ERA5 almanac comparison — 8 years of real data
Lake Tahoe vs Scottsdale Desert Ridge: weather in May
Scottsdale Desert Ridge is the clear winner for sun in May: 92% of days historically clear versus just 5% in Lake Tahoe — a 87-point gap across 8 years of ERA5 data. Lake Tahoe also sees measurably more rain than Scottsdale Desert Ridge this month (25% vs 2% of days). This isn't close.
Lake Tahoe
CA
- Clear days, May
- 5%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 60°F
- Early May (1st–15th)
- 0%
- Late May (16th–end)
- 9%
- Rain frequency
- 25% of days
Scottsdale Desert Ridge
AZ
- Clear days, May
- 92%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 93°F
- Early May (1st–15th)
- 89%
- Late May (16th–end)
- 95%
- Rain frequency
- 2% of days
Frequently asked
Is Lake Tahoe or Scottsdale Desert Ridge warmer in May?
Scottsdale Desert Ridge runs warmer by day in May. Lake Tahoe averages highs of 60°F (highs n=248 days); Scottsdale Desert Ridge averages highs of 93°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 May?
Lake Tahoe is measurably wetter than Scottsdale Desert Ridge. Days with measurable rain: Lake Tahoe 25%, Scottsdale Desert Ridge 2% (n=248 and n=248 days). ERA5 2018–2025; historical, not a forecast.
Which is sunnier in May, Lake Tahoe or Scottsdale Desert Ridge?
Scottsdale Desert Ridge is the clear winner for sun in May: 92% of days historically clear versus just 5% in Lake Tahoe — a 87-point gap across 8 years of ERA5 data. Lake Tahoe also sees measurably more rain than Scottsdale Desert Ridge this month (25% vs 2% of days). This isn't close.
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.