Reno in Winter: Sunny Skies, Snow Days & Chickadee Whispers

Take 1949, for example. While Las Vegas — the state’s largest city — enjoyed an average high of 80.1 °F and a low of 44.9 °F, Reno went through its coldest year on record, with an average high of just 66.0 °F and a low of 29.4 °F. That’s the thing about Reno — unlike Las Vegas’s steady desert heat, Reno gets all four seasons. Winters bring snow, springs are mild and breezy, summers get hot but never last too long, and fall shows up with those crisp, golden days that feel straight out of a postcard. The two cities might share a state line, but when it comes to climate, they’re practically living in different worlds.

Winter days in Reno usually hover in the low 40s, and nighttime temps drop into the mid-20s (°F). Even so, with all our sunshine — 19.2 sunny days in January and 17.6 in February — I often find myself shedding layers by midday.

As we say around here: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” We’ve had mornings with full-blown snowstorms that melt into dry pavement by afternoon. Other days start with blue skies and end in whiteout conditions. The bottom line? Always be prepared. Dressing in layers is key — you might need a winter coat in the morning and a T-shirt by lunchtime. And when it comes to getting around, an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle is a must for navigating Reno winters.

One of our favorite things to do on a clear winter day is snowshoeing at Chickadee Ridge, just above Lake Tahoe. It's a peaceful, magical experience — especially when mountain chickadees come to eat straight from your hand.

They're easy to identify by their distinct call, which my family playfully mimics with a “cheeseburger” sing-song voice. This is a cool and unique opportunity to engage with one of the region’s birds that are easy to identify based on their call. You can hear and share a clip of the mountain chickadees’ call here. I must admit, I was intimidated for some years to try to find where this magical interaction with nature occurs. I finally just started from a spot like this, walked a mile or so on any trail in the area, and there they were! Even if you can't see a trail due to fresh snow, just wander quietly into the woods, and hold still with seed in your outstretched palm. They’ll find you.

What You’ll Need

• Food for the birds: Only feed unsalted pine nuts or black-oil sunflower seeds (found in bulk at WinCo).
• Snowshoes: This will make walking on the snow much easier, and there are places in Reno to rent them.
• Learn about the subnivean layer (the space between the ground and snowpack where small animals travel). We’ve found entry holes and tracks—super cool for kids to identify!
• Backpack with a hydration pack - you are going to want to stay hydrated, especially at elevation.
• Watch out on the highway: Parking is on the shoulder of a fast-moving road. Keep dogs and kids close.

Where to Rent Snowshoes

• Bobo's: $25/day
• Scheels: $20/day (also offers ski/snowboard rentals)
• REI: Must be a member – still around the $25- $30 price point (limited availability)
• If you’re up for more fun, there’s a sledding hill across the highway from the trail. Please pack out your sled, even if it breaks — discarded plastic sleds are a big issue in the area.

Snow gear essentials: Waterproof jackets, snow pants, boots, and gloves are a must!

After a snowy morning, unwind at Carson Hot Springs in Carson City. The water comes from 35,000 feet underground, full of minerals like lithium (for a calm mood) and potassium (good for muscle function). They officially allow a 2-hour soak time, but it didn’t feel strictly enforced. The overall vibe is chill and relaxing.

Tips:

• Do not search the name in your map app — it may misdirect you. Use the full address instead: 1500 Old Hot Springs Rd, Carson City, NV 89706
• If your child isn’t in a phase where they can enjoy a calm soak, you might want to wait. Kids are welcome, but water toys that disturb others can be asked to be put away. When we went, plenty of kids were enjoying themselves respectfully.

Where to Eat Nearby:

• Sassafras: Right next door
• Red's Old 395 Grill: Great BBQ and a fun, casual atmosphere. We order the Colossal Que For Two, it is a lot of food. I usually split it with my husband and we still have leftovers.

If you’re staying at a casino, Grand Sierra Resort (GSR) is your best bet for family fun. They offer enough amenities that you can easily spend a full day without leaving the property — perfect for when the weather shifts.

In the winter, they feature a seasonal ice skating rink and cozy fire pits, along with plenty of ways to have fun indoors. There’s something for everyone — from a bowling center and virtual reality zone to escape rooms and interactive dart games. No matter your age or interests, there’s always an activity waiting to keep you entertained. While they don’t offer family-specific packages, you’ll often find rotating seasonal promotions on their website. It’s best to book directly to get the latest deals.

If you're in Reno from mid-November through Christmas, book your Polar Express tickets early—they sell out fast! This experience is magical for younger kids. Here are my best tips.

Prepping for the Magic:

• Read The Polar Express book beforehand to build excitement

• Dress your kids (and yourself!) in pajamas - bonus if you have holiday jammies!

• Choose a later time slot—it's better in the dark

• Ideal for ages toddler to about 7

Imagination Note: When we went, our older child (a bit too logical for Santa magic) loudly declared, “You know I know this is fake, right?” while we were stopped at the North Pole set. Cue horrified looks from us and other parents on board. If your kids are at that "questioning" age, consider skipping it or going with just the younger ones to preserve the experience for everyone.

Looking for an indoor activity? The Discovery Museum in downtown Reno is perfect for a hands-on, interactive day — especially for families with kids of various ages. 

When my kids were younger, we would spend hours at the Discovery Museum. I loved having a place where I could actually tell them, “Yes, you can touch everything!” My boys would race their wooden boats up and down the Truckee River exhibit, completely immersed in the fun. I always packed extra clothes, because without fail, they’d end up soaked from all that water play. And of course, no trip to the museum was complete until they climbed through the clouds and watched the live science experiment demonstrations — a perfect mix of play and learning that kept all of us coming back.

Highlights include:

• A section dedicated to the Truckee River, Reno’s primary water source and recreational hub
• A play area specifically for younger kids
• A lunch lounge with tables and a microwave (no food allowed in exhibits)

This museum could easily fill a full day if you pack a lunch and take your time.

Reno in winter is a unique experience — cold and sunny, snowy and spontaneous. With so much natural beauty, fun local activities, and a welcoming community, it's easy to create unforgettable memories here.

Whether you’re snowshoeing with chickadees, soaking in healing waters, or cozying up indoors, Reno offers a little bit of everything — just with more snow and less hustle-and-bustle than its southern sister.