Las Vegas is, without a doubt, on most people’s travel bucket-list, and with very good reason. When, though, is the best time to visit?
The answer to that question is actually quite simple to answer. It depends entirely on what you are visiting Las Vegas for.
Let’s see if we can shed a little light to help you decide when is best for you to finally take that Vegas vacation.
March to May
Best for: Good weather while avoiding the searing hot summer temperatures
Best avoided if: You want to 100F days and warm evenings
March, April and May are very good months to head to Las Vegas. In fact I personally have visited at this time of year more than any other.
One of the things that attracts people to Las Vegas the most is the warm weather. The Strip is in the desert, so temperatures can really soar in the summer. For many, though, they may actually soar a little too much.
I personally love the weather in July, but I also know people who just couldn’t settle in that kind of heat. If you’re the latter, then March to May is probably the ideal time for you.
The temperatures are hot, usually in the 70s and 80s, but not stiflingly so. There is also the added advantage of the Strip being a lot less crowded and, as a result, hotel rooms being a touch cheaper.
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June to August
Best for: Peak temperatures
Best avoided if: You struggle to handle very hot weather or large crowds
You come away from Las Vegas with many things. Usually empty wallets, hangovers, and a fun regret or two. Go in June, July or August, though, and you come away with something else: An appreciation of air conditioning!
It really does get incredibly hot in Las Vegas in the summer. I have been there in July before when it has been 110F.
It’s a strange balance because, in one way, that heat does add to the Las Vegas experience. You get to make the most of the pools and see the Strip at its sparkling best. However, it can also take a little away from the experience because it can be too hot to walk around much. That’s a shame, as the Strip was made for exploring.
There will, though, be slightly higher hotel rates during this part of the year. Space beside the pool can be tougher to find too.
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September to November
Best for: Great weather and fewer crowds
Best avoided if: There is honestly no reason to avoid it!
This time of year is brilliant for a Las Vegas vacation. There is one small caveat to that, though, that I will get onto shortly.
In September and October, the weather is probably just about ideal. It is not too hot for those with a low heat tolerance to enjoy yet hot enough to still appeal to sun-worshippers. Expect temperatures in the 80s and 90s, which should satisfy just about everyone.
The caveat is November, as the chillier weather does start to roll in about this time. Over the course of November it drops into the 60s, and there are fewer hours of daylight too. Naturally, evenings are colder too.
That may put off those chasing some guaranteed warm weather for their vacation. However, the autumn is, in the opinion of many, the best time to be in Las Vegas overall due to the weather holding up and the crowds and prices rescinding a little.
It’s a ‘best of both worlds’ kind of time, I would say.
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December to February
Best for: Holiday festivities
Best avoided if: You want hot weather and pools
The temperatures in Las Vegas really do drop considerably in the winter. They tend to range from high 30s to low 60s over the course of this period. That is unlikely to appeal to those searching for warmer climates.
However, Vegas does offer plenty in return for that. The Strip and Downtown look incredible when all lit-up in general, just imagine how good their Christmas decorations are.
It is also an insanely popular spot for New Year too, with revellers coming from all over the US to enjoy the spectacle. New Year’s Eve is one of the rare occasions that the Strip is closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrian zone.
One thing that may come as a surprise is that the Strip can get very busy during these months. While it is cold by Vegas standards in the winter, it is still one of the warmest places in the US, so they attract a lot of domestic tourists.
That means crowds can be large, especially at weekends, and room prices can start to creep up again. If you are planning a Las Vegas vacation for this time of the year, I advise you to book as early as you can to ensure availability.
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