The Best Seasons for a North Lake Tahoe Trip
Which Season Should You Visit North Tahoe?
Have you ever wanted to visit an alpine and lakeside paradise? From jaw-dropping mountain views to lake activities, Lake Tahoe is one destination that surely fits the bill. But while planning your next North Tahoe excursion, you might run into one problem: which season should you visit? While in the winter months and early spring skiing and boarding might be popular, during the warmer days of summer and fall lake activities like boating and swimming are all the rage.
To discover which season is truly the best time to visit, we’ve compiled this guide to help you. We’ll explore what to do during spring, summer, fall, and wintertime in North Tahoe and decide which season is the best for a Tahoe trip.
Spring Activities in Lake Tahoe
Springtime in Tahoe is a land on the cusp of change. From the verdant fields of wildflowers to the late-season snow storms that often hit the region, you’ll find both the winter and summertime represented in the days between March and May. Thankfully, you’ll also find plenty to do during this time of year, such as:
Spring Skiing and Snowboarding: Explore one of the many resorts in the North Tahoe area for a chance to experience some of the best powder you’ve ever seen during the springtime.
Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing: While there’s still snow on the ground, snowshoeing and cross country skiing are popular pastimes in North Tahoe. Check out Tahoe XC for the ultimate cross country skiing experience. For snowshoeing trails, don’t miss out on Kirkwood’s 50 miles of groomed trails.
Fishing: Lake Tahoe is North America’s largest alpine lake, making it a popular spot for several different types of fishing during the spring and summer months. From Lake Trout to Kokanee Salmon, you’ll find plenty of fish biting when you shore fish, boat fish, or even fly fish in a nearby stream.
Golfing: As the snow begins to lessen, the golf courses begin opening up their doors. Not sure where to golf in North Tahoe? Check out our helpful guide.
Things to Do in Lake Tahoe During Summertime
Summertime in Tahoe is the definition of paradise. With weather rarely ever hitting too-warm levels and the sun shining through much of the morning hours, you’ll have the perfect conditions to enjoy the fruits of this beautiful destination. Here’s a short rundown of the things to do in Lake Tahoe during the summer months:
Lake Activities: The waters of Lake Tahoe may be chilly, but that doesn’t stop anyone from enjoying the lake to the fullest each summer. From boating to kayaking to stand up paddleboarding to just a quick swim, there are a ton of lake activities to participate in while you’re staying in the North Tahoe area.
Hiking: Once the snow has melted, the hiking trails become a haven for those who love the outdoors. Not sure where to start with your hiking adventure? Take a look at our list of some hikes that you’ll fall in love with.
Biking: As the trails open up for the season, Lake Tahoe’s rocky and mountainous terrain lends itself to mountain biking while the highways are great for road biking.
Autumn Activities in North Tahoe
The most colorful time of year in Tahoe arrives just before winter takes hold on the mountains: autumn. Fall in Lake Tahoe is gorgeous, with pleasant temperatures and changing leaves that are sure to charm you into wanting to extend your stay. Wondering what there is to do during the fall in North Tahoe? Here’s a few ideas:
Leaf Viewing: As the fall colors begin to bloom in Lake Tahoe, there are plenty of ways to get out and see them. From a quick trip up to Taylor Creek to view the leaves to a longer trek up the Mount Rose Highway, don’t miss out on the beautiful fall colors during your next autumn trip to Tahoe.
Hiking and Biking: As the weather cools down, hiking and biking are a great way to spend some time in North Lake Tahoe.
Horseback Riding: Grab the reins and take in the awe-inspiring scenery that Tahoe has to offer with a fall horseback riding adventure. Seeing the changing leaves from the back of a horse is an activity you won’t soon forget.
Winter Things to Do in Lake Tahoe
Finally, we’ve arrived at the most popular time of year to visit Lake Tahoe: wintertime. Although it does get fairly cold during the winter months and snow storms are often on the horizon, that’s a bonus for those who are coming to ski and snowboard. For those of you who are thinking of visiting North Tahoe during the winter months, here’s a quick guide to what to do while you’re there.
Skiing and Snowboarding: From December to February each year, travelers flock to Lake Tahoe to enjoy a number of different ski resort destinations. From Northstar to Palisades Tahoe to Homewood, you’ll have your pick of the litter when you visit Tahoe during the winter months.
Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing: Like we mentioned for the spring season, snowshoeing and cross country skiing are the perfect outdoor activities when there’s a bit of snow on the ground.
Snowmobiling: Get out and enjoy the snowfall with a snowmobile ride, offered by many companies around North Tahoe. It’s a great way to get a look at the alpine landscape and it’s just plain fun as well.
So, Which Season is Best for a Lake Tahoe Trip?
Lake Tahoe shines during all seasons of the year, which makes it difficult to choose which season is best for you. However, if you’re a fan of skiing, a trip during the winter or springtime would make the most sense, while if you’re more of an outdoor enthusiast who wants to soak up the mountain air, summer or fall would be the better option. All in all, there is no one season that is best for a Tahoe trip–all of them have something to offer to visitors.
