Best Time to Visit Las Vegas 2025

Las Vegas skyline at dusk with the Strip’s casinos and hotels illuminated. Planning the Best Time to Visit Las Vegas is crucial for a great trip. Las Vegas, the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” sits in a high desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters. In this guide, we break down Las Vegas weather by month and season, crowds and costs, major events and holidays, and practical Vegas travel tips. Whether you’re chasing pool parties or festive lights, you’ll learn when crowds are smallest, when hotel prices drop, and when Vegas is at its most dazzling of best time to visit Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is famous for 24/7 entertainment – casinos, shows, and nightlife never stop – but the experience varies by season. Understanding Vegas weather by month helps: for example, average highs climb from about 59°F in January to 104°F in July, then fall back to the upper 50s by December. Summers (June–August) are scorching (often 100–110°F), whereas winters (December–February) are mild (highs around 50–60°F). We’ll analyze each season to find the sweet spot for weather, crowds, and deals, ensuring you know the best time to visit Las Vegas in 2025 for your needs.

Las Vegas Weather by Season

Las Vegas’s climate is desert-dry year-round. Here’s a season-by-season breakdown of what to expect:

• Spring (March–May): Spring is often considered the sweet spot for Vegas. Daytime highs typically range 70–85°F, with very low rainfall. The weather is comfortably warm, perfect for walking the Strip or hiking nearby trails. In fact, one travel guide notes that spring weather in Vegas “is comfortably warm, with daytime temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F”. Pool season reopens (day clubs like Encore Beach Club and Wet Republic start in March), and the desert blooms with spring colors. However, crowds begin to swell: spring-breakers arrive in March and the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) – a huge EDM festival – is held in mid-May. Hotel rates climb accordingly in late spring best time to visit Las Vegas.
• Summer (June–August): Vegas in summer is extremely hot. Average highs climb into the low 100s°F (104°F by July), and humidity is near zero, making even evenings very warm. Outdoor activities (walking far or midday gambling) can be draining. On the plus side, the intense heat significantly reduces crowds, and some of the lowest hotel rates of the year appear in summer. Summer is also prime pool season (running roughly March–October), so resort pools and daytime beach parties are in full swing. If you don’t mind the heat, early summer (June) can be affordable – many travelers report July–August as the cheapest time to visit Vegas. The city’s energy shifts indoors: casinos, shows, and nightclubs stay busy late at night when it’s cooler. Just be sure to stay hydrated and plan pool or indoor breaks in the afternoons best time to visit Las Vegas.
• Fall (September–November): Fall weather in Las Vegas is ideal. September starts hot (upper 90s°F) but quickly cools to comfortable 70s–80s°F by October and November. According to local observers, “September is a great time to visit Las Vegas” because the scorching summer sun fades and travel prices fall. Fall also tends to have moderate crowds: early September still has summer visitors, best time to visit Las Vegas. but by October Vegas is pleasantly warm with smaller lines for attractions. Pools remain open through early fall, and outdoor dining or rooftop bars are very enjoyable. Major downtown events (like the (typically) September Life is Beautiful music festival) used to attract crowds, but aside from that, the atmosphere is more relaxed. In short, late September to November combines great weather (80s down to 60s°F) with off-peak crowd levels, making it an excellent time to visit for many best time to visit Las Vegas.
• Winter (December–February): Winters in Vegas are cool but far from frigid. Average highs linger around 50–60°F, and nighttime lows can dip into the 30s°F. Las Vegas rarely sees snow outside of holiday decorations. Winter’s advantage is lower demand: hotel rates often drop in late December and January, making it a budget-friendly time. Also, Vegas is the perfect warm getaway for travelers coming from snowy climates. The downside is that many pools close by October (check your hotel), so there’s no pool partying in winter. However, the Strip sparkles with holiday lights (many casinos deck the halls with elaborate displays), and winter events like ice rinks and special shows abound. Remember that big events like the Las Vegas National Finals Rodeo in early December or the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January can spike crowds and rates, so plan around those if possible best time to visit Las Vegas.

