Ultimate Guide to Reno: Weather Insights, Packing Tips, and Attractions

Depending on what time of year you plan to travel to the Reno and Tahoe region of Nevada, you’re sure to find a variety of indoor and outdoor activities including winter sports, summer festivals, and fall events. The temperatures in the area range from extremely hot in the summer months to freezing in the winter, but nighttime is almost always chilly in Lake Tahoe and the high desert climate of Reno.

No matter what time of year you decide to visit Reno or Lake Tahoe, you can look forward to great resorts, mountain adventures, and plenty of opportunities for fun in “The Biggest Little City in the World” and the surrounding area.

While many people assume Reno is hot year-round due to its location near several deserts, the city’s altitude and proximity to the mountain range dividing Nevada from California create seasonal weather patterns for the region. Average temperatures can range from a low of 22 degrees Fahrenheit in December and January to a high of 91 degrees Fahrenheit in the hottest month of summer, July. Still, the area receives very little rain year-round, even in the winter months.

• Hottest Month: July, 91 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celsius)
• Coldest Month: December, 21 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius)
• Wettest Month: January (1.06 in.)

Reno Weather in the Spring

As the snow begins to thaw on the mountains near Lake Tahoe and Reno and the weather warms up across the region, the number of travelers dwindles but the number of events and outdoor activities starts to pick up. While April and May are still slightly chilly, especially at night, almost no rainfall occurs in early spring, making it ideal for spending some time outdoors as the winter chill fades away.

• Average temperatures in March: 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius) / 29 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degrees Celsius)
• Average temperatures in April: 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) / 33 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius)
• Average temperatures in May: 73 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) / 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius)

What to Pack for Spring

Although daytime temperatures begin to climb in April and May, nighttime temperatures mean you’ll still need to bring a sweater and possibly a warm coat if you plan to be outside after sunset. Late May and June are great times for hiking and camping, so don’t forget your gear and boots if you want to venture into the mountains.

Reno Weather in the Summer

The warmest, driest, and busiest time of year in Reno is summer, when families and solo travelers alike take time off work to enjoy outdoor fun in the sun. Fortunately, Reno never gets too hot, even in July and August, and if you want to truly escape the heat, you can enjoy a cooling dip in Lake Tahoe, where temperatures rarely exceed the lower 70s.

• Average temperatures in June: 83 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) / 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius)
• Average temperatures in July: 91 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celsius) / 51 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius)
• Average temperatures in August: 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) / 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius)

What to Pack for Summer

Since summer has the warmest daytime temperatures, you should be especially cautious if you plan to stay out late, as temperatures can drop as much as 40 degrees Fahrenheit between the hottest part of the day and the coldest part of night. Bring layers, long and short pants, and perhaps a light jacket if you’re prone to feeling cold. Also, be sure to pack your swimming trunks, t-shirts, and flip-flops for enjoying a day at the beach at Lake Tahoe.

Reno Weather in the Fall

One of the best times to visit Reno is early autumn when temperatures remain comfortable between the 50s and 70s, although it is one of the rainiest seasons. Even though most of the trees on the mountains near Lake Tahoe are evergreen, you can still enjoy the changing colors of the foliage.

• Average temperatures in September: 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) / 43 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius)
• Average temperatures in October: 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) / 34 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degrees Celsius)
• Average temperatures in November: 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) / 26 degrees Fahrenheit (-3 degrees Celsius)

What to Pack for Fall

Remember to pack a sweater and a raincoat, especially if you’re traveling in November. Reno sees more rainfall toward the end of the season and into winter. Although it does get warm during the daytime, shorts and t-shirts might not be necessary as temperatures typically only reach the mid-70s in September and October.

Reno Weather in the Winter

Whether you’re staying in Reno or heading up to Lake Tahoe, you’ll likely encounter snowfall at some point during the winter, particularly in December and January when the region is wettest. January through April are excellent months for skiing and snowboarding, attracting many vacationers to stay at famous mountain resorts.

• Average temperatures in December: 46 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) / 21 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius)
• Average temperatures in January: 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) / 22 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 degrees Celsius)
• Average temperatures in February: 52 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius) / 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-3.8 degrees Celsius)

What to Pack for Winter

Surprisingly, you may need to pack fewer items of clothing for your trip to Reno in the winter. Although winter temperatures are colder overall, they fluctuate less between night and day, meaning you won’t need to pack as many layers. Instead, prioritize warm clothing such as sweaters, scarves, and coats.

Average Monthly Temperature, Rainfall, and Daylight Hours

Reno’s Rain Shadow and Lake Effects

The lake effect and rain shadow are two weather patterns that significantly impact overall climate and daily weather conditions in the Reno area.

The rain shadow effect is responsible for Reno’s desert climate, where wind currents keep moisture-laden clouds from moving into the region. More precipitation is often seen just west of town in the Sierra Nevada, which is not affected by rain shadow.

The large body of water known as Lake Tahoe influences local weather with phenomena called the lake effect. When conditions align perfectly, storms passing over Lake Tahoe gather extra moisture and bring it to the Reno side of the mountains, which can result in occasional storms with heavy rain or snowfall in the area.