Guide to Best Time to Visit Las Vegas
Las Vegas weather experiences a lot of seasonal variation; hot in the summer, pleasant in the spring and fall, and brisk and windy in the winter. If you're planning a trip to Las Vegas, you have the unique opportunity to experience other destinations on day trips to the Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon West helicopter tours, Antelope Canyon tours, or flights to Bryce Canyon, all of which have their own seasonalities that vary throughout the year.
Use this guide to determine what time of year is best for your Las Vegas vacation and learn about what type of weather to expect if you visit some of the Southwest's most incredible natural landmarks.
Las Vegas Weather Averages
The city of Las Vegas experiences a wide range of climates depending on the time of year.
On average, mid-July is the time period of the year in Las Vegas, with temperatures ranging from 80°F (27°C) to an astonishing 120°F (49°C). You may catch a monsoon storm in mid-July but overall the air is very dry and the sun is very powerful.
In contrast, January is typically the coldest month, and visitors to Las Vegas can see temperatures between 37°F (3°C) and 57°F (14°C). While rare, the Las Vegas metro area even experiences snow at higher elevations.
Spring and fall offer sunny, crisp mornings, beautiful warm days, and nights that stay comfortable. These seasons are the perfect time for walking the Las Vegas Strip or hitting the trails all throughout the Las Vegas metro area and beyond.
This chart shows the average temperatures each month in Las Vegas:
Las Vegas Summer Weather
On average, at least 70 days a year in Las Vegas reach over 100°F (38°C). The highest temperature Las Vegas ever recorded took place on July 10, 2021, an astonishing 117°F (47°C). Visitors to Las Vegas during the summer months should stay hydrated and wear sunscreen when walking the Strip or exploring nearby parks and landmarks. Be aware that the Las Vegas Strip is over 4 miles long, and casinos can appear much closer together than they actually are. It's wise to take breaks when exploring the Strip and seek shelter in the air conditioning often.
Visiting the Grand Canyon In Summer
If you're planning to include a trip to the Grand Canyon in your Las Vegas vacation, expect temperatures between 59°F (15°C) and 95°F (35°C). Summertime is also when the Grand Canyon experiences the highest visitation, so if you plan to drive you should expect long lines at the gate entry. To avoid waiting and cut travel time, you can fly to the Grand Canyon National Park from Las Vegas or visit the West Rim in a helicopter tour that lands on the canyon floor.
It's always advised to dress in layers at the Grand Canyon, as temperatures can fluctuate and sudden rainstorms do happen. Visitors should bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats to protect themselves from the bright summer sun. Learn more about Grand Canyon weather and season so you can be fully prepared for your memorable sightseeing adventure!
Las Vegas Winter Weather
First-time visitors to Las Vegas may assume that it is hot all year due to its desert location, but the winter months (especially at night) can be quite chilly. During the winter season the average high temperature is 57°F and the chilly evenings dip to an average low of 39°F. A trip to Las Vegas in winter still offers ample sunshine as long as you bring a light jacket.
Visiting the Grand Canyon in Winter
The Grand Canyon also sees significantly lower temperatures in winter time, with temperatures between 35°F (1.6°C) and 58°F (14°C). In fact, the Grand Canyon National Park actually experiences regular snowfall, making for a truly magnificent sightseeing experience. If you fly from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, your airplane will be equipped with climate control for comfort during your journey. You can also bundle your flight with a South Rim helicopter tour that offers aerial views of the canyon gorges and the Kaibab Forest blanketed in snow. Another upgrade option for your Grand Canyon flight is a ground excursion aboard a military-style Hummer. This vehicle is enclosed in the colder months and also offers passengers climate control and blankets during their tour.
Las Vegas Weather In Spring
One of the best times of the year to visit Las Vegas is from March to May. Early spring sees an average high temperature of 70°F (21°C).while the evenings can still be somewhat cool, with an average low temp of 49°F (9°C). Closer to May, the average high jumps to 89°F (32°C). But cool nights still descend on the high altitude arid basin with an average of 66°F (19°C).
These mild weather conditions make this time of the year perfect for a trip to Las Vegas. It's also when the higher elevations, including many of the Utah National Parks, begin to warm up, perfect for a Bryce Canyon day tour, or a trip to the Grand Canyon West, home of the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
Las Vegas Weather in Fall
Late September through November are also a beautiful time of year to visit Las Vegas and the American Southwest. Early September is still very warm, often triple digits for the first two weeks of the month. The average high temperature for the month is still a toasty 94°F (34°C) but you can balance out that warmth with beautiful evenings that experience an average low of a perfect 71°F (22°C).
October could be the most beautiful month of the entire year and, as an added benefit, the crowds are smaller and often great deals can be found on local hotels and attractions. In October, the average high drops to 81°F (27°C) while the low falls to 58°F (14°C). This is n optimal month for outdoor recreation, especially day trips from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.
November sees a dramatic cooldown, with the average high temperature dipping to 66°F (19°C) and the low dropping to 47°F (8°C). There is usually a window in November that is quite warm before winter's first cold storm descends into the desert. Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas are popular during this month.
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