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If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas, there are advantages to going during the winter. Transportation and accommodation tend to be cheaper, the city is often less crowded, and the temperatures are warm in comparison to most other places. You can’t expect Las Vegas to have the same temperatures in the winter as it does in the summer, but its mildness can be attractive to visitors looking to come during an off-season.Here’s what you can expect from the winter weather in Las Vegas and how you should adjust your packing accordingly.

UPDATE: 2023/01/06 13:16 EST BY AARON SPRAY

Winter Is A Great Time To Explore Around Las Vegas

While Vegas is the top attraction of Vegas so-to-speak, there are plenty of day excursions and activities outside the city in the desert. This article was updated noting that winter is a great time to explore the many attractions in the surrounding Mojave Desert after the searing heat of summer has passed. Winters are cool and pleasant in Vegas, so pack a sweater and enjoy the desert without the desert heat.

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What’s Winter Like In Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is known for its high temperatures, but the city also experiences a cool season, too. This begins in late November and lasts until late February, with the average daily temperature sitting below 19 °C (66.2°F). Usually, the coldest month of the year in Las Vegas is December. It has an average low of 4 °C and a high of 14 °C. But you can expect chilly temperatures during January and February, too.

In general, you can expect the daily temperatures to fluctuate a lot during Las Vegas’ winter. It’ll be a bit warmer in the daytime before a significant drop in the evening.

It’s also often rainier during winter in Las Vegas. The city’s rainy period last from December to March, with a monthly average of 0. 5 inches. February tends to be the rainiest, with an average of 0.8 inches per month.

Mind you, this isn’t a lot of precipitation compared to other places in the world. But if you visit Las Vegas during its rainy months, make sure you bring clothing options that will be suitable for rainfall.

Even though winter tends to be wetter and cooler in Las Vegas compared to other months, it’s still very mild. Many people find it more pleasant to visit Vegas in the off-season since the temperatures aren’t scorching. Las Vegas boasts that it offers sunshine 300 days a year. So, even if you go during the winter season, you’re likely still going to get good weather.

Does It Snow In Las Vegas?

Known for its hot, dry temperatures, many people assume that Las Vegas doesn’t get any snow. But this isn’t entirely true. Though rare, the city has gotten snowfall before. Las Vegas saw snow as recently as 2021.

But it’s important to emphasize how exceptional this is. Las Vegas usually has no snow during its winter months. The National Weather Service says it only gets an average of 0.3 inches of snow per year in the mountain valley, and even less snow falls in the city area.

Only on very few occasions in Las Vegas’ history has the city seen more than a few inches of snow. On January 31, 1979, Vegas saw 7.4 inches, while a few years before that in 1974 the city experience 4 inches.

On the few occasions that snow has been heavy, it has greatly affected the city’s airport. Since snow isn’t common, Las Vegas isn’t equipped with heavy-duty snow removal equipment. This can create hazardous conditions on the roads and sidewalks, making it difficult to enjoy the Las Vegas Strip many visitors come for.

Given how rare snow is in Las Vegas, you likely don’t need to worry about it interfering with your trip. Don’t pack snow-appropriate clothes unless the forecast calls for it since snowfall is unlikely to happen.

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What Clothes To Pack For Las Vegas In Winter?

The answer to this question depends on the type of temperature you’re used to. If you come from a colder climate (like Canada), you may find winter temperatures in Las Vegas to still be quite warm. Wearing long sleeves or long pants may not be necessary for you.

However, if you’re coming somewhere warmer or with a similar climate, the Las Vegas winter temperatures may feel brisker. In this case, you’ll likely want to pack warmer clothes to ensure you’re comfortable.

Some tips to keep in mind when packing clothes for a Las Vegas winter include:

Layer Up

Since the temperatures can fluctuate so much during the day, it can be helpful to wear layers. Dress in a light jacket, cardigan, or hoodie that can be removed if you feel warmer or added when it begins cooling down at night.

Bring A variety

Since the temperature and weather conditions can fluctuate in Las Vegas, make sure you bring a variety of clothing options. Have a pair of close-toed shoes if rain is in the forecast, but bring lighter clothing, too, since the temperature will pick up in the daytime.

Comfortable Shoes

Regardless of the weather, you can always expect to do a lot of walking around Las Vegas. Make sure you have a pair of comfortable shoes to meet your needs. Consider bringing a pair of waterproof, closed-toed shoes if you’re going to Las Vegas during its rainier months.

Bathing Suit

Unless the Las Vegas temperatures are very cold to you (or in the rare chance you encounter snow), you’ll likely want to swim in Las Vegas. So, pack a swimsuit even if you’re visiting in winter. Even if you don’t use an outdoor pool, there are lots of indoor options.

Winter Is A Great Time To Explore The Area Around Las Vegas

Las Vegas is located in the greater Mojave Desert - America's hottest desert. The summer months are often too hot to comfortably (or even safely) explore. Las Vegas is fun as a destination in and of itself, but it is also a great hub to explore the greater region around it. There is more to see and do than just explore The Strip.

During the winter, visitors can explore the Mojave Desert and discover some of the day excursions - like going off-road in the desert. The cooler time periods of the year are also better times to visit the Valley of Fire and go hiking where petroglyphs and bright red Aztec sandstone meet.

The best time to visit the Mojave Desert may be the shoulder seasons, but winter is still likely to be much more agreeable than the sweltering summers. Some winter activities (like desert wedding packages) are only offered outside the summer season.

Some die-hards may enjoy the searing heat of summer, but for most, the cooler months of the winter are a much better time to discover the many desert attractions around Sin City.