Las Vegas

Las Vegas, a city of 660,000 in the Mojave Desert of southern Nevada, operates as one of the world’s most concentrated entertainment zones. The Strip alone draws over 40 million visitors annually with 150,000 hotel rooms, more than any other city in the United States. Las Vegas sits at 610m (2,001 ft) elevation and averages 300+ sunny days per year in a hot desert climate (Koppen BWh). This guide covers the climate at a glance, the best times to visit for ideal weather, and what to expect from the city’s distinct seasons, with links to detailed articles on every aspect of planning your trip.

Las Vegas Weather at a Glance

Las Vegas has a subtropical hot desert climate with intense dry heat from June through September and mild, sunny winters from December through February. The city averages just 106mm (4.2 inches) of rain per year across 26 rainy days, making it the driest major city in the United States. Humidity is extremely low year-round, typically 15% to 25% during summer afternoons. Summer highs in July and August average 40 to 41°C (104 to 106°F) and regularly exceed 43°C (110°F). Winter highs in December and January average 13 to 14°C (56 to 58°F) with overnight lows dropping to 2°C (36°F), cold enough for frost on the coldest mornings. Spring and fall are brief but beautiful: March through May warm from 21°C to 32°C (70 to 90°F), while September through November cool from 35°C to 19°C (95 to 66°F). The monsoon season in July and August brings occasional afternoon thunderstorms with brief heavy rain and dust storms.

Las Vegas Seasonal Snapshot

• Spring (March through May): Warming from 21°C to 32°C (70 to 90°F). Pools open by mid-April. Windy in March and April. Best season for outdoor activities, hiking, and pool season without extreme heat. Hotel rates rise through May as EDC approaches.
• Summer (June through August): Extreme heat at 38 to 41°C (100 to 106°F). Monsoon thunderstorms in July and August bring brief rain. Cheapest hotel rates of the year midweek. Limit outdoor activity between 11am and 5pm.
• Fall (September through November): Cooling from 35°C to 19°C (95 to 66°F). Perfect temperatures in October at 27°C (81°F). Convention season pushes hotel rates up. F1 race in November closes Strip access.
• Winter (December through February): Cool days at 13 to 17°C (56 to 62°F), cold nights near freezing. Pools closed. NFR rodeo in early December fills hotels. New Year’s Eve is the busiest and most expensive night of the year.

Explore Las Vegas

These seven detailed guides cover every aspect of planning your Las Vegas trip, from month-by-month weather data to the best neighborhoods and hotels.

1. Las Vegas Weather by Month – Month-by-month temperature, rainfall, and sunshine data with what to expect from the desert climate in every season.
2. Best Time to Visit Las Vegas – When to go for the best weather, cheapest hotel rates, fewest crowds, and the biggest events on the Las Vegas calendar.
3. Things to Do in Las Vegas – Strip attractions, outdoor adventures, shows, and museums with ticket prices, hours, and practical tips for every attraction.
4. Las Vegas Events and Festivals – The complete annual calendar of major events from CES and EDC to the F1 Grand Prix and New Year’s Eve.
5. Las Vegas Neighborhoods Guide – A breakdown of the Strip, Downtown, Summerlin, the Arts District, and Henderson with who each area suits best.
6. Where to Stay in Las Vegas – Hotel recommendations across every budget tier on the Strip, Downtown, and off-Strip with booking links.
7. Las Vegas Travel Tips and FAQ – Airport transport, getting around, tipping customs, safety advice, and answers to the most common first-timer questions.

Where is Las Vegas?

Las Vegas sits in Clark County in southern Nevada, in the Mojave Desert at an elevation of 610m (2,001 ft) above sea level. It is surrounded by mountain ranges: the Spring Mountains to the west (including Mount Charleston at 3,633m / 11,916 ft), the Sheep Range to the north, and the McCullough Range to the south. The city is 435km (270 miles) northeast of Los Angeles (a 4-hour drive on I-15) and 620km (385 miles) southeast of Reno. The Las Vegas Valley is a broad alluvial basin that drains into Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, formed by Hoover Dam on the Colorado River about 58km (36 miles) southeast of the Strip. Las Vegas relies on Lake Mead for 90% of its water supply. The desert location means that summer heat is amplified by the urban heat island effect: the Strip averages 2 to 3°C warmer than the surrounding desert at night because of heat radiating from asphalt, concrete, and buildings.

Las Vegas Quick Facts

• Best months for weather: April and October (highs of 26 to 27°C / 79 to 81°F, lows of 12 to 13°C / 53 to 56°F).
• Warmest months: July and August, with average highs of 40 to 41°C (104 to 106°F).
• Coldest month: January, with average highs of 14°C (58°F) and lows of 2°C (36°F).
• Wettest month: August, with 13mm (0.5 inches) across 3 rainy days.
• Driest month: June, with 2mm (0.1 inches) on 1 rainy day.
• Annual sunshine: 3,825 hours (85% of total possible sunshine).
• Annual rainfall: 106mm (4.2 inches) across 26 rainy days.
• Strip hotel rooms: Approximately 150,000 across the metro area.
• Airport: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), 5km (3 miles) from the Strip.
• Time zone: Pacific Time (UTC-8), Daylight Saving Time observed.

Suggested Hotels in Las Vegas

Wynn Las Vegas (Luxury)

The Wynn delivers the highest standard of service on the Strip with 59 square meter (640 sq ft) rooms, an award-winning pool complex, and multiple fine dining restaurants including Wing Lei. The resort is consistently ranked at the top of guest satisfaction surveys for Las Vegas. Best for couples and luxury travelers. Check rates and availability

Paris Las Vegas (Mid-Range)

Paris Las Vegas sits in the prime Central Strip location directly across from the Bellagio Fountains. Renovated rooms in 2024 and reasonable rates make it an excellent choice for a Central Strip address without luxury pricing. Best for first-time visitors who want maximum Strip convenience. Check rates and availability

Excalibur (Budget)

Excalibur offers the lowest Strip hotel rates with midweek prices from US$25 to $40. The large pool complex has four pools and a waterslide, and a free tram connects to Mandalay Bay and Luxor. Best for travelers who want a Strip address at the lowest possible cost. Check rates and availability