Las Vegas is a year-round destination with a desert climate characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and very little rainfall. The city sees fewer than 30 days of rain in an entire year (annual precipitation only 3.4 inches ), so your travel plans will likely revolve more around temperature and crowds than weather disruptions.
Summers routinely reach triple-digit °F temperatures, while winters are cool but generally frost-free. The most comfortable conditions occur in spring and fall, which is why those seasons are considered peak times for visitation.
In contrast, summer is traditionally the off-peak due to extreme heat, and winter is a moderate shoulder season with the lowest visitor numbers in recent years.
Beyond climate, keep in mind that major events and conventions (from huge tech expos to music festivals) can swell visitor counts and prices even in off-season.
Choosing when to visit means balancing the weather you prefer, crowd levels, and any big events you may want to catch (or avoid).
Las Vegas has always been a city of spectacle, but it’s also a place of constant change.
In this collection, we go beyond the clichés to explore Las Vegas in full. You’ll find guides for first-time visitors, deep dives into its history and economy, cultural perspectives on its identity, and personal stories that bring the city’s energy to life.
Spring (March to May)
Spring brings mild to warm weather in Las Vegas and marks the start of the high season. Average highs climb from the 70 °F range in March to the upper 80s °F by May.
For example, March days average around 70 °F (21 °C) with nights around 49 °F, warming to about 89 °F (32 °C) by late May when lows are in the mid-60s.
Rainfall is minimal in spring (on the order of 0.1–0.5 inches per month) , so you’ll enjoy mostly sunny, dry days. These comfortable temperatures make spring one of the busiest times in Vegas.
Crowds & Events
Expect high visitor volumes between March and May. Spring break season (especially March) draws throngs of vacationers, and it’s when resort pools reopen and daytime pool parties kick off for the year.
Major events further boost crowds – for instance, the NCAA March Madness tournaments bring sports fans to sportsbooks in March, and Memorial Day weekend in late May is a popular time for travelers and big nightclub/pool club events.
In May, Las Vegas also hosts the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), a massive 3-night music festival that sees over half a million attendees , making mid-late May especially busy. It’s wise to book accommodations and restaurants well in advance during spring, as this season’s mix of great weather and events means high demand.
- Pros: Pleasant daytimes and comfortable evenings (70–85 °F daytime in spring ), ideal for walking the Strip or taking desert tours. A full slate of events and entertainment (from food festivals to concerts) is available, and pool season begins in earnest by April. Spring offers a good balance of warm weather without the extreme heat of summer.
- Cons: This is peak season, so hotels and flights tend to be priciest and most crowded. Popular attractions and pool parties can get crowded in March–April due to spring breakers. Also, nights in early spring can still be on the cooler side (down to the 50s °F/10–15 °C), so you may need a light jacket after dark.
Summer (June to August)
Las Vegas summers are extremely hot and generally dry. Daytime high temperatures average around 100–105 °F (38–41 °C) at the peak of summer , and often even higher during heat waves (occasionally 110 °F+).
Overnight lows stay warm in the 70s–80s °F, offering little relief from the heat. Humidity is very low, so you won’t get a tropical stickiness – but the dryness and intensity of heat mean any outdoor activity must be done carefully (hydration is a must).
Monsoon season runs from late June through mid-September, bringing the chance of occasional thunderstorms or brief downpours in mid- to late-summer (July and August see a slight uptick to ~0.3–0.4 inches of rain). Still, rain remains infrequent in summer.
Crowds & Events
Summer is off-peak for tourism in Vegas compared to spring and fall. Many leisure travelers avoid the height of the heat, and large conventions are fewer in these months.
This means midweek in summer can feel relatively quiet. (In fact, weekdays during June–August are historically the least crowded times to visit.) However, weekends still draw plenty of visitors – especially around holiday periods like the 4th of July and Labor Day (which bookends the summer pool season) – as well as travelers who come specifically for the legendary pool parties and nightclub scene.
Summer is actually prime time for nightlife: clubs and dayclubs are in full swing with top DJs, and entertainment calendars are packed with concerts and superstar residencies every weekend.
Annual events include the World Series of Poker (WSOP), which runs from early June through July and brings thousands of poker players to town, and citywide 4th of July fireworks and celebrations.
- Pros: The slower tourist season means you can often find lower hotel rates and airfare deals in summer. Crowds are thinner on many weekdays, making it easier to explore attractions with shorter lines. Summer offers the maximum pool and nightlife scene – if your priority is pool parties, outdoor clubs, or music events, this is the season for nonstop action. All major resorts, restaurants, and shows are open (with ample air conditioning everywhere to escape the heat).