Crowd Levels & Costs: Cheapest Times to Visit

Finding the cheapest time to visit Las Vegas often means visiting during off-peak months when crowds are thinner. Historical data confirms this pattern:

• Slowest / Cheapest Periods: January and February usually have the lowest visitor counts. These winter months (aside from holiday and CES spikes) see softer crowds and lower hotel rates best time to visit Las Vegas. Late summer (late July–August) is another slow season: the intense heat keeps some visitors away, so resorts often run deals. In fact, analysis of 2023 data shows the lowest nightly rates were in mid-year: April ($171/night), June ($165), July ($163), and August ($157) on average. (Honorable mention to January/February – those are quiet but occasionally get event-driven surges like the Super Bowl.) If your priority is saving money, consider booking in these off-peak months best time to visit Las Vegas.
• Busiest / Most Expensive Periods: The spring (March–April) and fall (October–November) shoulder seasons attract the highest demand. March is especially busy with spring breakers, big conventions, and the frenzy around St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness. Fall months like October and November often see tens of thousands of visitors for holiday events and festivals. Correspondingly, hotel prices spike: for example, March 2023 averaged ~$213/night, October ~$233, and November ~$249 for best time to visit Las Vegas.
• Weekly Patterns: Las Vegas hotel rates also follow a weekly pattern. Weekends (Friday–Sunday) are the most expensive time to stay, driven by both tourists and local visitors from California. Conversely, midweek stays (especially Tuesday–Thursday) can be substantially cheaper best time to visit Las Vegas.Many savvy travelers find the sweet spot by arriving midweek and avoiding weekend check-ins.
• Major Event Blocks: Be mindful of specific events. Conventions, sports championships, or large festivals can temporarily skyrocket crowd levels and prices. For example, CES (early January) brings ~170,000 visitors, and the 10-day National Finals Rodeo (Dec) brings ~100,000 rodeo fans. In May, EDC (100K+ attendees) fills Vegas with partygoers. Similarly, major sports or concerts (like an F1 Grand Prix, championship boxing match, or WWE event) can make ordinarily cheap months very busy. A smart traveler checks the Vegas convention calendar and avoids booking rooms during those spikes.

In summary, if you want to avoid crowds and save money, target winter (Jan–Feb) or late summer (Jul–Aug) for your Vegas trip. For comfortable weather (at the cost of higher prices), aim for spring or early fall. Whichever you choose, booking in advance and choosing off-peak days (like midweek, non-holiday weeks) will maximize savings at best time to visit Las Vegas.

Major Events & Holidays in Las Vegas

Las Vegas hosts dozens of headline events each year. Some of the best Vegas events and holidays to know for 2025 include:

• Consumer Electronics Show (CES) – January: This massive tech convention fills hotels on the Strip every January, pushing rates way up. Unless you’re attending CES, avoid booking those dates if you seek better deals best time to visit Las Vegas.
• Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) – Mid-May: One of the world’s largest electronic dance music festivals, held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It draws huge crowds for late-night shows; club promoters and hotels often see high demand during EDC.
• Life Is Beautiful Festival – September: Best time to visit Las Vegas a multi-day downtown music and arts festival that normally spans many city blocks. (Note: LVB was paused for 2025, but it has traditionally been a major crowd magnet in early fall.) best time to visit Las Vegas.
• National Finals Rodeo (NFR) – Early December: Dubbed the “Super Bowl of Rodeo,” this 10-day championship event fills stadiums and hotels with tens of thousands of rodeo fans. Expect higher prices in late Nov–Dec until NFR ends.
• Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix – November: Starting in late 2023, Las Vegas hosts an F1 race on the Strip. This top-tier motorsports event (usually Thanksgiving weekend) attracts wealthy fans worldwide and fills hotels.
• Rock Concerts & Fight Nights: Vegas is a prime venue for big-name concerts, boxing, and UFC fights year-round. For example, major boxing bouts or MMA events (often held on Saturdays) can sell out arenas. When planning, check if a high-profile fight (like a Canelo match) or residency show (e.g. a pop star in Sphere) falls on your dates – those nights get very busy.
• Sports Events: The NFL Draft, March Madness playoff rounds, and other sports spectacles sometimes land in Vegas, causing surges in visitors best time to visit Las Vegas.
• Holidays on the Strip:
  • New Year’s Eve: Las Vegas is famous for its multi-venue fireworks show on the Strip at midnight. Virtually every major casino blasts fireworks simultaneously best time to visit Las Vegas. The city hosts massive block parties and headline concerts. New Year’s also tends to have hotel surcharges and full bookings, so book very early if you plan to stay through Dec 31.
  • Independence Day (July 4): Another festive night. Casinos and hotels run fireworks, many pools throw big day parties, and the Strip buzzes with celebrations. Fourth of July hotels can charge premium rates, but the holiday crowds are less concentrated than New Year’s best time to visit Las Vegas.
  • Christmas: Despite Vegas’s party image, Christmas in Vegas has a surprisingly festive atmosphere. Hotels decorate extensively – for example, the Bellagio atrium transforms into a winter wonderland. Family-friendly shows (Nutcracker ballet, holiday-themed tournaments) and seasonal attractions (Enchant light maze, holiday ice rinks) operate in mid-December. Room rates may be high around Dec 24–26, but Christmas Day itself can see modest deals.
  • Halloween: The city goes all-out for Halloween with costume parties and special events on Fremont Street and the Strip. Vegas conventions even hold spooky after-parties, so late October is lively (though not as overwhelming as New Year’s).

