Honestly, if you’re planning to head up to the Queen of American Lakes right now, you’ve probably seen a dozen different apps telling you a dozen different things. One says it's a winter wonderland. Another warns of a slushy mess.
The truth? Lake George weather for this weekend is shaping up to be a classic Adirondack mixed bag that could either make or break your plans depending on how early you like to set your alarm.
We are looking at a Saturday that wants to be a snow day but might just settle for being moody. If you’re eyeing the forecast for January 17th and 18th, 2026, here is the raw deal on what’s actually happening on the ground.
The Saturday Snow Scenario
Saturday is the pivot point. While Friday starts cold with a high of only 21°F, Saturday, January 17, sees a "warm" front (if you can call it that) pushing temperatures up to around 30°F or 35°F.
Don't let the higher number fool you.
That bump in temperature comes with a 65% to 70% chance of snow. We aren't talking about a massive, stay-inside blizzard, but rather a persistent, heavy snow or snow-shower situation that will likely stick around for both the morning and evening. The wind is coming out of the south at about 6 mph, so it won’t feel like a gale, but it’ll be damp.
The humidity is sitting high at 80%. This means the snow won't be that light, fluffy "champagne powder" skiers dream about. It's going to be the heavy, wet stuff. Great for snowmen at Shepard Park, but a bit of a slog if you’re trying to hike Buck Mountain without the right shells.
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Sunday: The Deep Freeze Returns
If Saturday is the "wet" day, Sunday is the "bright but biting" day. The system clears out overnight, leaving Sunday, January 18, mostly cloudy but significantly drier.
The high will struggle to reach 28°F, and the low on Sunday night drops back down to 15°F.
Why does this matter? Because all that wet snow from Saturday is going to freeze solid. If you are driving up the Northway (I-87), Saturday's slush will become Sunday's black ice. Most people think Sunday is the better travel day because the sun might peek out, but the secondary roads around Diamond Point and Bolton Landing can get incredibly slick once that temperature drops on Sunday afternoon.
What This Means for the Ice
Everyone wants to know: Is the lake frozen?
As of mid-January 2026, it’s a complicated answer. We’ve had a few deep freezes, but the recent rain-to-snow transitions have made the ice "variable," to put it politely.
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If you’re planning on hitting the ice for the Gurney Lane 5K Snowshoe Race on Saturday or just want to walk out near the village, you need to be smart. Solid, clear ice is what you want, but the Saturday snow is going to hide "drifts" and potentially thin spots.
- Ice Fishing: Some spots in the northern basin like Hague are showing better thickness, but near the village? Be careful.
- Surface Conditions: Saturday will be "crunchy" and wet. Sunday will be a skating rink.
- Pro Tip: Check with the local shops like Fish307 or the Lake George Village bait stores before you even think about putting a shanty out.
Around the Lake: Events and Survival
Despite the fickle Lake George weather for this weekend, the area is actually hopping. If you get sick of the damp snow on Saturday, there are plenty of ways to hide.
Fort Ticonderoga is running their "Supplying Our Army in Canada" living history event on Saturday. It’s a great way to see how people survived actual Adirondack winters in 1776, which makes our 30°F complaints look a little silly.
Over in Queensbury, the Adirondack Winery is hosting a live music series with Mark Rabin on Saturday afternoon. Honestly, sitting inside with a glass of locally made wine while the wet snow hits the windows is probably the smartest way to handle the Saturday forecast.
For those determined to be outside, the naturalist-led snowshoe hikes at Up Yonda Farm in Bolton Landing are still a go. Just make sure your boots are actually waterproof. Not "water-resistant." Waterproof.
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Key Numbers to Remember:
- Saturday High: 30°F - 35°F (Snow likely)
- Sunday High: 28°F (Clearing, but icy)
- Wind Chill: Expect it to feel about 10 degrees colder than the thermometer says, especially near the water.
Essential Gear for the Weekend
Don't be the tourist in sneakers. You'll regret it by 10:00 AM.
Layering is the only way to survive a weekend where the temperature swings between "almost freezing" and "definitely freezing." Start with a synthetic or wool base—no cotton, or you'll stay damp and cold.
Saturday's wet snow requires a hard shell or a high-quality rain jacket over your insulation. If you’re hiking, bring microspikes. The trails are going to be a mix of slush and hidden ice patches that will take you down if you aren't careful.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Lake George Cam: Before you leave, look at the live webcams in the Village. If the docks look slushy, the roads are worse.
- Prep Your Vehicle: Ensure your washer fluid is the de-icing kind. The salt spray on the Northway this weekend will be brutal for visibility.
- Reservations: If you're heading to the Strand Theatre or a winery event, call ahead. Everyone else will have the same idea to head indoors when the snow starts Saturday.
- Safety First: If you are heading onto the ice, carry ice picks around your neck. It’s better to have them and not need them than to be the person the EnCon officers have to pull out of the water.
The Adirondacks don't care about your plans, but with a little prep, a messy forecast doesn't have to ruin the trip.