September in Lake Tahoe often sees the last vestiges of summer, and is a time of transition. The average high temperature is around 74 degrees F, with a relatively moderate low of 46 degrees. The water in Lake Tahoe is always a bit chilly, but its warmest months are actually in August in September, when it typically hovers between 65 and 75 degrees, depending on the external weather. 

This combination of seasons is evident in the events that take place.  The Autumn Food and Wine Festival, which has been going strong in North Lake Tahoe for more than 30 years, pushed back its 2019 dates to later in September to “capture the true essence of fall.” When it occurred earlier in the month, it had a much more summery feel. 

So, is September a good time to visit Lake Tahoe? Of course, but be aware of a few factors: 

• The beginning of the month will still very much have a summer vibe, and the crowds will still be comparable to summer. In 2018 in South Lake Tahoe, lodging capacity actually hit 42% (nearly that of August). 
• The first two weeks are relatively quiet in terms of events. This is as great time to visit if you want to experience summer in Tahoe without the crowds. 
• The latter half of the month is most certainly fall. Visit at this time for more moderate temperatures than October-December and plenty of autumn-related activities.  

Here’s a brief look at all the events taking place in Lake Tahoe in September.

November in North Lake Tahoe aligns much more closely with winter than summer. Average lows drop below freezing, while average highs are in the low 50s. Snowfall will start to accumulate nicely in the mountains and at the ski resorts, and the towns start preparing for their winter rush. 

Visiting Lake Tahoe in November means avoiding crowds, but getting to experience a few more events than in October. By the end of the month, holiday decorations are up, snow may be on the ground, the days are nearly an hour shorter than they were at the beginning of the month, and the lake transforms into a cozy winter escape. We find that many of our guests head to the mountains over Thanksgiving not necessarily to celebrate the holiday but to take advantage of time off work for several reasons — 9% admitted they used it as a way to spend a long weekend away from the kids. See all the creative ways our guests celebrate Thanksgiving here.

If you’re headed to Tahoe in November, check out these events going on:

If you want smaller crowds, lower lodging prices, and unique events, visiting Lake Tahoe in the fall is a worthwhile experience. Here’s how to choose when to go:

• September: Warm weather with a hint of crisp nights, plenty of events all over the lake, and towns that are still busy mark September in Lake Tahoe. 
• October: One of the quietest periods of the year, and absolutely perfect for anything outdoors. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, yoga, and more are all on tap, set among the beautiful fall foliage. 
• November: November nights are what many in the southern half of the U.S. would consider winter. The holiday decorations start going up, and events focused on the charm of winter fill the calendars. Outdoor activities are certainly still a great activity, but know the weather will be less predictable and much colder than October - especially in North Lake Tahoe. 

Need any more recommendations or information on traveling to Lake Tahoe in the fall? Give our Guest Experience team a call, and they’ll be happy to help you decide if an autumn vacation is what you’re looking for.