Reno in January
Good time to visit
January is budget traveler heaven in Reno. Sure, you'll freeze your butt off after sunset, but cheap hotels and empty casinos make it worth the shivers.
Weather
January brings crisp, dry desert winter to Reno. Expect sunny days with temperatures dropping significantly at night - the high desert altitude means you'll feel that cold. Snow occasionally dusts the city, but it melts quickly.
6°C high-7°C low4 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$85/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Consumer Electronics Show spillover visitors
- •Martin Luther King Jr. Day events
January Tips
- •Pack layers - the temperature swing from day to night is dramatic
- •Hotel rates are at their lowest, but some outdoor attractions have limited hours
- •Rent a car with good heating - walking around downtown can be brutal in the evening
All Months
Spring and fall give you the best of both worlds in Reno. April through June brings wildflowers to the nearby mountains, perfect hiking weather, and fewer crowds at Lake Tahoe. Temperatures hover in the 60s and 70s, ideal for exploring downtown on foot.
Fall, especially September through November, might be even better. The aspens turn golden in the Sierra Nevada, creating Instagram-worthy drives up Mount Rose Highway. Casino crowds thin out after summer, and you'll get better hotel rates.
Summer gets hot — we're talking 90s regularly — but it's dry heat, and the mountains offer escape. This is peak season for Lake Tahoe, so expect crowds and higher prices. Winter brings snow sports to nearby resorts, but downtown Reno itself rarely sees significant snow. Hotels offer ski packages, and you're 45 minutes from world-class slopes.
Avoid major conventions and events if you want deals. Hot August Nights (classic car show) and the National Championship Air Races pack the city and drive up prices.
Reno Scores
Solo
9/10
Couples
7/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
8/10
Budget
8/10
Luxury
6/10
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