The Best Time to Visit Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a city that never slows down. From the flashing lights of the Strip to high-stakes casino action, live entertainment, and extravagant dining, there is always something happening. But when you visit can make a big difference in your experience.

The best time to go depends on what you’re looking for—great weather, affordable prices, or big events. Some months bring comfortable temperatures, while others offer the best travel deals. No matter what kind of Vegas trip you want, this guide will help you choose the right time to visit.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best times to visit Las Vegas. The weather is warm but not too hot, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 70s to 80s. The evenings are cooler, making it a great time to explore the city, go on a desert hike, or enjoy an outdoor dinner with views of the Bellagio fountains.

Spring is also the start of pool party season. Popular dayclubs like Wet Republic, Encore Beach Club, and Marquee are in full swing, with DJs and lively crowds. The city is busy during this time, especially around spring break and major events, so expect higher hotel prices.

Key Events in Spring

Las Vegas comes alive in the spring with a variety of exciting events that attract visitors from all over the world.

• NASCAR Weekends (March & September): Racing enthusiasts flock to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway to witness high-speed action as top NASCAR drivers compete in thrilling races. The event is packed with excitement, featuring fan experiences, live entertainment, and an electric atmosphere that makes it a must-visit for motorsport fans.

• Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend (April & September): This is the largest rockabilly festival in the world, bringing together vintage car enthusiasts, music lovers, and fashion aficionados who embrace 1950s culture. Attendees can enjoy live rockabilly bands, classic car shows, retro fashion contests, and dance parties that celebrate the golden age of rock and roll.

• Academy of Country Music Awards (April): Country music fans won’t want to miss this star-studded event, which honors the biggest names in the genre. The show is known for its energetic performances and exclusive after-parties, making it an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves country music.

• Billboard Music Awards (May): One of the most prestigious nights in the music industry takes place in Las Vegas every May. The Billboard Music Awards celebrate the year’s biggest chart-topping artists across multiple genres, featuring live performances from some of the biggest names in music. Music lovers visiting during this time have a chance to see their favorite artists in action and experience the glitz and glamour of an A-list event.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Las Vegas in Spring

Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Las Vegas, offering ideal weather and an exciting lineup of events, but it also comes with higher costs and bigger crowds.

Pros

• Pleasant weather: With daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s, spring provides the perfect conditions for exploring the Strip, dining outdoors, and enjoying desert excursions. The evenings are comfortably cool, allowing visitors to stroll through the city without extreme heat or chilly temperatures.
• Plenty of events: Spring is packed with major events, concerts, and award shows, making it an exciting time to visit. Whether you’re a music fan, racing enthusiast, or just looking for unique festivals, there is something for everyone.
• Pool parties: Spring marks the beginning of pool season in Las Vegas. The city’s world-famous dayclubs host energetic pool parties featuring top DJs, creating a lively atmosphere that draws both tourists and locals looking to cool off and party in style.

Cons

• Higher prices: Because spring is one of the most popular seasons in Las Vegas, hotel rates and airfare tend to be more expensive. Visitors should book accommodations and flights in advance to secure the best deals.
• Larger crowds: With the influx of tourists attending festivals, concerts, and sporting events, popular attractions, casinos, and nightclubs can become crowded. Those looking for a quieter, more relaxed Vegas experience may want to consider visiting during the summer or winter months when the crowds are smaller.

Spring in Las Vegas is vibrant, energetic, and packed with entertainment, making it an ideal time for those who want to experience the city at its peak. However, visitors should be prepared for higher prices and bustling crowds, especially on weekends and during major events.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Las Vegas is hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. If you can handle the heat, this is the cheapest time to visit. Hotels offer lower rates, flights are more affordable, and there are fewer tourists compared to spring and fall.

To stay cool, most visitors spend their time indoors or at resort pools. Nightlife is still in full swing, and the desert evenings are warm and comfortable. Walking the Strip during the day can be tough due to the extreme heat, but there are plenty of ways to get around, including taxis and buses.

Key Events in Summer

• Fourth of July Fireworks – Las Vegas celebrates Independence Day with spectacular fireworks displays across the city. Major resorts such as Caesars Palace, The STRAT, and Mandalay Bay put on impressive shows, lighting up the desert sky. The Las Vegas Strip becomes a hub of celebration, with rooftop parties, live music, and themed events at many casinos and hotels.

