Summary

• Visit Las Vegas in January for the cheapest rates and enjoy attractions like the Bellagio Fountain Show and the Fremont Street Experience.
• Avoid weekends to save money on accommodations, as prices are higher on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Use public transportation like bus passes or rideshares instead of renting a car to cut down on transportation costs. Look for discounts on shows and attractions to save even more money.

The ultimate destination to have fun and let loose is Las Vegas, specifically its downtown, which is known for good times and good memories. Although many believe that this city is a place reserved exclusively for gambling, there is still much more to do in Las Vegas, with many exciting activities that help people avoid incurring significant gambling losses.

But with so many attractions and things to do, visitors to Las Vegas often wind up breaking their budget. The good news is that there is a cheaper time to visit Las Vegas so you can save money while enjoying everything the city has to offer.

UPDATE: 2024/01/22 14:48 EST BY MARIA BOU INK

The Cheapest Month To Visit Vegas & Other Affordable Tips

Las Vegas captivates visitors with its dazzling array of iconic casinos, luxurious resorts, and world-class entertainment. Travelers on a budget tend to avoid it, afraid of spending too much. However, the Entertainment Capital of the World can be budget-friendly, if they choose the cheapest time to go to Las Vegas. Therefore, this article was updated to include things to do in the most affordable month to visit Las Vegas.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Las Vegas On A Budget?

January through April or September through November are cheap travel periods

Travelers looking to visit Las Vegas on a budget and save a big chunk of their money should aim to vacation between January and April or between September and November. Many reasons make these the cheapest times to visit the city, including the airfare.

Most people end up flying to Las Vegas due to its location but also because driving through the desert may not be the ideal road trip for many. However, because the city wants tourists to come in and visit, airfares are usually cheap.

Las Vegas does what should be done to make it affordable for visitors to reach it. People can fly to the city from across the country on direct flights, which helps cut down on travel costs.

• The cheapest time to fly to Las Vegas falls outside of major travel seasons and holiday periods.

The cheapest months to visit Las Vegas are also influenced by hotel prices. This is because these constitute a major part of a tourist’s vacation budget. Visitors to Las Vegas have the option to stay at cheap hotels outside the city or on the fringe of the city.

However, most tourists prefer to book a popular hotel that also includes a casino. Thus, it is best to visit these hotels at their lowest rates, between January and April or between September and November.

Most people who visit Las Vegas on the weekend will leave on Sunday, making this day the best time to book a trip and a hotel in the city.

Watch out for hidden costs and fees when visiting Las Vegas, including parking costs. Visitors can also check for accommodations that offer free parking and other benefits.

This Is The Cheapest Month For Visiting Las Vegas

On a strict budget? Visit Las Vegas in January

The cheapest month to visit Las Vegas is January, when flying rates are at their lowest. This is particularly true for people flying from Chicago, Washington DC, and New York.

The reason January is the cheapest for visiting the city is that it’s considered the coldest month in Las Vegas, with temperatures possibly dropping to a low of 34 degrees Fahrenheit and reaching a maximum of 57 degrees Fahrenheit.

While people may not be excited about such low temperatures, some may still find it better than visiting during the scorching summer months when prices will also be skyrocketing. On the contrary, January allows visitors to enjoy various attractions without worrying about hot temperatures.

Experience outdoor fun with attractions such as Fremont Street, the High Roller, and snapping photos by the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

Avoid The Weekends For The Cheapest Time To Visit Las Vegas

Accommodations on weekdays are cheaper than on weekends in Las Vegas

Weekends are much more expensive in Las Vegas than weekdays. The weekend is Friday night and Saturday night, but not Sunday night. Fridays and Saturdays are far pricier than the other days. For example, the cheapest listed rooms for Caesars Palace (a top casino hotel) are around $441 on a Saturday night, while it is possible to get rooms for $282 during the weekdays.

To get the better deals, plan ahead — and don't book flights to Las Vegas before checking that there will also be accommodation at respectable prices.

Another tip is to check out the special package deals offered by institutions like large casino hotels. The casinos have special deals on web pages (like Caesars Palace). These offers may be anything from a 5% discount code to a special deal for some anniversary or other special occasion.

Accommodation can be expensive and the cost of accommodation in Vegas seems to be rising. According to Statista, in September 2023, the average price for an overnight stay in Las Vegas was $247 USD, surpassing the previous month's average of 204 U.S. dollars. While accommodation costs fluctuated wildly, per Statista, it seems that costs do trend upward.

Additional Affordable Tips When Visiting Las Vegas

Check flights, opt for public transportation, look for discounts

In addition to traveling during January and other cheap months to Las Vegas and selecting suitable flights and accommodations, people can also adopt some affordable practices when visiting the city.

For instance, you can skip the rental car since it’s not essential if you're staying on the Strip and downtown. Use bus passes for transportation, which are much more affordable than renting a car.

On that note, avoid taxis and choose Uber or Lyft as alternatives, as rideshares are often cheaper than taxis. The Deuce or the double-decker bus is also the most affordable mode of public transportation in the city. Other options include the monorail and the free Tram.

Travelers can also save some money by booking shows at a discount from Vegas.com. From magicians and Cirque du Soleil to musical arts, visitors to Las Vegas will have the chance to attend the most exciting spectacles at the best available rates instead of paying the full ticket price.

Things To Do In January, The Cheapest Month To Visit Vegas

Las Vegas' most affordable month still offers excitement

Las Vegas, often associated with opulence and high-stakes entertainment, surprisingly emerges as an affordable destination within Nevada, when choosing the most affordable time to visit.

During January, tourists can see the iconic Bellagio Fountain Show, a free spectacle of choreographed fountains set to music and lights, stands as a prime example, as well as the winter decor of The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.

The Fremont Street Experience, with its illuminated LED canopy, provides a dazzling Viva Vision Light Show and live music along a five-block pedestrian mall during this cheap month. Additionally, the High Roller Observation Wheel, the world's tallest, provides panoramic views of the city, especially stunning during the "happy half-hour" pass right before sunset.

The city offers numerous free attractions, including street performers, lounge acts, and the Mirage Volcano fountain show that erupts in flames every hour. Despite January's low temperatures, nature enthusiasts can explore Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area's hiking trails if it is not freezing. Those with a sweet tooth can visit the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden for free chocolate samples and a stroll through three acres of unique cacti.

For those seeking cultural enrichment, the Neon Museum, an outdoor "boneyard" showcasing over 200 rescued neon signs from old Vegas establishments, offers affordable guided tours.

• Guided tour cost: Starting at $19

History enthusiasts can escape the cold weather and visit the historical Mob Museum in Las Vegas.

• Entrance fee: $27 per visitor

Finally, the ice rink at the Cosmopolitan guarantees visitors a winter wonderland experience amid the January desert oasis of Las Vegas. Additionally, the rink occasionally features live snowfalls, creating the ambiance of an enchanting snowfall backdrop while you savor themed cocktails and enjoy the glittering surroundings.

• Cost: $50 per couple

Las Vegas, with its diverse offerings, proves that one can experience the city's allure without breaking the bank.