ERA5 almanac comparison — 8 years of real data
Lake Tahoe vs Scottsdale Desert Ridge: weather in December
Scottsdale Desert Ridge edges out Lake Tahoe for sun in December: 18% clear historically versus 0% (8-year ERA5 average, a 18-point gap). Lake Tahoe also sees measurably more rain than Scottsdale Desert Ridge this month (37% vs 12% of days). Both are viable — Scottsdale Desert Ridge is the safer bet.
Lake Tahoe
CA
- Clear days, December
- 0%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 41°F
- Early December (1st–15th)
- 0%
- Late December (16th–end)
- 0%
- Rain frequency
- 37% of days
Scottsdale Desert Ridge
AZ
- Clear days, December
- 18%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 66°F
- Early December (1st–15th)
- 22%
- Late December (16th–end)
- 15%
- Rain frequency
- 12% of days
Frequently asked
Is Lake Tahoe or Scottsdale Desert Ridge warmer in December?
Scottsdale Desert Ridge runs warmer by day in December. Lake Tahoe averages highs of 41°F (highs n=248 days); Scottsdale Desert Ridge averages highs of 66°F (highs n=248 days) (ERA5 2018–2025). Historical averages, not a forecast.
Does it rain more in Lake Tahoe or Scottsdale Desert Ridge in December?
Lake Tahoe is measurably wetter than Scottsdale Desert Ridge. Days with measurable rain: Lake Tahoe 37%, Scottsdale Desert Ridge 12% (n=248 and n=248 days). ERA5 2018–2025; historical, not a forecast.
Which is sunnier in December, Lake Tahoe or Scottsdale Desert Ridge?
Scottsdale Desert Ridge edges out Lake Tahoe for sun in December: 18% clear historically versus 0% (8-year ERA5 average, a 18-point gap). Lake Tahoe also sees measurably more rain than Scottsdale Desert Ridge this month (37% vs 12% of days). Both are viable — Scottsdale Desert Ridge is the safer bet.
Compare Lake Tahoe vs Scottsdale Desert Ridge in another month
All percentages are historical averages from the ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, 8 full years (2018–2025). “Clear” means avg high ≥ 72 °F, precipitation < 1 mm, and a non-precipitation weather code. This is history, not a forecast. The live forecast for any destination is on its own page and may differ from the long-run average. Data from Open-Meteo.