How To Visit Las Vegas Any Time of Year

Byline: Lissa Rodgers

Key Takeaways

The Super Bowl in February and March Madness are prime time for sports fans in Las Vegas
Pool season in Las Vegas runs for more than half the year, starting in March and ending in October
Holidays in Las Vegas get celebrated with full themes and extra sparkle, from Valentine's Day to Independence Day to New Year's Eve

Ask what is the best time to go to Las Vegas and you’ll get a different answer each time you pose the question. Some people love the early part of the year with its mild weather. Others go for the fall’s sporting events and residencies. Then there are the folks who prefer the holiday season when the bright lights seem even brighter. Frankly, with excitement all year round, anytime is the best time to visit Las Vegas.

Springtime and Game Time

Sin City’s first big event of each year is the big game: The Super Bowl in Las Vegas always feels like it’s being played in town, even when it isn’t. Caesars Palace’s legendary sportsbook, with its vast space and huge screens, offers stadium energy, while the Flamingo throws a tailgate party with all the trimmings. For a more intimate game time experience, try the library-styled Montecristo Cigar Bar at Caesars and the chic Paris Las Vegas. These venues also host UFC watch parties that are as memorable as the fights.

Spring in Las Vegas comes earlier than it does elsewhere, allowing those exhausted by cold weather to jump straight into pool season. Late March through late May is prime pool weather, with blue skies and moderate temperatures. The Paris offers Riviera garden vibes at the Pool à Paris, with white curtains, lush greenery and a special Martha Stewart–designed cabana. If you’re more into excitement than relaxation, Planet Hollywood’s Scene Pool Deck offers craft cocktails, gaming tables and even a surf wave pool.

March Madness in Las Vegas feels like a citywide shindig where sports fans can hop from enhanced experience to viewing party. The LINQ Promenade offers an array of events all in one spot, where fans can have Trash Can Nachos at Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar and watch a few plays on the giant outdoor LED screen in between.

Summertime Relaxation and Indulgence

It may seem counterintuitive to visit Las Vegas in the summer. But the hot season usually means room rates are lower. And the clubs are hopping and residencies are in full swing.

Visitors can choose from an array of events during a Vegas Memorial Day weekend. The Flamingo’s GO Pool opens their waterslides that weekend, adding another diversion alongside the swim-up bar, live DJs and exotic cocktails. Las Vegas Restaurant Week runs for two weeks (you read that right) in June, with restaurants all over the city offering exclusive menus at special prices.

For sports fans, the WNBA (and the three-time champion Las Vegas Aces) run the court all summer and the NBA Summer League plays for several weeks in July at UNLV. Fourth of July in Las Vegas brings massive fireworks and even bigger parties. The Strip’s most sensational nightclubs, such as OMNIA at Caesars Palace, take it to the next level with a holiday weekend’s worth of events and special guests.

Fall Heats Up

Autumn in Las Vegas is prime time to visit the city. The weather cools and big-name residencies take over at venues such as Caesars’ Colosseum, and major touring acts hit up Planet Hollywood’s PH Live. Fall is also when the sports season is at its finest, with the opening of basketball, football and hockey, and the NHL’s Golden Knights and the NFL’s Raiders playing home games. Place your bets at any of the sportsbooks and watch on the giant screens, or post up at one of the Strip’s sports bars, such as Planet Hollywood’s Ringer Bar or Caesars Sportsbook at the LINQ.

A Las Vegas Halloween takes spooky season over the top, as visitors pack their wildest costumes and prepare for marathon nights out. Get in the mood with an outrageous show like "Absinthe’s" decadent variety acts or the glamorous queens of "RuPaul’s Drag Race Live," then hit one of the many themed bar pop-ups or special club nights. October also brings Oktoberfest, when Las Vegas’ craft beer bars and breweries have their time to shine. Check out Paris Las Vegas’ Beer Park, an outdoor beer garden with Strip views and dozens of brews on tap.

Winter Glitter on the Strip

Escaping from chilly weather to desert warmth is a big part of what draws people to Las Vegas in winter. Temperatures are in the 50s and 60s with summer-blue skies, making it one of the best times of year to visit. The holiday season is full of bright lights and bubbly energy, with special holiday shows and residencies.

The Strip’s resort properties go all out with lavish holiday decorations: forests of glittering Christmas trees, rows of giant candy canes, towers of glittering “ice.” Other things to do include holiday mixology classes at The Cabinet of Curiosities craft cocktail bar at Horseshoe, listening (and singing along) to the songs of the season at Harrah’s Piano Bar or an extravagant holiday meal at Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen.

Visiting Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve is an experience everyone should have once. When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, the city’s iconic skyline explodes in fireworks, climaxing several days of celebration. On the big night, many venues have parties with food and drink packages, many including a view. Cabo Wabo Cantina at Planet Hollywood has a rockin’ party on the patio, Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace offers fine dining with a Strip-side view, while a party in a cabin on the High Roller Observation Wheel puts you right up in the middle of it.

There are 365 days in a year and something different to do in Las Vegas on every one of them. There's spring in a poolside cabana and summer in an air-conditioned nightclub, fall cheering your team in a boisterous sportsbook and lavish winter celebrations. Whether you're planning ahead or having a last-minute fling, Las Vegas is ready!

FAQs

What is the best time of year for pool-going in Las Vegas?

Sin City in springtime brings balmy weather that's perfect for lounging in the sun, with April and May as peak times. On the other side of summer, September and early October are also still warm enough for taking a dip.

When is the least crowded time to visit Las Vegas?

The crowds thin out during the peak of summer from mid-July to mid-August, as well as December before the holidays kick in. Special deals and packages allow visitors to have a luxury experience on an economy budget.

When is festival season in Las Vegas?

The big festivals hit Vegas in two waves. Viva Las Vegas and EDC are among the ones in April and May. Fall festivals in September and October include I Heart Radio, When We Were Young, the Rise Lantern Festival and the city's Pride celebration.

What other holidays does Vegas go all out for?

Lunar New Year is big on the Strip, with plenty of decorations and celebrations brightening up the winter. Since Vegas is a party town, St. Patrick's Day and Oktoberfest also mean special parties and musical performances, as well as lots of craft beer.