• World Series of Poker (May–July) – The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the ultimate tournament for poker enthusiasts. Hosted at the Horseshoe Las Vegas (formerly Bally’s) and Paris Las Vegas, this prestigious event draws professional players and amateurs from around the world. With multi-million-dollar prize pools, intense competition, and high-stakes games, the WSOP transforms the city into a poker mecca.

• Concert Residencies at Major Casinos – Summer is a prime time for Las Vegas’ famous concert residencies, where top artists perform extended engagements at major casino venues. Some of the biggest names in music, from Adele to Usher, take the stage at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Resorts World, and the Dolby Live Theater at Park MGM. These shows offer a chance to see world-class performances in a more intimate setting than traditional arena concerts.

• Pool Parties and Dayclubs – With scorching temperatures, Las Vegas’ pool party scene reaches its peak in the summer months. Dayclubs such as Wet Republic at MGM Grand, Encore Beach Club at Wynn, and Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan host massive parties featuring top DJs, bottle service, and energetic crowds. These poolside events are among the most popular attractions during the summer, drawing visitors looking to beat the heat while enjoying a lively atmosphere.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Las Vegas in Summer

Visiting Las Vegas in the summer offers budget-friendly hotel rates and fewer crowds, but the extreme desert heat can make outdoor activities and daytime exploration challenging.

• Pros: Cheap Hotel Rates, Fewer Crowds

Summer is considered the off-season in Las Vegas due to the extreme heat, making it one of the most affordable times to visit. Hotels significantly reduce their rates, allowing travelers to stay at luxury resorts for a fraction of the usual price. In addition to lower accommodation costs, summer also brings fewer tourists compared to the busy spring and fall seasons. This means shorter lines at restaurants, less crowded casinos, and a more relaxed experience at popular attractions.

• Cons: Extreme Heat, Limited Outdoor Activities

The biggest downside of visiting Las Vegas in summer is the intense desert heat, with daytime temperatures often soaring above 100°F. Walking the Strip during the day can be uncomfortable, and many outdoor activities, such as hiking in Red Rock Canyon or exploring nearby attractions like the Hoover Dam, become challenging due to the sweltering conditions.

Fall (September to November)

Fall is another great time to visit Las Vegas. The summer heat fades, leaving warm but manageable temperatures. September and October still feel like summer during the day, but evenings are cooler. By November, it feels more like winter, with temperatures in the 60s.

This season brings major events, including concerts, food festivals, and sporting events. Football season also draws big crowds, especially with the Las Vegas Raiders playing at Allegiant Stadium.

Key Events in Fall

Las Vegas in the fall is packed with exciting events that draw visitors from around the world. Here are some of the major highlights:

• Life is Beautiful Festival (September): This multi-day festival takes over downtown Las Vegas with a mix of live music, art installations, and food experiences. Featuring top musicians, world-renowned chefs, and immersive performances, this event transforms the city into a vibrant celebration of creativity.

• Las Vegas Greek Food Festival (September): This annual festival is a must-visit for food lovers. It showcases authentic Greek cuisine, traditional music, and lively cultural performances. Visitors can enjoy delicious dishes like gyros, souvlaki, baklava, and other Mediterranean favorites while experiencing a taste of Greek hospitality in the heart of the desert.

• Electric Daisy Carnival (October): One of the world’s largest electronic dance music festivals, EDC Las Vegas is an extravagant, neon-lit event featuring top DJs, massive stage productions, and thousands of festival-goers dressed in colorful, glowing outfits. The event takes place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and offers a truly immersive experience with carnival rides, art installations, and non-stop music.

• Las Vegas Grand Prix (November): One of the most anticipated events of the year, the Las Vegas Grand Prix brings high-speed Formula 1 racing to the city streets. This adrenaline-fueled event turns the Strip into a high-octane racetrack, attracting motorsport enthusiasts from all over the world. With its thrilling atmosphere and luxury experiences, it’s one of the most exciting sporting events in Vegas.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Las Vegas in the Fall

Like any time of year, visiting Las Vegas in the fall comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s what you should consider before planning your trip:

Pros:

• Comfortable weather: The scorching summer heat fades, leaving behind warm, pleasant temperatures during the day and cooler, more comfortable evenings. This makes it an ideal time to explore the city, dine outdoors, or take day trips to places like Red Rock Canyon.
• Many events: Fall is packed with concerts, festivals, and sporting events, ensuring there is always something happening. Whether you enjoy live music, cultural festivals, or professional sports, there is an event for every interest.
• Lively atmosphere: With so many events and visitors, the energy in the city is at its peak. The mix of tourists and locals enjoying the season’s festivities makes for an exciting and dynamic Vegas experience.

