Although Las Vegas is located in the middle of a desert, the city can still get cold in the winter. And that begs the question, how cold does it actually get in Las Vegas? And what should you pack for clothes? Also, what is there to do?
Winter temperatures in Las Vegas are very mild when compared to most cities in the United States, hovering around 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors in December, January and February should plan on packing jeans, long sleeve shirts and a light jacket.
Las Vegas is definitely worth visiting in the winter, however there are some things you must be aware of. In this post, I’ll let you know what to expect in terms of weather and how to dress. I’ll also cover some of the differences you’ll see in hotel prices and what there is to actually do here in the winter.
Las Vegas Winter Temperatures: Is it Cold?
Daytime temperatures in the winter usually hover around 50-60 degrees. And since it’s sunny 29 days a month, Las Vegas feels fairly comfortable during the day.
Nighttime temperatures tend to drop to about 40 degrees. This is where it starts to get a bit cold. You wouldn’t want to get caught without a jacket at night, especially if it gets windy.
Snow and rain are pretty rare in Las Vegas. The city only gets 1-2 days of rain of month, and it only snows once every 5 or 10 years.
Overall temperatures in the winter are pretty mild. It isn’t as warm as Miami or Los Angeles, but it’s not nearly as cold as New York. So how do you pack for Las Vegas? I’ll cover what type of clothes you should bring in the next section.
| Month | Hight (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 60° | 27° |
| January | 59° | 28° |
| February | 66° | 33° |
How do Dress in the Winter for Las Vegas
Compared to many other US cities, Las Vegas is pretty warm in the winter. You should bring some lighter outfits (like shorts and t-shirts) in the event you get some good weather, but most of the clothes you pack should keep you warm in cooler temperatures.
Here’s what I would recommend for men:
- Jeans
- T-shirts
- Long sleeve shirts
- Collared shirts
- Light jacket or sweatshirt
- Dress shoes
- Athletic shoes
Women should pack very similarly:
- Jeans
- T-shirts
- Long sleeve shirts
- Blouses
- Tunics
- Dresses
- Leggings
- Light jacket or sweatshirt
- Heels
- Flats
- Athletic shoes
The best way to dress appropriately is to wear layers. If it turns out to be warmer than you expected, it’s really easy to take a layer off. And if it’s colder, simply put an extra layer on. There’s no need to haul your heavier winter jackets to Las Vegas.
Las Vegas is Cheaper in the Winter (Better Prices)
Aside from New Years Eve, you’ll find some of the best deals of the year in December, January and February. Flights into Vegas are generally very cheap and many hotels offer insanely low rates.
If you’re looking for the absolute best deal, book your trip in mid-December or in the first week of January. Hotels offer their best promotions during these times since there is a slight drop-off from the holidays.
For those of you coming to Las Vegas to party, don’t worry, the clubs are still full of people. The visitor volume lowers just enough for prices to come down. You’ll also see a nice a difference in wait times for restaurants and attractions since the Strip will be less crowded.
What’s Open in Las Vegas during the Winter
Although the temperatures are lower, there is still plenty to do in Las Vegas. The only attractions that really close are the pool parties. Everything else, including many hotel pools, will be open.
(It should be noted that not all hotel pools are open in the winter. If you want to stay at a hotel with a pool open year-round, check out the post I wrote here about hotels with heated pools in Las Vegas).
These are just a few of the many things to do in Las Vegas in the winter:
- Restaurants and bars
- Nightclubs
- Shopping
- Concerts and shows
- Live sporting events (NFL, NHL, UFC & Boxing)
- Sports betting
- Hit the casino
- Spas
- Golfing
- Grand Canyon
In addition to the normal Las Vegas debauchery, there are attractions only available in the winter. I wrote a more in-depth article about all the best things to do during the winter in Las Vegas, and how much they cost. You can check that out here.
Winter in Las Vegas vs Summer in Las Vegas
You may actually find you enjoy Las Vegas more in the winter than you do in the summer. Hotels are much cheaper, there are less crowds, and you don’t have to deal with 110 degree heat.
The only downside is the lack of pool parties (although some hotel pools are still open). Winters are so mild that the temperatures shouldn’t scare you away. They should be a reason to visit Las Vegas.
