If you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all to the question, I’m going to have to stop you in your tracks.
Like all good questions, looking for the “Best time to visit Las Vegas” doesn’t yield a single answer, but instead opens up a discussion, and rightly so. First off, you’ve got to answer yourself a handful of questions surrounding why it is that you want to head to Vegas.
Are you purely going for the gambling, and what’s your favorite game? Are there any major tournaments or competitions throughout the year? What are your hobbies and interests? Are there conventions or festivals that you would be interested in? How much are you prepared to spend? Would you prefer the high season or the low season?
You see, Las Vegas isn’t just a one-trick-pony, it’s more like a wild magician. There’s so much going on throughout the year that it’s almost like sleight of hand – something’s happening over here (January) while you’ll miss out something else over there (June).
It can be quite frustrating, but with a place as large and as interesting as Vegas, chances are that you’re going to need more than one visit to scratch that itch.
Regardless, I’m going to try and break it down on a month-by-month basis so you can see when your best to visit Las Vegas may be.
January
We’ll start with January (because who’s going to start off with May/November really?) and visitors will note the start of the high season.
Things really shift up a gear towards the end of December and beginning of January, all thanks to that special day, New Year’s Eve. With Vegas the party capital of the world, it’ll come as no surprise that the very best time of year to visit (for a party) will be around New Year’s Eve.
But a good time in Vegas will leave your wallet feeling a little sick and prices will be bumped as high as they go around this time of the year. It may not be the best for your bank balance, but it is for your social life.
Top events:
- New Year’s Day
- International Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
- Adult Entertainment Expo
February
The high season doesn’t really slow down all that much following January. In fact, for tourists, Vegas is booming until around April.
February may not have the big nights out promised by January, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be busy with. Far from it. There’s Valentine’s Day, for all those romantics out there, Chinese New Year, and plenty of other bits and pieces to occupy your time with.
The weather’s pretty good too, for February at least, with an average maximum temperature of 63 degrees, perfect for exploring without working up too much of a sweat.
We do like February.
Top events:
- Chinese New Year
- Vegas Shoot
- Valentine’s Day
- Black History Month Festival
March
March is another month with more than enough going on in Vegas. It’s not hard to see why peak season gets turned up to 11 around this time.
To kick things off, you’ve got St. Patrick’s Day, a huge celebration around the globe and with so many Irish-Americans heading to Sin City to partake in the festivities (see: partying), it’s a guaranteed good time. If that’s not enough, there’s also the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Monster Jam World Finals to pay a visit when in the area.
Even the weather’s getting better with the maximum average sitting around the 70-degree mark – higher than the US average.
Top events:
- Universal Whiskey Experience
- NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Monster Jam World Finals
- Extreme Thing Festival
April
We see the high-season close with the month of April, but with plenty of great events still available, it’s still up there in popularity with visitors.
There’s the City of Lights Jazz Festival, the Great Festival of Beer, as well as the Indian Food and Cultural Festival, to name just a few of the events that visitors are able to see and do. Throw in the rest of the magic that Vegas has to offer and you’re onto a winner.
Even the weather’s still cooperating, with a continued average maximum temperature of around 70 degrees, meaning comfortable conditions for the final peak-month.
Top events:
- Academy of Country Music Awards
- City of Lights Jazz Festival
- Great Festival of Beer
- Indian Food and Cultural Festival
- UNLVino
May
The decline in tourism begins in May and goes to about late June, giving Vegas a two month “Shoulder Season.”
You’ll still find plenty to see and do during the month of May and with fewer visitors to the city, it might even be the best time to visit. You won’t find the prices at rock bottom, but you will find that little bit of extra room to walk around when visiting major attractions and wandering the streets.
Temperatures begin to skyrocket around this time of year, and with an average of 88 degrees for the month, it’s hardly a surprise that tourism starts to dwindle. If you’re looking to save some pennies, it’s this time of year that you’re going to want to start looking at.
Top events:
- Cinco de Mayo
- Helldorado Days
- San Gennaro Feast
- Exodus Festival
- Puerto Rican Festival
June
The Shoulder Season continues well into June, allowing for fewer crowds and, unfortunately, fewer activities and events throughout the city.
With festivals and carnivals throughout the month of June, don’t go writing off a visit just yet.
It’s only towards the end of June that Vegas really starts to wind down as it enters the low season where prices will be at the lowest for the year.
However, if you’re not a huge fan of the heat, it might be best to opt to visit a few months either side of June, as the month has a staggering average maximum temperature of 100 degrees. I don’t know about you, but I’m sweating just thinking about it.
Top events:
- Reggae in the Desert
- Las Vegas Lift-Off Film Festival
- Vegas Fringe Festival
- Electric Daisy Carnival
July
Mid to late July boasts the best time to visit Vegas if you’re looking to travel on a budget.
