What is the “average” Las Vegas weather like?
Las Vegas is in the desert, so as you would expect it’s hotter than most other spots in the United States. On average, winter days are comfortable and nights are cold; summer days are sweltering and nights are hot; spring and fall are often delightful with low humidity. Bear in mind, though, that between gambling, shopping, eating and entertainment, the average tourist spends most of his or her Vegas time indoors – so the amount of time you spend in the hot or cold weather isn’t always all that important. Of course, if you’re an outdoors person – or if you plan to stroll along the Strip or downtown, the timing of your visit can make quite a difference.
When is the Las Vegas weather the most enjoyable?
Again, it depends on your mindset and what you like to do. If you hate the heat, then nothing beats visiting Las Vegas in the winter, when the daytime temperatures average in the 50s and 60s and the nights are crisp and cool. Sun worshipper wanting to spend lots of time by the pool? Figure on baking outdoors in July and August, when the average daytime temperatures top 100 degrees and the lavish hotel pools are the most welcoming. Many feel the perfect time for Las Vegas weather is during the fall, when the temperatures usually swing between 60 and 80 degrees or so – making it perfect for walks, sightseeing, outdoor sports and everything else the Vegas area has to offer. The weather is similar in the spring, although it’s more likely to rain in the winter and spring.
Las Vegas weather throughout the year
During the beginning of the year around January and February, you will probably experience an average daytime temperature of 50 to 70 degrees. This is the height of the rainy season, even though what passes for rain in Vegas is actually pretty easy to take – it does mean that the usual low humidity can be somewhat higher during this period. Nighttime temperatures average in the 30s and 40s, but can also hit the low 50s at times.
In March and April, the temperature starts to rise and the humidity falls back to desert levels. The average high temperature during these months is right around 70-75 degrees, but it’s not uncommon for there to be swings into the 50s in March or the 80s in April. On the whole it’s a very comfortable couple of months. Expect nighttime temperatures to average in the mid 40s to low 50s.
In May and June, the Las Vegas weather makes you realize you’re in the desert; high temperatures average around 90 degrees and often hit 100. The humidity drops even further, leading many people to say “yes, it’s hot – but it’s a dry heat.” If you’ve spent much time in the desert, though, you know that a dry heat is still very hot. Nighttime temperatures average in the 60s during this time, making this many people’s favorite season for a Vegas visit.
During July, August, and early September, you had better either love the heat, or stay indoors most of the time during your visit to Las Vegas. Average temperatures are over 100 degrees (the average is 106 degrees in July), and there can be prolonged spells where the temperature tops 110 degrees during the day. As we’ve mentioned, the city is well-designed to let you stay indoors (walkways and trams make it easier than ever to “live indoors” during the summer), but be sure to hydrate throughout your stay, because even indoors you need lots of water in this type of weather. Nighttime temperatures average in the 70s and low 80s, but it can take until fairly late in the evening to actually reach those lower temperatures.
Many people find October, November, and early December the perfect time for a Las Vegas visit; the high temperatures average in the 70s, with the lows in the upper 40s and low 50s – great weather to walk, to explore and have fun both indoors and out.
Las Vegas Weather: average temperatures, courtesy of Vegas.com:
January 58° F (14° C) 34° F (1° C)
February 63° F (17° C) 39° F (4° C)
March 69° F (21° C) 44° F (7° C)
April 78° F (26° C) 51° F (11° C)
May 88° F (31° C) 60° F (16° C)
June 100° F (38° C) 69° F (21° C)
July 106° F (41° C) 74° F (23° C)
August 103° F (39° C) 74° F (23° C)
September 95° F (35° C) 66° F (19° C)
October 82° F (28° C) 54° F (12° C)
November 67° F (19° C) 43° F (6° C)
December 58° F (14° C) 34° F (1° C)
