Let’s admit it. Las Vegas is an oasis of indulgence in the desert. There’s no other like Sin City. It shimmers with promise, and the seduction is hypnotic. I’ve often been asked, what’s the best time to visit Las Vegas?
Well, let’s talk about it.
High Season: March – May and September – November
The city is balmy in the day and pleasantly cool in the night. March is the busiest month. April – June and September – November are nearly perfect. Hotel prices soar.
Low Season: June – August
The temperatures regularly hit the triple digits, so it’s the hottest time. Summers are sweltering. But hotel prices are often really low.
Shoulder Season: December – February
This is the best time for you if you want to avoid crowds. During these winter months, deals are in excess, and the holidays bring the wildest revelry. The desert is cold, and crowds are the smallest in January.
January is the Quietest Month
Vegas is a hotbed of activity on the New Year period. But January is the quietest month in Sin City because of the cold desert winter nights.
February Marks the Beginning of the Conference Season
Winter starts to wane, and the desert begins to warm up. Conferences begin. There are Super Bowl finals, and Chinese New Year is held. You get to see acrobats, lion dancers, and martial arts.
Crowds are in March
March is the busiest time for conferences. There’s also “March Madness,” which are college basketball playoffs. If you want to be among crowds in Las Vegas, this is the best time. It’s crazy. But prices go through the roof.
April is Spring Break
Aprils are temperate and sunny, so it’s a great time to visit. It’s also spring break, and college kids hit Vegas hard. Downtown casinos feel like dorms because they are filled with excited college kids. And they fill up fast. So, book in advance if you plan to visit in April. Key events this month include the City of Lights Jazz Festival and Viva Las Vegas.
May is Exciting
May, like March, is one of the busiest months in Sin City. The heat is not yet unbearable, and there are a lot of events on the calendar. Top chefs make grand dinners. There are cooking demos. There’s also the World Series Poker that runs into July, with the prize money totaling millions. Key events include Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series Poker, Cinco de Mayo, and Vegas Uncork’d.
June is the Start of Hot Weather
Summer is finally here, and things are beginning to heat up. It gets really hot, and restaurants offer showy three-course meals at significantly discounted prices. The key event this month is the Las Vegas Restaurant Week.
Room Rates are Very Low in July
If you don’t like heat, then midsummer should not be a good time to visit. You’ll spend most days inside cooling off. The key event is the Fourth of July Celebrations, which are filled with fireworks after dark. Live music and DJs at nightclubs and casinos will also make your day.
August is Very Hot, Stay Indoors
If you visit in August, then you’ll mostly spend your time in Sin City indoors. Room rates are very much discounted.
September is Quiet
September is relatively temperate but very quiet. Shoulder-season airfares make it a good time to start planning your visit.
October is Full of Fun Events
October is a great balance between milder temperatures and a fun-filled calendar. Key events include Pride Parade and Festival, Nascar Fall Weekend, Las Vegas Bike Fest, Rise Festival, and Halloween.
November Can Have More Conventions
Things are beginning to cool down, and November is the second “convention season.” There’s hotel availability and good room rates.
It’s Chilly in December
Winter has arrived! The city can be bitterly cold. There are a lot of Christmas celebrations, and the city may be very crowded. There are also New Year’s Eve and Day celebrations that may often take a life of their own.