- Cons: The intense heat is the biggest drawback – outdoor activities can be limited to early morning or evening hours, as midday temperatures (100 °F+/38 °C+) are unsafe for extended exposure. Simply walking the Strip in the afternoon sun can be draining or dangerous if you’re not used to it. Some visitors may find summer uncomfortable for sightseeing unless they stick mostly to indoor, air-conditioned venues. Additionally, while overall crowds are lower than spring, weekend hot spots (pool clubs, popular casinos) can still be quite busy with the party crowd, so summer doesn’t completely eliminate congestion.
Fall (September to November)
Fall is another ideal season in Las Vegas, with the summer heat easing into more moderate temperatures. September can still be hot at first (average highs in the mid-90s °F, 35 °C, early in the month) but by October and November the weather is very pleasant.
In October, highs average around 81 °F with lows in the upper 50s °F, and by November, days are around 66 °F with crisp nights in the 40s. Rainfall remains low – autumn months typically get only a quarter-inch or so of rain each, as the summer monsoon tapers off.
This season’s warm days and cooler evenings are perfect for a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, from exploring Red Rock Canyon to strolling the Strip at night.
Crowds & Events
Along with spring, fall is a peak visitation period in Vegas. The city sees a surge of conventions and trade shows in autumn, which fill hotels midweek with business travelers.
For example, late September and October feature major conventions like G2E (Global Gaming Expo) and automotive specialty shows that bring tens of thousands of attendees. Leisure travel also remains strong – there are several big events that draw tourists in the fall. Labor Day weekend (early September) is very busy, marking the end of summer festivities.
Music festivals such as the Life is Beautiful festival (downtown Las Vegas, September) and the iHeartRadio Music Festival (September) attract crowds of fans. In November, Las Vegas has recently added the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix (debuted 2023) as an annual event, which in 2025 is scheduled for Nov 20–22 and is expected to bring a huge international audience.
Throughout the fall, you’ll also find events like Halloween parties, food festivals, and sports – for instance, the NFL season draws visiting football fans to Raiders home games on weekends.
Overall, expect busy hotels and venues, especially around event dates, but not quite the college party atmosphere of spring – the crowd is a mix of vacationers and convention-goers.
- Pros: Superb weather – autumn might be the best time for those who want warm (but not scorching) days and comfortably cool nights. It’s an excellent season for outdoor activities like golf, hiking near Vegas, or day trips to places like the Grand Canyon, since temperatures are manageable. You’ll still have all the shows, concerts, and nightlife available (pool parties continue through September). The vibe in fall is lively but a bit less rowdy than high summer or spring break, which can be nice for travelers who want energy without the throngs of college partiers.
- Cons: High demand in fall means prices remain elevated for flights and accommodations, particularly around big convention dates or festivals. Popular restaurants and shows might sell out, so planning ahead is important. Even though the weather is cooler than summer, early September can still feel very hot (90s °F), so those sensitive to heat might want to aim for October or later. Lastly, expect some crowds – you won’t find empty casinos or streets in autumn, as this is still one of Vegas’s busiest periods.
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Las Vegas is relatively mild compared to much of the United States. Expect cool days and cold nights, but very rarely any snow in the city.
December and January have average highs around 57–58 °F (14 °C) and lows around 38–39 °F (3–4 °C). By February it warms slightly into the low 60s °F (around 16 °C) in the daytime.
Freezing temperatures are uncommon and any snowfall is a rare novelty (though the surrounding mountains might see a dusting). Rainfall is modest – winter is actually the “wet” season for Vegas, but that only means roughly half an inch of rain in a typical December or February. Skies are often sunny in winter, but you will get occasional rain showers.
One thing to note: many hotels close their pools for winter (generally from about October until March) since it’s too cold for swimming.
Crowds & Events
Winter is a shoulder season in Las Vegas, with lighter crowds than other times of year. In fact, visitor statistics show that the winter months (especially January and February) have recently seen the lowest tourism levels of the year.
This means you can enjoy more elbow room at casinos and attractions, except during a few notable spikes. Holiday periods are the big exception: the city is extremely busy for New Year’s Eve, when roughly 300,000–500,000 people flock to the Strip for fireworks and parties.
The first week of January also sees huge crowds for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) – one of the world’s largest trade shows – which routinely brings well over 100,000 tech attendees to town.
Additionally, in early December the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) comes to Vegas (often at the Thomas & Mack Center), drawing about 100,000 rodeo fans over 10 days and giving the city a brief western flair. Outside of these events, winter is relatively quiet: mid-December (after the rodeo and before Christmas) is a slow period, and the weeks after New Year’s up to early spring have fairly low tourist traffic.
There are still events to enjoy – for example, Chinese New Year is celebrated in January/February with lavish decorations at resorts; the NFL Super Bowl in early February brings many visitors to watch parties in sportsbooks (unless Las Vegas is hosting it, which is a special case); and the city puts on festive holiday displays in December.
