Lake HavasuAbout Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu is a reservoir on the Colorado River in western Arizona, United States, created by Parker Dam and completed in 1938. It forms a long, narrow lake used extensively for boating, fishing and water recreation.
The eastern shore is home to Lake Havasu City, a purpose-built community known for water-based tourism and seasonal events. The lake and city attract visitors for boating, houseboats and waterfront recreation throughout the year.
A notable modern landmark associated with the community is the relocated London Bridge, which was dismantled in London and reassembled in Lake Havasu City in 1968. The reservoir also plays a role in regional water storage and management on the Colorado River.
The lake straddles the border area between Arizona and California; Lake Havasu City sits on the lake’s eastern shore in Arizona.
- Creation date: Formed by Parker Dam in 1938, creating a major recreational reservoir on the lower Colorado River.
Best Time to Visit Lake Havasu
Winters and shoulder seasons are the most pleasant times for outdoor activities; summers are intensely hot.
Weather & Climate near Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 42°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 6° - 18° | 12° | 20 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 8° - 22° | 15° | 16 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 11° - 25° | 18° | 15 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 14° - 29° | 22° | 5 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 19° - 34° | 27° | 2 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 24° - 40° | 32° | 1 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 28° - 42° | 35° | 8 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 27° - 41° | 34° | 17 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 24° - 38° | 31° | 14 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 17° - 31° | 24° | 7 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 10° - 24° | 17° | 9 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 6° - 19° | 12° | 14 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu City is reached by car via State Route 95; Las Vegas is about a 2.5-3 hour drive northwest, and Phoenix roughly 3.5-4 hours southeast. Commercial flights serve Lake Havasu City Airport (HII). Local shuttles and rental cars are the easiest way to move around the lakeshore and to marinas.
Tips for Visiting Lake Havasu
- If visiting the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the main tourist crush and harsh midday sun.
- Boat rentals are plentiful; for calmer water try weekdays outside peak summer months.
- Desert heat is extreme in summer - plan lake activity for mornings or evenings and check water levels at marinas.