Cons:

• Prices can be high, especially on event weekends: Since fall is one of the most popular times to visit, hotel rates and airfare tend to increase, particularly during major events like the Grand Prix and EDC. If you’re traveling on a budget, it’s a good idea to book accommodations well in advance or visit during a quieter week.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Las Vegas is cooler than many expect, with daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s and nights dropping into the 30s. While it won’t snow on the Strip, nearby mountain areas like Lee Canyon do get snow, offering skiing just an hour from the city.

The holiday season brings festive decorations, ice skating rinks, and special events. New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest and most expensive times to visit, with hotels filling up quickly. After New Year’s, crowds thin out, making January and early February one of the least busy and most affordable times to go.

Key Events in Winter

• New Year’s Eve on the Strip (December): Las Vegas is one of the most exciting places in the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The entire Strip shuts down to traffic, turning into a massive pedestrian-only party filled with live music, street performances, and festive celebrations. As midnight approaches, fireworks light up the sky in a spectacular display launched from the rooftops of multiple casinos. Hotels, nightclubs, and restaurants host extravagant parties, making it one of the busiest nights of the year in Las Vegas.

• Super Bowl Weekend (February): As one of the biggest sports betting events of the year, Super Bowl weekend transforms Las Vegas into a hub for football fans. Casinos and sportsbooks fill up with eager bettors, while bars and restaurants host massive viewing parties with giant screens, drink specials, and high-energy crowds. Whether you’re catching the game in a luxury sportsbook lounge or at a lively sports bar, Super Bowl weekend in Las Vegas is an unforgettable experience for sports enthusiasts.

• Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon (February): Unlike most marathons, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon takes place at night, allowing runners to race along the famous Las Vegas Strip under dazzling neon lights. Participants run past iconic casinos, live music performances, and cheering crowds, making it one of the most unique and exciting marathons in the world. The event includes a full marathon, half marathon, and shorter races, making it accessible to runners of all skill levels.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Las Vegas in Winter

Winter in Las Vegas offers a festive holiday atmosphere, lower hotel rates after New Year’s, and fewer crowds in January, but it also comes with closed pools, chilly nights, and high prices during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Pros

• Festive Holiday Atmosphere: Las Vegas goes all out during the holiday season. The casinos and resorts are decorated with extravagant Christmas lights, massive holiday trees, and themed displays. Many hotels offer special holiday shows and seasonal attractions, such as ice skating rinks and winter wonderlands. If you’re looking for a festive getaway, December is a great time to visit.
  
• Lower Hotel Rates (Except for New Year’s Eve): After the New Year’s Eve rush, hotel prices drop significantly, making January and early February one of the most affordable times to visit Las Vegas. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly trip, planning a visit after the holiday season can save you a lot of money on accommodations.
  
• Fewer Crowds After January: While December is a busy time for tourism, the crowds start to thin out in January. This makes it easier to book last-minute hotel deals, get into restaurants without long waits, and enjoy attractions without large crowds. If you prefer a more relaxed Vegas experience, this is one of the best times to visit.

Cons

• Pools Are Closed: Unlike the warmer months when Las Vegas is known for its vibrant pool parties, most resort pools close for the winter season. Some hotels with heated pools may keep them open, but the famous dayclubs and pool parties won’t be in full swing.
  
• Cold Nights: While daytime temperatures in Las Vegas during winter are mild compared to other parts of the country, nights can get quite cold. Temperatures can drop into the 30s, so you’ll need to pack warm clothing if you plan on spending time outdoors in the evenings.
  
• Expensive Around New Year’s: If you plan on visiting Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve, be prepared for extremely high prices. Hotels often sell out months in advance, and room rates can be double or even triple their usual price. Flights also tend to be more expensive during this time, so budget-conscious travelers may want to avoid the last week of December.

Choosing the Right Time for Your Trip

When you visit Las Vegas depends on what you prioritize:

• For the best weather: Go in March-May or September-November
• For the lowest prices: Visit in June-August or January-February (except New Year’s and Super Bowl weekend)
• For the biggest events: Plan for spring or fall, when concerts, festivals, and sports are in full swing
• For a quiet and budget-friendly trip: Travel midweek instead of on weekends

No matter when you go, Las Vegas will always offer something exciting. Whether you’re looking for poolside relaxation, world-class entertainment, or high-energy nightlife, there’s a perfect time to experience everything this city has to offer.