But overall, winter offers the smallest crowds and shortest lines, making it a calmer time to experience Las Vegas.
- Pros: Lowest crowd levels and prices – aside from the spike around New Year’s, winter months typically have cheaper hotel rates and plenty of availability, so it’s a good value season. The cooler weather is comfortable for walking around outdoors in the daytime without overheating, and it’s a nice break if you’re coming from a colder climate (60 °F and sunny can feel like spring to visitors from snowy regions). You can enjoy all the casinos, shows, and restaurants with somewhat fewer tourists around. Winter is also when Vegas embraces the holiday spirit: you’ll find impressive Christmas light displays, outdoor ice rinks, and New Year’s celebrations that are among the biggest in the country. For travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace and don’t need pool weather, winter is an attractive time to visit.
- Cons: If you’re expecting “classic” hot Vegas weather, you won’t find it in winter – it can get chilly, especially at night. You’ll need a jacket most days, and outdoor pool clubs and many resort pools are closed for the season. Some summer-style attractions (like certain water parks or seasonal outdoor bars) are on hiatus. Also, while winter is generally cheaper, major events like New Year’s Eve and CES will temporarily send hotel prices skyrocketing and create sold-out conditions , so avoid those periods if you’re crowd-averse. Lastly, the shorter daylight hours mean less time for outdoor sightseeing in any given day (dark by ~5 pm in December).
Best Time to Go
Recommendations by Traveler Type
Family Travelers
Families often favor spring or fall for a Vegas trip. During these seasons, the weather is moderate enough for kids to be outside without the dangers of extreme heat, and there are fewer rowdy parties compared to summer break.
For instance, an October visit offers pleasant weather for pool time or excursions to nearby attractions, without the spring break crowds.
Winter can also be a budget-friendly option for families (when hotels are cheaper), but keep in mind the pool closures and cooler temperatures – if your kids want to swim, aim for late spring or early fall.
Summer’s heat can be tough on younger children, so if you visit in summer, plan indoor, air-conditioned activities and stay hydrated.
Overall, spring break and holiday weekends should be avoided if you want to steer clear of the biggest crowds with family , while mid-week trips in shoulder seasons can offer a more relaxed family experience.
Nightlife Enthusiasts
If your goal is to enjoy Las Vegas’s famed party scene – pool parties, nightclubs, and 24/7 nightlife – summer is prime time.
The summer months feature the hottest pool party action and nightly DJ entertainment at clubs. Holiday weekends like Memorial Day (May) and Labor Day (early September) are legendary for parties, though they will be extremely crowded and pricey.
Spring break (March) is another peak party period when the city fills with a younger party crowd. New Year’s Eve in winter is one colossal citywide party as well. Keep in mind that summer daytime heat is intense, but if your plan is to lounge by a pool with a drink and then hit the clubs at night, you’ll be in your element.
Just book accommodations and club tickets well ahead for big party weekends. In short, late spring through summer offers the most in terms of high-energy events, DJs, and poolside nightlife – it’s when Vegas lives up to its reputation as an adult playground.
Business Travelers
If you are coming to Las Vegas for a conference or trade show, your timing is likely fixed by the event dates. Be aware of the biggest conventions: January and October are heavy convention periods (for example, CES in early January and industry expos like G2E in the fall) , so flights and hotels book up quickly during those months.
It’s wise to secure reservations as early as possible if attending such events. If you have flexibility for a general business trip or planning a conference, consider the winter months (excluding holidays) – hotels are more affordable and venues less busy in, say, February.
Also, mid-week stays are preferable; Las Vegas hotels are usually cheapest from Monday to Thursday (weekends see leisure travel spikes). Business travelers might actually appreciate the relative calm of winter or summer weekdays, when tourist crowds are thinner, making it easier to navigate the city and schedule meetings.
Just avoid overlapping your trip with any major citywide event. In summary, for business purposes, off-peak times (winter or mid-summer, and always mid-week) strike a good balance of lower costs, lighter crowds, and still-accessible amenities.
In conclusion, the “best” time to visit Las Vegas depends on what you value most. If you want the most pleasant weather and plenty of events, aim for spring or fall – just be ready for bigger crowds and higher prices during those popular seasons.
If you prioritize smaller crowds and deals, winter (Dec–Feb) might be your best bet, so long as you don’t mind cooler temperatures and the lack of pool activities. And for those chasing the signature Vegas party atmosphere, the summer months and holiday weekends deliver in full, albeit with extreme heat and bustling venues.
By considering the seasonal trade-offs in climate, crowd levels, and special events, you can choose the time of year that aligns best with your interests for a Las Vegas visit you’ll enjoy to the fullest.
