ActivitiesSwimming

Swimming at Lake Tahoe

Sandy beaches, granite coves and some of the clearest water of any large lake in North America. It is also cold: swimming season is short.

Open the beach map Top 3 picks See all 9 places

Conditions today

Right now: 72°F, Sunny
Today: High 72°, low 48°
Water temperature: 65°F
Wind: 8 mph

TomorrowPartly Cloudy, 10% chance of rain68° 45°
ThuMostly Clear, 5% chance of rain74° 50°
FriPM Storms, 75% chance of rain61° 44°

Best months

Jan: out of season
Feb: out of season
Mar: out of season
Apr: out of season
May: out of season
Jun: possible
Jul: best
Aug: best
Sep: best
Oct: out of season (this month)
Nov: out of season
Dec: out of season

The water is warmest from July to September, reaching 65 to 70°F at the surface. Shallow bays warm first.

Know before you go

Cold water: Even in August the water is cold enough to take your breath away a few yards from shore. Wade in slowly and keep children close.
Parking: Sand Harbor fills by about 10am on summer days and turns cars away after that. Arrive before 9am or plan a different beach.
Fees: State park and Forest Service beaches charge a day-use fee per vehicle. Bring a card or cash.
Dogs: Many beaches do not allow dogs. Check the place details below before bringing one.

Shore by shore

North Shore

Kings Beach is the longest north shore beach and the most social. Water is typically warmer on the north and east shores by mid-summer.

East Shore

Sand Harbor is the most beautiful beach in the basin. Arrive before 9am in summer — the parking lot fills by 10am. Water is 65–70°F in peak summer.

South Shore

Pope Beach is the best organized south shore swim beach — wide, sandy, well-maintained. Baldwin Beach is shallower and better for young kids.

West Shore

Calawee Cove at D.L. Bliss has the clearest west shore swimming — 70+ ft visibility. Vikingsholm Beach is the most dramatic setting but requires a hike in.