Top Holiday Tip: If traveling on or around major holidays (Christmas, Halloween, Fourth of July, New Year’s), expect bigger crowds and book well in advance. For example, New Year’s Eve “draws massive crowds” in Vegas. It’s wise to secure reservations early or consider celebrating holidays outside peak nights (e.g., arrive mid-week before Dec 31 to avoid exorbitant night-of rates) best time to visit Las Vegas.

Pool Season and Nightlife Timing

Las Vegas’s social scene is defined by two “seasons”: pool season and nightlife.

• Pool Season: In Vegas, pool season runs long – roughly March through October. Unlike many parts of the U.S. where pools close by September, Las Vegas pools stay open even in October if weather permits. This means visitors from spring through early fall can enjoy hotel pools, dayclubs (like Wet Republic, Marquee Dayclub, etc.), and late-afternoon poolside concerts. For instance, Vegas insiders note that “lucky for you, Las Vegas pool season begins in March and ends around October”. By contrast, in Vegas in winter (November onward) most outdoor pools are closed. If pool parties are a priority for your trip, plan your visit between late spring and early fall is the best time to visit Las Vegas.
• Nightlife Timing: The party in Vegas starts late. Most nightclubs and bars open around 10:30–11:00 PM, and peak club crowds don’t arrive until after midnight. On busy weekends, lines can form early: nightlife guides recommend arriving at clubs right when they open (around 10:30 PM) to avoid the 90+ minute waits that occur later best time to visit Las Vegas. By contrast, on weeknights the crowds build more slowly, so you could arrive closer to midnight and still get in. In short, if you’re heading out to Vegas clubs or concert venues: plan your evenings late, but be at the door at opening time on Fridays/Saturdays to beat the rush. For a relaxed night out, some lounges open earlier (10 PM) and may have happy hours of best time to visit Las Vegas.

In between, Vegas daytime is never dull: daytime “brunch parties,” vibrant shopping scenes (outlets, malls), shows, or sightseeing can fill the afternoon. Keep in mind the sun sets early in winter (~5 PM) and as late as 8 PM in summer, affecting when it gets comfortably cool.

Vegas Travel Tips

For a smooth and enjoyable trip, follow these expert Vegas travel tips:

• Bring Your Crew: Las Vegas has something for everyone. A local guide recommends bringing friends or family along, since Vegas offers diverse activities. Outdoorsy visitors can plan a day trip to Red Rock Canyon or Hoover Dam, while thrill-seekers might ride roller coasters or zip-lines. Build an itinerary that mixes interests (shows, museums, outdoor tours) so the whole group enjoys Vegas best time to visit Las Vegas.
• Book in Advance: Vegas shows, restaurants, and clubs are often sold out early. Once you know your dates, immediately reserve hotel rooms, dinner reservations, and tickets for popular shows (Cirque du Soleil, headline performers, comedy clubs). The VisitLasVegas travel guide emphasizes that “locking in all the amazing things you want to do” ahead of time is crucial. Advance booking can also score early-bird discounts best time to visit Las Vegas.
• Use Midweek Deals: As noted, Wednesday/Thursday nights are much cheaper than weekends. If your travel dates are flexible, schedule your stay to include more weekdays and avoid holiday weekends or college spring breaks. For instance, a Monday–Friday stay is usually far less expensive than spanning Friday–Sunday is the best time to visit Las Vegas.
• Stay Hydrated & Sun-Safe: The desert sun is intense even outside of summer. Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and use shade or indoor breaks in the early afternoon. Many tourists underestimate the heat; a night out on the Strip in July can still be over 90°F. If you feel lightheaded, seek a casino or restaurant with air conditioning and rehydrate best time to visit Las Vegas.
• Pack Smart: Bring comfortable walking shoes – the Strip is long, and you’ll walk miles each day. Dress in layers: daytime heat can give way to cooler evenings in winter. If you’re clubbing, note that many upscale nightclubs enforce a dress code (no sneakers or shorts for men, for example). A light jacket or wrap is good for winter nights, and in summer it’s often chilly inside casinos.
• Stay Open to New Experiences: Vegas continually reinvents itself. Along with the classic Vegas sights (Bellagio fountains, Fremont Street, Sphere shows), seek out new attractions. For example, try AREA15’s immersive art installations or the new museum experiences downtown best time to visit Las Vegas. The Vegas travel blog suggests “mix it up and add a new adventure” to your trip, since every year brings something fresh in Vegas.
• Budget and Drinks: Alcohol is cheap (often free for gamblers) and gambling adds up fast. Set a daily budget for gaming and sipping. Take advantage of happy hours (many off-Strip restaurants offer deals) and complimentary drinks when you gamble. Be mindful of tipping: service staff and dealers expect tips at best time to visit Las Vegas.
• See Beyond the Strip: The famous Strip draws crowds, but Las Vegas has great off-Strip attractions. Consider a day in Downtown’s Fremont Street Experience for vintage Vegas charm. Nature is nearby: Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, and Mount Charleston are less than an hour away and offer hiking or scenic drives. This can give you a break from the casino crowds and cooler mountain air is best time to visit Las Vegas.
• Transportation: Use the Las Vegas Monorail or RTC bus system for cheap, quick travel up and down the Strip. Rideshare apps and taxis are plentiful but can surge on busy nights. Some hotels also offer free shuttle service to airport or nearby malls – take advantage when possible.

