A Local’s Tips: The Best Time to Go to Vegas
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Introduction
Las Vegas, a city that never sleeps, pulsates with energy every second of every day, all year round. Sin City is a treasure trove of experiences, boasting glittering casinos, breathtaking shows, electrifying nightlife, and gastronomic delights that are second to none. But when is the best time to go to Vegas? Fear not. We’ve got all the answers! This all-encompassing guide will give you the crucial information you need to perfectly time your trip to Vegas.
A Glimpse into Vegas’s Climate
Before we delve deeper, let’s familiarize ourselves with Las Vegas’s climate. Characterized by its desert environment, Vegas witnesses a dramatic fluctuation in temperatures. The mercury often soars past the 100 degrees Fahrenheit mark in the sweltering summers. At the same time, the winters can see the temperatures take a nosedive below freezing.
Ideal Weather in Vegas
If you’re someone who cherishes temperate weather, the best time to visit Vegas would be during the spring (from the tail end of February through the start of May) and fall (from mid-September through the onset of November). These intervals are celebrated for their agreeable temperatures, generally hovering between 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit or 10-26 degrees Celsius. However, it’s worth noting that these are also the high seasons when accommodation rates are likely to surge.
Cheapest Time to Visit Vegas
If budgeting is your top priority, the best time to go to Vegas for you is the off-season: November to the end of February and May to September. During these periods, most casinos run special offers on rooms, and there are various promotional programs to attract tourists. You can save significantly on your stay by booking during these times.
Hotel rates in Vegas vary widely, from ultra-cheap $10-per-night specials to expansive penthouses that’ll happily bill you for thousands of dollars (see our guide on the 7 Best Hotels in Vegas in 2023).
Cheap airfare to Vegas can typically be found year-round due to the city’s tourist-centric nature. Many small regional and major airlines fly into Harry Reid International Airport, formerly McCarran Airport (LAS). You’ll have many choices; Southwest, Delta Air Lines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines are just a few airlines that fly into Vegas.
Related: How to get the cheapest flights to Vegas
Least Crowded Time in Vegas
Las Vegas remains bustling year-round. However, you’ll probably find the lightest crowds during the months with the best weather, namely, late winter and spring (excluding spring break), and the fall. Schools are back in session during the fall, leading to fewer tourists. Also, after the holiday parties come to an end, the city becomes less crowded.
Vegas Festivals and Events
Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps, and it’s packed with a plethora of events and festivals throughout the year. Let’s delve into the best times to visit Vegas based on the major events happening in the city.
Spring
Spring in Vegas is a music lover’s paradise. The city hosts various events, such as the Academy Of Country Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. For food enthusiasts, Bon Appetit’s Uncork’d is a must-visit event featuring unique master classes, galas, wine tastings, and more. NASCAR’s first Las Vegas event is also held on the first weekend of March.
Summer
The World Series of Poker takes place in Vegas every year during the summer, stretching nearly three months. It attracts huge crowds, including big names competing for a multimillion-dollar prize. The city also hosts grand Independence Day celebrations, with huge parties and fireworks shows at nearly a dozen casinos.
Fall
Fall brings back music festivals as temperatures cool down. The iHeartRadio Music Festival happens in September, drawing thousands of attendees from around the country to witness performances by big-name artists. NASCAR also holds its second Las Vegas event in October, which is also when the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup champions, the Vegas Golden Knights, start their season (see more about the rising Las Vegas sports scene).
Winter
December is one of the best times to visit Vegas. The city hosts the Las Vegas Bowl usually just before Christmas, and New Year’s Eve is a must with massive shows to celebrate the new year.
Things to Consider When Visiting Vegas
Here are a few final tips to keep in mind when visiting Las Vegas:
- Be alert and careful wherever you travel, and safeguard your purses and wallets.
- Join the “members club” at as many casinos as you can. These can get you meal deals, free slot play, and discounted rooms.
- Uber and Lyft drivers and cabbies can usually tell you what casinos are “running hot” based on what they glean from other riders.
- Everything in Vegas has a price, but everything you do in Vegas also has a price. It’s easy to dent your bank account with gambling and non-gambling activities.
- The Strip has several reasonably priced stores to buy snacks and souvenirs. Shop around and even visit the drug stores. You will be surprised by what you find.
…and there you have it!
When it comes to the best time to go to Vegas, it ultimately depends on your preferences and what you’re looking to get out of your trip. Whether looking for the ideal weather, music festivals, or the fewest crowds, there’s a perfect time to visit Vegas. The city is always ready to welcome you with open arms, and regardless of when you go, you’re guaranteed to have a blast.
Planning to visit Vegas? Check out our guide on the best affordable airlines in 2023 and save on your flight to Vegas! Or maybe you’re on the other end looking for a true high roller experience, if so, we also offer private flight charters.
For more exciting updates and insider tips on the best of Las Vegas, follow @melindasheckells
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FAQs about the best time to go to Vegas
What is the best time to visit Las Vegas for good weather?
The best time to visit Las Vegas for pleasant weather is spring (end of February through early May) and fall (mid-September through early November). These periods offer moderate temperatures, typically around 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit or 10-26 degrees Celsius.
When is the cheapest time to go to Vegas?
The cheapest time to visit Vegas is during the off-seasons, which are mid-November through the end of February and mid-May through mid-September. During these periods, most casinos run special hotel deals, and there are various promotional programs to attract tourists.
When is Las Vegas the least crowded?
Las Vegas is least crowded during late winter and spring (excluding spring break) and the fall. These periods coincide with the return of schools, leading to fewer tourists and the end of holiday parties.
Which significant events happen in Las Vegas during spring?
Spring in Vegas hosts the Billboard Music Awards and the Academy of Country Music’s Country Music Awards. Food lovers can also enjoy Bon Appetit’s Uncork’d event. NASCAR also hosts its first Las Vegas event on the first weekend of March.
What are some summer events in Las Vegas?
The World Series of Poker takes place in Vegas every summer, and the city also hosts grand Independence Day celebrations with parties and fireworks shows at numerous casinos.
