Winter in the Adirondacks isn't just about pretty snow and hot cocoa. Honestly, if you’re looking at the 10 day forecast lake george ny, you’re probably trying to figure out if you should pack the heavy-duty Sorels or if a pair of light boots will cut it. It’s tricky. This week, Lake George is basically a revolving door of weather patterns that would make a meteorologist sweat.
Currently, it’s about 25°F out there. If you step outside right now, it feels more like 13°F because the wind is kicking up from the west at 12 mph. It’s mostly cloudy, which is pretty standard for mid-January in the 518 area code. But things are moving fast.
Why the 10 day forecast lake george ny is a wild ride
The Adirondacks have this weird way of trapping weather. You’ll have a day that feels like a spring thaw, followed by a night that could freeze a brass monkey.
Thursday, January 15, 2026 (that’s today) is bringing some light snow. We’re looking at a high of 36°F, which is actually quite warm for this time of year, but it’s going to plummet to 10°F tonight. There’s a 35% chance of snow during the day. If you’re driving up I-87, keep an eye out for those sudden slick spots.
The upcoming week at a glance
Tomorrow, Friday the 16th, gets colder. The high only hits 23°F and the low dips to 9°F. It’ll be cloudy, but the snow chance drops to 10% during the day.
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Saturday is where the real Adirondack winter shows up. We’re expecting actual snow—not just flurries—with a high of 31°F and a low of 22°F. Both day and night have a 35% chance of precipitation. If you’re planning on hitting the trails at Up Yonda Farm for one of their naturalist-led snowshoe hikes, this might be your best bet for fresh powder.
Sunday, January 18, stays chilly with a high of 26°F and a low of 10°F. It’ll be mostly cloudy, so don’t expect a ton of sun for your lakeside photos.
Deep freeze and the "Real" Winter
Monday, January 19, marks the start of a serious cold snap. High of 24°F, low of 6°F. But look at Tuesday.
Tuesday, January 20, is going to be brutal. The high is only 12°F and the low is 0°F. That’s the kind of cold that bites. With winds around 13 mph, the wind chill is going to be well into the negatives. Honestly, that’s "stay inside by the fireplace at the Fort William Henry" weather.
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- Wednesday, Jan 21: High 22°F, Low 2°F (Snow showers)
- Thursday, Jan 22: High 26°F, Low 12°F (Light snow)
- Friday, Jan 23: High 29°F, Low 16°F (Cloudy)
By Saturday, January 24, we see a brief "warm" spike to 33°F before the bottom falls out on Sunday. Sunday, January 25, is looking like a high of only 8°F and a low of -3°F. Plus, there's a 75% chance of heavy snow showers that night.
What this means for your trip
If you’re coming up for the Glacier Ice Bar & Lounge at The Sagamore or the Funky Ice Fest at Adirondack Pub & Brewery (both starting around January 23), you’re in luck. This kind of consistent cold is exactly what the ice carvers need.
The ice needs to be thick. The air needs to be biting. Without these temps, those massive ice sculptures basically turn into expensive puddles.
The Winter Carnival Factor
A lot of people check the 10 day forecast lake george ny specifically to see if the lake is going to freeze for the Lake George Winter Carnival.
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The 2026 Carnival doesn't officially kick off until February 7, but the ice starts forming now. For events like the outhouse races and ATV poker runs to happen on the ice, we need a solid 12 inches or more. If the lake isn't safe, they move the races to Lake George Battlefield State Park.
Current reports show about 5.1 inches of snow depth on average in the region, but the High Peaks area nearby is reporting closer to 8 inches. If you’re hiking, you’re legally required to wear snowshoes or skis once that snowpack hits 8 inches. Don’t be that person who "post-holes" the trail and ruins it for everyone else.
Survival tips for the next 10 days
- Layer like an onion. Synthetic or wool base layers are non-negotiable. Cotton is your enemy when it's 12 degrees out.
- Check the wind. A 25-degree day is fine. A 25-degree day with a 15-mph wind off the lake will make you want to cry.
- Plan for "Igloo Dining." Places like The Barrel or The Inn at Erlowest offer heated igloos. It's the only way to eat "outside" when the thermometer says 10 degrees.
- Watch the sunset. It’s happening around 4:44 PM. If you’re out on a trail like Buck Mountain, make sure you’re headed down by 3:30 PM unless you’ve got a serious headlamp.
Winter in Lake George is a vibe, but it's a fickle one. One day you're walking the Mystic Light Walk at Winter Realms in light gear, and the next you're huddling under three blankets.
Basically, keep an eye on that Sunday the 25th. That -3°F low and heavy snow combo is no joke. It's the perfect time to book a room with a fireplace and just watch the lake go white.
Next Steps: Make sure your car has a full tank of gas and a good ice scraper before that Tuesday cold front hits. If you're planning to attend the Ice Bars on the 23rd, grab your tickets now; they tend to sell out fast when the weather is actually "favorable" (read: freezing) for ice.