Conclusion

Choosing the best time to visit Las Vegas in 2025 ultimately depends on your priorities. If perfect weather is most important, aim for spring (March–May) or fall (Sept–Nov), when temperatures are warm (70s–80s°F) and days are mostly sunny best time to visit Las Vegas. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, consider traveling in winter (Jan–Feb) or during the summer off-season (late July–Aug). Keep in mind holidays and big events (CES, EDC, CES, NFR, New Year’s Eve) which can dramatically increase prices and hotel occupancy. Wherever you go, remember to book midweek for better deals, stay hydrated in the desert, and plan entertainment ahead of time. By balancing climate preferences, budget, and special event schedules, you can pick the ideal 2025 window to experience Las Vegas at its best.

Happy planning – and get ready for an unforgettable Vegas adventure! Feel free to share this guide on social media or comment below with your Las Vegas travel plans and questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best time of year to go to Las Vegas?
A: Generally, spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) offer the most pleasant weather (daytime highs in the 70s–80s°F). These seasons avoid the extreme summer heat and winter chill. However, they also coincide with peak tourism, so expect higher prices. If you’re flexible, consider February (cool, few crowds) or July (very hot, lowest rates) for budget travel best time to visit Las Vegas.

Q: When is the cheapest time to visit Las Vegas?
A: Historically, the cheapest months are late summer (July–August) and late winter (January–February). During these times, demand drops and hotel deals abound. Be aware of exceptions: avoid major conventions like CES (Jan) or big events, which can negate the savings. Using flexible dates, search hotel price calendars to find the lowest rates in these off-peak periods.

Q: How is the weather in Las Vegas by month?
A: Las Vegas has very hot summers and mild winters. Average high temperatures are about 59°F in January, rising to 104°F by July, then back down to 58°F by December. Rain is rare (around 4 inches per year) and mostly falls in winter. For example, expect highs in the 70s–80s°F from March–May, an extreme 100°F+ in July–August, and cooler 50s–60s°F in December–February.

Q: Are Las Vegas pools open year-round?
A: No. The Vegas pool season typically runs from about March through October. During these months, most resort pools and dayclubs operate. Pools generally close in late October/November and reopen in the spring. If swimming and lounging outdoors are important, plan your trip in spring, summer, or early fall.

Q: When are crowds the heaviest in Vegas?
A: The largest crowds are in spring and fall. March and October often see high occupancy due to conferences, conventions, and holiday weekends. Big events (CES in Jan, EDC in May, NFR in Dec) also draw hordes. Weekends are always busier than weekdays. For smaller crowds, try midweek visits or the off-peak summer/winter seasons.

Q: How late is Las Vegas nightlife open?
A: Vegas nightlife starts late. Nightclubs typically open around 10:30–11:00 PM. On weekends (Fri/Sat), clubs get busy early in the evening, so arriving by opening time (around 10:30 PM) is wise to avoid long lines. On weekdays, crowds build later (midnight or after), so you can arrive closer to midnight. Casinos, bars, and restaurants stay open 24/7, but table games and shows have their own schedules best time to visit Las Vegas.

Q: Any tips for first-time Vegas visitors?
A: Yes – plan ahead and stay flexible. Book shows and restaurants early, and use midweek stays to save money. Carry water and sunscreen for daytime. Mix famous attractions (Bellagio fountains, Fremont Street) with new experiences (area15, museum exhibits). Lastly, stick to a budget for gambling and tipping, and remember to enjoy some classic Vegas fun like a buffet or a gondola ride best time to visit Las Vegas.