What are the best times to visit Las Vegas? While the city is vibrant and alive 24/7, there are still some times that are better than others to visit. Las Vegas is located in the middle of the Nevada desert, so temperatures can range from one extreme to another. It’s best to visit when the weather is more moderate.
The following is a guide to the best times to plan a trip to Sin City, based on factors such as weather, events, and crowds.
When to find the best weather
Temperatures in Las Vegas can vary greatly depending on the time of year you visit. The average high in summer is above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which can make walking down The Strip uncomfortable and increase the risk of heat stroke. In the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing, which can make outdoor activities unpleasant.
The hotels are connected by indoor walkways to protect you from the elements; however, you will still need to venture outside every once in a while.
To enjoy the best weather conditions, plan to visit Las Vegas during the months of March, April, October, or November. Temperatures during these months are usually around 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit, creating pleasant conditions. In contrast, the coldest weather is most likely to occur during January, February, and December, so you may want to avoid visiting during these months. Additionally, July and August are typically the hottest months, so you may want to avoid these months as well if you are looking to avoid extremely hot conditions.
Best times to visit to avoid the crowds
Contrary to what you might expect, you’ll probably find the lightest crowds during the months with the best weather. This is because in the fall, when school is back in session, there are fewer tourists. (Yes, people do bring kids to Sin City and there are plenty of activities in Las Vegas for families.
Similarly, after all the holiday parties end, you’ll find late winter and spring to be the emptiest. Though you might think scalding temperatures would scare most folks away, exciting large-scale events like Fourth of July fireworks combined with an abundance of air conditioning mean the city remains busy even at the height of summer.
When to visit for festivals and events
In the city that seems to go full-throttle day and night, you’ll never run out of things to do. From extravagant rooftop clubs to entire theme parks built indoors, Las Vegas is a Pandora’s box of gambling, eating, concerts, shows, drinking and more.
Shows and concerts rotate on various schedules, so there’s always something new to check out. Despite this, some times of year are better than others for annual events.
Spring
For music lovers, both the Billboard Music Awards and the Academy of Country Music’s Country Music Awards (CMA) take place in spring and draw large crowds. If you are passionate about food, Bon Appetit’s Uncork’d is Las Vegas’ busiest festival. Here, you can find celebrity chefs giving unique master classes, attending galas, and hosting wine tastings. NASCAR also hosts its first of two Las Vegas events each year on the first weekend of March.
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Summer
The World Series of Poker is held in Las Vegas every year, stretching across nearly three months. This tournament attracts big names from around the world who compete for a multimillion-dollar prize.
The Independence Day celebrations are much larger than the WSOP and you will be able to find massive parties no matter where you go. Nearly a dozen casinos put on their own fireworks shows and nearly every restaurant, bar, and casino is hosting some sort of celebration. If you want to attend a really big party, you should make reservations in advance as most of the events book up quickly.
Winter
Though the desert can get very cold in the winter, December is one of the best months to visit Las Vegas. The Las Vegas bowl usually takes place just before Christmas, and New Year’s Eve is even bigger than the Fourth of July. The streets will be packed and the rooms pricey during this time, so it is best to arrange your stay far in advance.
The best time for affordable airfare
Fortunately for visitors, the city of Las Vegas exists almost solely to bring in tourists. This means that cheap airfare can typically be found year-round, with McCarran International Airport (LAS) hosting airlines from around the world, including several small regional carriers based around the U.S.
To get the best prices on flights, avoid the traditional high seasons for flying and focus on the months of September-November and January-April (excluding spring break).
The best time for affordable hotels
Hotels in Las Vegas vary greatly in price, from very cheap hotels at $10 per night to luxurious penthouses that can cost thousands of dollars. Be sure to research which hotels offer things like waived resort fees, as Vegas is known for charging high fees for amenities.
Though some hotels are beginning to offer free parking, you can still be charged a significant amount of money if you are not careful about where you stay. For the cheapest rates, visit during the shoulder season of September–November and January–April. You can even find low rates during the summer when the city is at its busiest. However, avoid major holidays and aim for stays starting on Sundays, when the weekend crowds dissipate.
