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Weather in Lake Placid
Olympic legacy in the Adirondack mountains
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About Lake Placid
Lake Placid hosted the 1980 Winter Olympics, its legacy visible in bobsled runs, skating facilities, and mountain venues. The town pulses with winter sports culture, surrounded by Adirondack peaks and pristine lakes. Mount Whiteface dominates the landscape.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Things to do in Lake Placid
Whiteface Mountain skiing: Olympic run descents
Bobsled and luge rides: track experiences available
Olympic Museum tour: 1980 Winter Games history
Mirror Lake kayaking and swimming: alpine water
Hiking: Cascade Mountain and High Peaks options
Adirondack Great Camp tours: historic lodge visits
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
-4C
Cold, with some rainy days.
February
-3C
Cold, with some rainy days.
March
1C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
April
9C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
May
17C
Cool, with some rainy days.
June
21C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
July
24C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
August
23C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
September
20C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
October
13C
Cool, with some rainy days.
November
5C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
December
0C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
Lake Placid is an Adirondack mountain town that hosted the Winter Olympics twice, and the ski jumps, bobsled track, and speed-skating oval from those Games are still open for tours and rides. Mirror Lake sits right against the compact main street, while Whiteface Mountain offers skiing in winter and a scenic toll road to the summit in summer, with the High Peaks wilderness spreading out beyond.
Best areas to stay in Lake Placid
Main Street / Mirror Lake
The village centre, lined with shops and restaurants along the lakefront.
Olympic Sports Complex
Home to the ski jumps, bobsled track, and speed-skating oval, open for tours.
Whiteface Mountain
The ski area and scenic highway a short drive from the village, near Wilmington.
High Peaks Wilderness
The vast wilderness area south of town, with trailheads for Mount Marcy and other major summits.
Getting to Lake Placid
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Flights
Fly into Albany (ALB), about a 2-hour drive, or the small Lake Placid/Saranac Lake airport (SLK) with limited connections.
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From London
~8-10 hours from London via New York or Boston, plus a flight or drive to the Adirondacks.
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Getting around
The village is walkable; a car is essential for Whiteface Mountain and High Peaks trailheads.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Lake Placid?
Winter (December-March) for skiing and Olympic venue tours, or summer (June-September) for hiking, lake activities, and milder weather.
Can I visit the Olympic venues?
Yes — the ski jumps, bobsled/luge track, and Herb Brooks Arena are open for tours, museum visits, and even rides on the bobsled.
Is Lake Placid good for hiking?
Very much so — it's a gateway to the Adirondack High Peaks, including Mount Marcy, the state's highest summit.
How do I get around Lake Placid?
The village is walkable around Mirror Lake; a car is needed for Whiteface Mountain and the surrounding High Peaks trailheads.
What is the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway?
A scenic toll road climbing nearly to the summit of Whiteface Mountain, with sweeping Adirondack views at the top.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Rode the bobsled track and toured the ski jumps, genuinely thrilling and a great window into Olympic history. Whiteface skiing was excellent too.
Mike D. · February 2024
★★★★★
Hiked toward the High Peaks and the views were incredible. Mirror Lake in the evening, with the village lights, is a lovely way to end the day.
Anna P. · July 2023
★★★★☆
Drove up the Whiteface highway for the views over the Adirondacks, well worth the toll. Quiet, scenic town with a surprising Olympic legacy.
Greg S. · September 2024
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