The best way to see Lake Tahoe is to get out there and experience it! Offering countless opportunities to venture to the highest peaks or dive deep below the water, it’ll be hard to just choose one.

During the winter months, visitors flock from around the globe to experience world-class skiing and snowboarding. A handful of lakeside towns are spread along the shores of the lake including Incline Village, Kings Beach, South Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Tahoe City.

During the summer months, there is everything to do from hiking and kayaking to whitewater rafting, to lounging on the beach or even backpacking the Sierras. Popular beaches in Lake Tahoe include Kings Beach, Chimney Beach, Hidden Beach and Sand Harbor State Park. Sand Harbor, in particular, is a favorite among visitors and locals, offering a boat launch, picnic areas and a beautiful sandy beach. During July and August, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor offers plays set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Tahoe. If you are looking for other ways to explore the lake from the water, there are several shops in the area to rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and other water toys.

Another fantastic way to experience Lake Tahoe is on foot. There are a number of trailheads around the lake, offering hikes for beginners to advanced. A fun one to check out is Spooner Lake trail, a family-friendly hike where you can really appreciate the flora and fauna of the area. Another local favorite that offers one of the best views you can get of the lake is the Mount Rose Trail. Not for the faint of heart, this 9.5-mile round trip hike climbs 2,444 feet in elevation to awe-inspiring 360° views of Reno and Lake Tahoe.

These are just some of the limitless amazing outdoor activities that the Lake Tahoe area offers. Check out more Lake Tahoe outdoor activities.

What better way to experience the lake, than to see it through someone else’s eyes? Lake Tahoe’s arts and culture scene offers a selection of local art galleries and performing arts centers allow visitors to see art in its many forms. Dramatic photography and print, impressive sculpture and interpretive performance are just some of the ways that the lake inspires locals and non-locals alike.

There is nothing like taking in the fresh mountain air while window shopping in Northstar Village, picking up some new snow gear at the Village at Palisades Tahoe or strolling through Truckee or Tahoe City for a unique Tahoe souvenir. The various Lake Tahoe shopping selections are as unique as the areas in which they reside. You won’t find big box stores or large shopping malls here, but what you will find is a cool selection of locally-owned shops, thrift stores, and outdoor marketplaces.

The best time to visit Lake Tahoe depends on what you want to do while you’re there. During the warmer weather months of June through August, there are plenty of summer activities, and December through April are usually best if you are a winter sports enthusiast. Spring and fall are also great times to visit since the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. There really is no “bad” time to visit Lake Tahoe.

From snow-capped mountains surrounding the clear water of the lake in the winter to warmer weather and lots of sunshine in the summer, you will enjoy your trip to Lake Tahoe no matter what time of year it is. Visiting the area in the fall? The Lake is one of our fall favorites in Reno Tahoe, with patches of aspens turning brilliant gold, making hikes here a breathtakingly beautiful experience.

The mean annual precipitation ranges from more than 55 inches in watersheds on the west side of the Lake Tahoe basin to about 26 inches near the lake on the east side of the basin. Most of the precipitation falls as snow between November and April. There is a pronounced annual runoff of snowmelt in late spring and early summer, the timing of which varies from year to year.

The warmest season in Lake Tahoe is usually between July and August, with August sustaining an average high temperature of 77.2°F (25.1°C). The coldest month is typically January, with an average high of 38.7°F (3.7°C). No matter what type of weather you prefer, whether you love summer or winter, it’s always a great time to visit Lake Tahoe.