Thanks to some eye-watering temperatures, the sizzling heat tends to keep those who know better away from Sin City, but that doesn’t mean you should stay away too. There’s still plenty of things to see and do in the low season, plus, with all the main buildings having the best aircon in the game, you won’t have to worry all that much.
The same weather remark that we’re seeing in June applies in July, with the hottest average monthly temperature of 106 degrees. All those cheap hotels are starting to make sense now, aren’t they…
If you love the heat, this is the perfect time for you. Otherwise, it’s best to avoid the place like the plague.
Top events:
- Fourth of July Fireworks
- Elvis Festival
- Big Dog’s Summer Beer Fest
- Dance in the Desert Festival
August
The skyrocketing temperatures continue into August, keeping your expenses at a minimum if you’re looking to travel in the off-season.
There are fewer conventions and events in these hotter months, but depending on your hobbies and interests, it might just be the very best time of year that you could choose to visit. There’s DEF CON, the world’s largest annual hacker convention, as well as Super Toy-Con and Magic Marketplace for those with specific hobbies to indulge in.
Visitors will also be pleased to know that the temperature is slowly making its way back down the thermometer at this time of year, with the monthly average sitting around 102 degrees. It’s still not the most pleasant, but it’s an improvement over July.
Top events:
- Tejano Music National Convention
- DEF CON
- Super Toy Con
- Magic Marketplace
September
Come September and visitors will see crowds slowly building back up again as the temperatures start to become more on the bearable side of things.
September is a great time to come with a handful of fantastic festivals with prices that won’t shock you (like you’d see in the higher seasons). It’s also a good idea to get your winter-time visit out of the way quickly so as to avoid the October crowds as Halloween takes over the city.
Temperatures are still heading the right way with a monthly average of around the 95-degree mark, just about my personal limit if I’m wanting to explore anywhere on foot. That’s just me though – if you’re happy to walk around in 105-degree heat, be my guest!
Top events:
- Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive
- El Grito de Vegas
- Life is Beautiful Festival
October
In the midst of the “Shoulder Season comes” the rose between two thorns – October.
Halloween, plenty of visitor’s favorite time of year, sweeps the city and adds a spooky layer to the gambling paradise that is Vegas. It’s not just the ghosts, goblins and ghouls that bring tourists from far and wide though.
Oktoberfest and the Professional Bull Riders Championships are among the other events that bring out the crowds, making Vegas into an incredible scene with a huge mix of people. You’ll find that the high number of events, cooler weather, and multiplied guests won’t do your bank account any favors – it’s back to the higher end of things when you’re looking to book.
But with so much going on during the month, it’s hard to turn down!
Top events:
- Oktoberfest
- Greek Food Festival
- Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival
- Professional Bull Riders Championships
- Halloween
November
By the time November rolls around, we’re seeing the final month of “Shoulder Season” for the year in Vegas.
There’s the Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, and the Motor Trend International Auto Show to kick the month off, but that’s just the start of what visitors will find waiting for them when they visit.
The average maximum of November temperature lies around the 66-degree mark, perfect for keeping comfortable as you make your way around the events and even better for those running the marathon.
Top events:
- Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
- Motor Trend International Auto Show
- DSOSN Festival of Trees and Lights
December
Last up, we’ve got December and what better way to end the year than with a trip to the fabulous Las Vegas.
Spending Christmas Day in Sin City is somewhat of an interesting way to celebrate the holidays, but the rest of the time is golden for the destination. There’s the Light the Night Spectacular, Nevada International Film Festival, and National Finals Rodeo that visitors are able to jump on board, alongside a variety of other great events for the month.
As far as the weather, you’ll be looking at a maximum average around the 57 degree mark, making it the coldest time of year to visit, but I’d take that over the warmest any day of the week.
Top events:
- Light the Night Spectacular
- Nevada International Film Festival
- National Finals Rodeo
To cut a long story short
How much you’re looking to spend, what events you’re looking to attend and what weather you’re looking to get out of your trip will determine the best time to visit Las Vegas.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all. That’s why there’s just so much spread over the 12 months that we fondly call a year. There’s just too much to take into account to give a single clear answer.
If you’re wanting to make the most of your budget, it’s best to head in the low season (July/August) where there are fewer events and the hottest average temperatures. If you’re not a fan of the heat and want to check out the nightlife during your stay, it’s October that will prove the best.
There is, however, one thing that’s absolutely for sure. Vegas will blow you away, no matter which way you spin it. The views, the casinos, hotels, and attractions – there’s just no place on Earth quite like it!
You may also be interested in reading: 5 Cool Attractions Indians Love In Las Vegas
