Las Vegas Weather and Packing Information

Las Vegas is definitely a popular destination for vacations of all types. Those traveling to Las Vegas should be aware of the weather and the sometimes sudden turns it can take. Vegas is situated in a hot desert climate, and the seasonal weather does tend to vary. The average temperature in Las Vegas is 66.3 degrees and the average yearly rainfall is 4.13 inches. Las Vegas averages 300 days of sunshine throughout the year. The following is a guide to Las Vegas weather, some weather hazards to be aware of, as well as some packing advice.

Spring

Sharp temperature changes are common in the spring. The weather starts to warm in March and April, with temperatures reaching the 80s towards the end of April.

Summer

Typical summer weather in Las Vegas brings low humidity and temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. In July and August, moist winds contribute to the humidity. The moist winds tend to develop thunderstorms. The hottest temperature ever recorded was 117 degrees.

Fall

Fall in Las Vegas is interesting because it is very similar to the Spring. Temperatures can vary from 65 to 81 degrees.

Winter

Las Vegas winters tend to be cool and windy. Snow accumulation is rare, however freezing temperatures are normal. Temperatures can reach the low 30s at night during January and February, but can have an occasional mild temperature in the 50s during the day. The coldest temperature recorded was 8 degrees. Snowfall usually occurs anywhere from May to December in the surrounding mountain areas, and it is rare in the city itself.

Weather Hazards

The most common hazard to be aware of is strong winds. Although a rarity, winds can increase to over 25 mph. During the summer, strong wind is normally related to thunderstorms. During the winter and spring wind events tend to generate areas of blowing dust and sand.

Packing Suggestions

• Vegas can get chilly more than travelers realize, so it would be a good idea to pack some warm clothes, particularly between late October and early April. Think about packing some long pants, and a sweater and/ or jacket.
• During the spring and summer months, t-shirts, shorts, and athletic shoes are good items to pack.
• Since there are more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it is recommended that you pack sunglasses and sunscreen.