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Exploring Death Valley, visiting the Grand Canyon, ice skating at The Cosmopolitan – these are the best things to do in Las Vegas in winter!
Most winter travel blogs will have you wandering down Christmas markets sipping mulled wine. They’ll have you getting goosebumps beneath your jumper, fingers going numb from the snow as you cup it in your hands to throw. But this isn’t like most travel blogs. And Las Vegas isn’t like most winter destinations.
That doesn’t mean for one second you should discount Las Vegas in winter. I’d actually argue it’s one of the best times to visit. And I’m about to tell you why.
First of all, for the more traditional winter travellers among us, no one does a party like Vegas. It’s one of the things the States is famous for. And that means the holiday celebrations are out in full force, with events and decorative displays all along the city.
Secondly, Las Vegas is located in a beyond brilliant location for outdoor activities: hiking, road trips, the lot. But in the summer, Nevada (and neighbouring California) are so hot that it can be hard to actually get out into the National Parks and explore. In winter, it’s much milder, and the country opens up for travellers to explore.
So, hang onto your hats and keep reading. We’re going to get into the best things to do this winter in Vegas. I really hope this article helps plan your trip here – I promise you this is such a good time of year to visit!
If you’re heading to San Deigo, then make sure you check out my guide on the best day trips from San Deigo!
Quick overview
| Best for | Hiking, day trips, Christmas events and exploring the Strip |
| Typical daytime temperatures | Around 13–19°C |
| Typical night temperatures | Around 4–8°C |
| Best months for festive atmosphere | December |
| Best months for outdoor trips | January–February |
| Snow in the city? | Rare |
| Car needed? | Not for the Strip; very useful for day trips |
| Red Rock reservation? | Yes, for the Scenic Drive during winter |
Weather in Las Vegas in Winter
Winter in Las Vegas is nothing like the snowy scenes you might be picturing. Most days are cool rather than truly cold, although the temperature can drop quickly once the sun goes down. December usually sees daytime highs of around 13–16°C, with nights around 4–6°C. January is similar, while February starts to warm up, with daytime highs around 16–19°C and nights around 6–8°C.
Personally, this is one of the reasons I like winter here. You can spend the middle of the day hiking around Red Rock Canyon or exploring the desert without the brutal summer heat, then throw on a jacket for the evening.
Just remember that the desert can feel much colder after sunset than you expect. This is especially true if you’re heading into the mountains or taking a winter day trip.
A few things to know before you go
Book Red Rock Canyon in advance. From October through May, timed entry is required for the Scenic Drive between 8am and 5pm, so don’t just turn up and hope for the best.
Give your day trips plenty of time, too. Death Valley and the Grand Canyon are both long days from Vegas, and winter weather can affect road conditions. Check the official conditions before setting off.
I’d also pack more layers than you think you need. Vegas can feel pleasantly mild during the day, but once the sun disappears it can get properly chilly.
And don’t treat December, January and February as one season. December is the month to choose for the biggest festive atmosphere, while January and February are particularly good if your main reason for visiting is hiking and exploring the desert.
Map of Las Vegas
This interactive map highlights the best places featured in this guide to Las Vegas in winter, from festive spots and attractions on the Strip to spectacular desert landscapes and day trips. Use the map to see where everything is located and plan your own Las Vegas winter adventure.
Things to do in Las Vegas in winter
In the City
See the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens lit up for Christmas
It might not feel traditionally festive in the middle of the desert, but it will once you head to the Bellagio. In December, its Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with Christmas lights, decorative displays, a towering tree and even fake snow.
The holiday display usually runs through November, December and into early January, but check the official dates before you visit. This place is always really popular for holiday makers, so expect crowds, but embrace the festive feeling.
Experience the Sphere
Even if you’ve never heard of the film The Wizard of Oz, you’ll probably have seen Sphere. That enormous glowing orb has quickly become one of the most recognisable sights in Las Vegas, and it’s even more impressive when you’re standing underneath it.
