there are many uncrowded trails in October, like those at Heavenly Ski Resort or other day hikes. Pack your umbrella for rain and microspikes or snowshoes in the chance of ice or snow.
  • Aerial Trams: Even in the fall, you can enjoy a gondola ride to the top of Heavenly Ski Resort or experience an aerial tram over the fall foliage to the top of the Palisades Tahoe resort.
  • Horseback Riding: Horseback riding is available even in the fall, as stables like Zephyr Cove offer guided family-friendly tours overlooking Lake Tahoe.
  • Ice Skating: Lake Tahoe itself doesn’t freeze. So, if you’re in the mood to go ice-skating, you can always drop by the indoor South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena, which is open year-round. Or you can wait for Halloween when the outdoor ice rink at Heavenly Village Resort reopens for the winter season.
  • Boat Cruises: Cooler temperatures call for covered boat activities, so consider signing up for an Emerald Bay day cruise with Tahoe Blue Wave Cruises or other companies.

3 Lake Tahoe Events in October

October is a chillier month than September and perfect for walking under golden aspens, enjoying the hot springs, participating in a road race, or celebrating Halloween at one of the many resorts.

Kokanee Salmon Festival
  • WHEN: First weekend in October
  • WHERE: Lake Tahoe Visitor Center, South Lake Tahoe

The free, family-friendly Salmon Festival happens in early October at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center near Camp Richardson, 10-minute drive west of South Lake Tahoe. This festival celebrates the yearly migration of Kokanee Salmon that swim through the Tahoe water. There are educational talks, food vendors, and a short, child-friendly walking path that puts visitors eye to eye with the salmon.

Take a Dip in a Hot Springs Pool
  • WHEN: Daily
  • WHERE: Grover Hot Springs State Park, South of Lake Tahoe

If you’re feeling cold, visiting a hot springs park may be just what you need to warm up. Fortunately, the popular Grover Hot Springs State Park is only 45 minutes south of South Lake Tahoe, and if you’re visiting Hope Valley for leaf-peeping, you’re only half an hour away. Reserve a spot in the hot springs for $10 per adult at ReserveCalifornia.com (note: suspended from late 2021 until facilities are renovated). Read more at Parks.CA.gov.

Cheer or Run a Marathon or Half Marathon
  • WHEN: First or second week of October
  • WHERE: Carnelian Bay, South Lake Tahoe

If you’re looking to experience “maybe the most beautiful race in the world,” consider registering for the Emerald Bay Half Marathon or Lake Tahoe Marathon. And if you want to skip the run, join the runners at Lakeside Beach near Stateline. You cheer at the finish line and join in on the beer, hot dogs, and live music there.

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