Tucked away in the middle of the Nevada desert, Las Vegas offers endless opportunities to strike it rich at casinos, as well as attractions galore such as thrilling live entertainment, neon sign museums, and the chance to drive a race car. This vibrant city welcomes thousands of visitors daily with the Las Vegas Strip staying open around the clock. The Strip is lined with world-class restaurants, luxury shopping centers, and unique attractions like the Big Top Show at Circus Circus and the Venice-inspired gondola ride inside the Venetian Resort. Situated in the desert, Las Vegas experiences summer months with extreme heat, while the winter offers moderate temperatures during the day. Each season brings a variety of distinct activities in the city. Check out this guide to determine the best season to book your Las Vegas vacation rental, as well as what to pack for your trip.
Visiting Las Vegas in the Summer
Las Vegas summers bring the hottest months of the year. However, it’s a dry heat and lacks the humidity you find in a lot of the southern climates. You can expect most days of your trip to hit the triple digits in the afternoons and drop dramatically into the low 70s in the evenings. When packing, add lots of sunscreen to the pile, a swimsuit, shorts, light cotton tops, and sturdy walking shoes for all the sightseeing.
Staying cool is the name of the game during the summer months, and the casinos and resorts all offer air-conditioned retreats. Up and down the Las Vegas Strip and Freemont Street, you find vendors hawking massive drinks, some with alcohol and some without, that you can enjoy as you stroll along due to Vegas’ generous policy for open containers. Avoid the casino crowds and check out the Dive in Movies at the Cosmopolitan Resort on most Monday nights. Find out how good you are at balancing with a game of Giant Jenga at The Park Las Vegas. If the glitz and glam seem overwhelming, retreat to your vacation rental and schedule a Yoga With Dolphins class at the Mirage.
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Visiting Las Vegas in the Fall
The temperatures in Las Vegas during the fall depends on the month you choose. Starting in September, you find daytime high in the mid-90s, but by the end of November temperatures cool off to the high 60s. Evenings offer relief by up to 30 degrees, as the sun sets on this desert town. You don’t need to worry about packing an umbrella since the city rarely sees rain showers. However, you must pack according to the projected forecast before leaving home. Make sure to pack sunscreen, no matter the weather.
Vegas prides itself on its over-the-top attractions and celebrations, so it’s no surprise that Halloween offers the chance to see Zombie Burlesque at the V Theater. Watch in awe as these gorgeous zombies dance and sing their way through the evening. If you’re in town on the first Friday of the month, stop by the Arts Factory for the First Friday Arts Celebration. On Freemont Street in late September, check out the Life is Beautiful Festival complete with culinary demonstrations, live music concerts, and inspirational speakers.
Visiting Las Vegas in the Winter
Find the coolest weather of the year during winter in Las Vegas, where it’s cold enough to walk around comfortably with a light jacket. During the daylight hours, expect temperatures in the high 50s and low 60s, while the evenings enjoy temps just above freezing. For the evenings, you need to pack a nice sweater or coat along with your jeans and long-sleeve shirts.
Las Vegas takes advantage of the cooler weather and holiday season to keep you entertained with fun events. Stop by the Cosmopolitan, head up to the fourth floor, and don a pair of ice skates for your chance to practice your twirls and jumps on their indoor pool, which doubles as an ice skating rink. See Christmas lights at the Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden’s holiday celebration. If you stop by on the weekends, there are live choir performances and a visit from the Big Guy, Santa Clause. Put on your cowboy boots and check out the National Finals Rodeo for an afternoon of cheering on cattle ropers and bull riders.
Visiting Las Vegas in the Spring
Families turn up in Las Vegas as the schools let out for spring break, so you might see larger crowds. The weather is just about perfect with average daily temperatures, depending on the month you choose to visit this city. March offers highs in the cool upper 60s, while May works nicely for relaxing in the swimming pool with temps in the upper 80s. Packing for your vacation during the spring depends on the month you visit, but plan to add a swimsuit and a light sweater whenever you go.
Take advantage of the return to spring with a trip to the Las Vegas Farmers Market on Wednesday or Thursday. Pick up locally grown fruits and veggies, homemade baked goods, and other tasty treats to create a gourmet meal at your vacation rental. If your group includes older children and friends, visit the New Vista Wine Walk. With your admission cost, you receive a passport to sample 15 wines from around the world. Prefer the suds? Then hold out for the Great Vegas Festival of Beer with more than 100 different types of craft beer to sample.
When Is The Best Time to Visit Las Vegas?
Although the summer months bring extreme temperatures, the casinos and attractions make a visit more than worthwhile during this time of year. Fall and winter offer fewer crowds and cooler weather, and Las Vegas knows how to make the holidays cheerful. However, it is spring that just edges out the other seasons as the best time to visit. With cooler weather and a variety of festivals, this is the season to experience Las Vegas. The perfect weather practically begs you take one of the walking tours that begins at Freemont Street. To get a bird’s eye view, take a spin on the High Roller Observation Wheel at LINQ.
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