Best Time to Visit Las Vegas: Monthly Weather and Prices

Quick answer

The best time to visit Las Vegas is from March to May and September to November. During these shoulder seasons, daytime temperatures range from 21°C to 29°C (70°F–85°F), making the 6.8km walk along the Las Vegas Strip manageable. These months avoid the 40°C+ (104°F) heat of July and the high hotel premiums found during major January conventions like CES.

Seasonal guide to Las Vegas

Spring (March to May)

Spring offers the most consistent weather for outdoor activities. By mid-March, most resort pools at properties like Caesars Palace and The Venetian have opened for the season. Daytime highs average 21°C (70°F) in March, rising to 29°C (84°F) in May. This is peak season for hiking in Red Rock Canyon, located a 25-minute drive from the Strip. Expect high hotel rates during March Madness and the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) in May, where nightly room rates often triple their baseline.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is characterised by extreme heat, often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Outdoor activity is restricted to early morning or late evening. However, this is the peak season for day clubs and pool parties at venues like Encore Beach Club or Wet Republic. While the heat keeps some tourists away, weekends remain crowded. High-pressure systems can lead to monsoons in July and August, causing sudden flash floods. Air conditioning is universal, but walking between resorts like MGM Grand and Bally's becomes physically taxing.

Autumn (September to November)

Temperatures drop to comfortable levels, mirroring spring conditions. September still sees highs of 34°C (94°F), but by November, the average is a crisp 19°C (66°F). This is the best time for the Life is Beautiful festival in Downtown Las Vegas and the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix in November. Note that the F1 race involves significant road closures along Las Vegas Boulevard and substantial price hikes for hotels with track views.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the low season for weather but remains busy for holidays and events. Daytime temperatures hover around 14°C (57°F) to 16°C (61°F), and nights can drop to 4°C (39°F). Most pools are closed or heated only at specific luxury properties like Wynn. The first two weeks of December are often the cheapest for accommodation as the city prepares for the NFR (National Finals Rodeo) and New Year's Eve. January is dominated by the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which brings 150,000+ attendees and pushes the price of a basic room at a 3-star hotel like the Linq to over $400 USD (£315) per night.

Monthly climate and cost data

Temperature and rain data represent historical averages; check the official site before you go for current conditions.

Which traveller suits which season

• The Budget Hunter: Mid-week stays in July, August, or the first two weeks of December offer the lowest rates. Flight prices from London or New York are typically at their lowest in January and February, excluding holiday weekends.
• The Outdoor Enthusiast: Visit in April or October for hiking the 21km loop at Red Rock Canyon or kayaking the Black Canyon. Water temperatures in the Colorado River stay around 12°C (54°F), but the air temperature is ideal for paddling.
• The Party Seeker: May through September is the primary window for pool parties. While venues are open on weekends, the most famous DJ residencies occur from Thursday to Sunday.
• The Sightseer: March and November provide the best walking weather. You can navigate the 2.5km distance between the Bellagio Fountains and the Fashion Show Mall without the need for the Las Vegas Monorail or ride-shares.

Festivals and events by month

• January: CES (Consumer Electronics Show). Significant hotel price spikes.
• February: Super Bowl weekend. Sportsbooks at Westgate or Caesars reach capacity early.
• March: March Madness (NCAA Basketball). High demand for sportsbooks and casual dining.
• May: Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). Massive influx of visitors to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
• June/July: World Series of Poker (WSOP) at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas.
• September: Life is Beautiful. Music and art festival spanning several blocks in Downtown Las Vegas.
• October: When We Were Young Festival. Pop-punk festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds.
• November: Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Expect road closures and $1,000+ USD (£785) nightly rates at central Strip hotels.
• December: National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and New Year’s Eve. The Strip is closed to vehicle traffic on 31 December.

The cheapest months to fly

Historically, January and August are the cheapest months to fly to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Mid-week flights (Tuesday to Wednesday) typically cost 20-30% less than Friday or Sunday departures. Round-trip flights from major US hubs can be found for under $150 USD (£118) during these windows. From the UK, direct flights with Virgin Atlantic or British Airways are lowest in the post-holiday slump of late January. Use the RTC (Regional Transportation Commission) Bus 108 or 109 for a $2 USD (£1.60) one-way trip from the airport to the South Strip Transfer Terminal, or a ride-share for approximately $20-$30 USD (£16-£24) to the Strip.

Common mistakes

• Underestimating the walk: Walking from Mandalay Bay to Wynn looks easy on a map but is a 5km trek. In July, this can lead to heat exhaustion in under 30 minutes.
• Ignoring resort fees: Most hotels on the Strip charge a mandatory resort fee of $35-$50 USD (£27-£39) per night, which is rarely included in the initial flight+hotel package price.
• Visiting during CES without a badge: If you are not attending the convention, avoid these dates in January. Room rates can be 500% higher than the following week.
• Expecting all pools to be open in winter: While the weather is sunny, many resort pools close for maintenance from November to February. Check your specific hotel's policy if pool access is a priority.
• Not booking dinner reservations: For popular spots like Hell’s Kitchen or Mizumi, booking 2-4 weeks in advance is necessary, regardless of the season.

Plan your trip

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