Las Vegas City Guide

When to visit Las Vegas

Deciding on when to go to Vegas is a gamble in itself. As a general rule November to February has always been the quietest and thus cheapest time in Vegas. However, a lot of shows take a break during this time and during events such as Thanksgiving, New Year and the Superbowl, surges of people take their parties to Vegas. Add to this the plethora of conventions that are continually held in town and accommodation prices fluctuate at a whim. The spring-fall shoulder months tend to be the busiest times: mid-summer fries the bejesus out of Vegas and winter, while still relatively mild, can throw a chilly night its way.

Weather

Weather in Las Vegas

Summers in Las Vegas are scorching. The daily high averages around 38°C (100°F) from June to August, compared with average winter lows of around 13°C (55°F) from December to February; the rest of the year is temperate. It's pretty dry most of the time, but thunderstorms are most common in the summer (June to August) and can cause dangerous flash floods.

Events in Las Vegas

It's pretty hard to upstage the dollar-driven party pumping that is Las Vegas in everyday wear, but some diehard enthusiasts have been known to try. It would be sacrilegious for Sin City to close down its own peculiar devotions for a religious holiday (though it does take time out for Christ's birthday) but the city does have a few annual events and festivals. Locals wear green for the St Patrick's Day Parade in March, which is also when thousands of Nascar fans descend on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It's cowboys and barbecue during the historic Helldorado Days in May and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December. June brings Hollywood star-studded CineVegas film festival to town, while October hosts the Vegoose indie music festival. All eyes are on the final tables during the World Series of Poker, staged from late June through early August.