When you decide to visit Las Vegas, Nevada, it's important to explore the weather. The weather is going to vary based upon when you decide to go. How hot or cold it is outside will help you to pack more effectively and do everything you can to ensure you are comfortable.

What’s the Las Vegas forecast this week? Hot. Scorching. Dry.

Las Vegas Weather in the Summer

One of the first things you need to know about Las Vegas is that it is smack dab in the middle of the desert. As such, there is going to be a lot of sunshine. Throughout the months of June, July, and August, it’s not uncommon for the temperatures to reach above 100°. In fact, the temperature has reached 110° on some days. When it’s this hot, you have to be prepared for it. This means not only wearing light clothes but also staying hydrated.

The casinos and resorts know just how hot it is. They will have their air-conditioning going, providing you with a cold oasis. Many of the top casinos and resorts will also be handing out bottles of water in an effort to cool you down.

The best thing that you can do is try to spend as much time indoors as possible. If you want to explore Vegas, be sure you are doing it early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is not out. If you must spend time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, be sure that you have plenty of sunscreen on. You should also try to find shaded areas.

You will hear a lot of people say “it’s not that hot.” When you hear this, they are referring to the fact that Vegas does not have a lot of humidity. Instead, it is a dry heat. Regardless of the lack of moisture in the air, it’s still hot and you need to plan appropriately.

Las Vegas Weather in the Winter

When it comes to the weather Las Vegas has a winter, though it’s not as dramatic as some West Coast cities. Throughout the months of December, January, and February, the weather is generally in the high 40s to mid-50s. Depending on the day, it might get into the mid-60s as well.

You are not likely to see any kind of snow throughout the winter months. You might see snow in Reno, but if you plan on heading south, you will see any of the white stuff. Every now and again, there are flurries, but the Las Vegas Valley in general only gets .3 inches of snowfall every year according to the National Weather Service.

A light jacket will be sufficient for the most part in Vegas. If you plan on spending any real time outside, then you might want to pack a heavier jacket. This is particularly true if you plan on taking a dinner cruise on Lake Mead or you will be hiking around Red Rock.

The hotels are notorious for keeping the environment as comfortable as possible. The temperature inside the hotels and casinos are the same, year round. This allows you to dress for comfort without regard to what the temperature might be outside.

Rain in Vegas

You should also know about the rain. When you’re packing, don’t worry too much about packing an umbrella or a raincoat. The total annual rainfall in Las Vegas is just over 4 inches. There’s a total of 21 days per year where there is rain, so the likelihood of it raining while you are there is slim. January and February are the months with the highest averages of rainfall, and that is only approximately 0.75 inches for the entire month.

What this means is, if it does rain, it’s not going to last long. You might be inconvenienced for an hour or two, but it’s not going to dampen your plans for the entire day.

The Best Time to Visit Sin City

When you are planning your travel dates to Las Vegas, it’s important to be realistic about the whether you are going to experience. The best time to visit the city is between the months of March and May as well as September to November.

The weather will be moderate enough for you to spend time outdoors. You might decide you want to play a round of golf or take a walking tour of the city. Either way, you will be comfortable enough to walk around without breaking into a sweat. You also have to pack a lot of heavy winter clothes.

You should plan on looking at the Las Vegas weather before you plan your trip. It will make it easier for you to pack appropriately. The weather will also dictate what kinds of activities will do outside, including the various tours that you may decide to book.