Inside, you can currently watch The Wizard of Oz at Sphere, a 75-minute immersive experience that puts you right into the film. The giant screen wraps around the audience, while the sound, moving seats, wind, scents and other effects make it feel much more interactive than simply watching a film. There are even moments when snow falls from above.
For me, this is a particularly good winter activity because it gives you somewhere to escape to when it gets chilly outside, without feeling like you’re missing out on the Vegas experience. The show is aimed at visitors aged six and over, so it can work for families too.
Sphere also hosts major concerts and other events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s on during your visit. Just make sure you book ahead – this is one Vegas attraction where I wouldn’t leave tickets until the last minute.
Watch the Christmas tree lighting at Fremont Street
No trip to Vegas is complete without a trip to Fremont Street in general, but visiting in the festive season is a proper treat. Fremont Street gets properly festive throughout December, with its giant Christmas tree and seasonal entertainment. This is one of those places they’ll have you reaching for the mulled wine and enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
Spend a day ice skating at The Cosmopolitan
The hotels on the Las Vegas strip really come into their own in winter. There are few better examples of this than The Cosmopolitan. Each year, its Boulevard Pool transforms into a sprawling ice rink. It’s magical and atmospheric, especially with its periodic snow showers and views to the strip. You certainly won’t feel like you’re in Nevada by the end of it.
Get a sweet treat at Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory
Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory is another one of the Las Vegas winter activities you don’t want to miss. If you like the sweet stuff, it’s a hit all-year-round, but it’s extra special at Christmas.
See the Christmas light display, wander around a cactus garden draped in festive lights and decor, and enjoy some seasonal chocolate tasting.
Or get your adrenaline pumping at LINQ Promenade
Even if you’ve not been to Vegas before, I’m sure you’ve heard of LINQ Promenade. The High Roller Observation Wheel and the zipline are both fairly famous, especially the zipline. Mainly because it’s terrifying – you’re flying through the air 12 storeys up.
Visiting in December? You’ll get the added bonus of festive vibes and holiday lights.
See a Las Vegas show
Another thing Vegas is famous for is the shows, of course. I highly recommend seeing one while you’re in the city. There’s all sorts: from Cirque du Soleil to cabaret to concerts, so make sure to have a look at what’s on during your trip. Keep in mind that if you’re around in the lead up to Christmas, there will be holiday-themed shows on too.
Outside the City
Head to Red Rock Canyon for hiking
So, the desert is weird. For most destinations, hiking and general outdoor adventures are something I can only recommend in the summer. In Vegas, it’s the opposite. In the summer the searing sun and soaring temperatures mean hiking can be genuinely dangerous, especially for the inexperienced.
The winter is generally a much better time to explore, so I really recommend heading to Red Rock Canyon this time of year: much more hiking trails will be doable (lots of good suggestions here), and it’s just as beautiful so it’s ideal for photography too. Alternatively, if you’d prefer, take a guided tour so someone can show you all the top sights.
Good to know: Red Rock Canyon requires timed entry for the Scenic Drive during winter. Book ahead rather than turning up and hoping there is space.
Or explore Death Valley
Death Valley is a bucket list destination in itself, and if you’re in Las Vegas in winter you’ve got the perfect opportunity to visit. Like Red Rock Canyon, the temperatures are much lower, so a trip will be more tolerable.
Death Valley makes a possible, but long, day trip from Las Vegas. You won’t be able to see everything – you’re about a two hour drive away in Vegas – but you can catch the highlights. Some of the sights I’d recommend seeing include Dante’s View, Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
If you don’t want to rent a car and drive, book a guided tour instead so that everything is taken care for you.
Enjoy the snow at Lee Canyon
One thing you might not expect about winter in Vegas is that there are some pretty great places to enjoy snow sports.
I’m talking specifically about Lee Canyon. Located in the Spring Mountains, a 45-minute drive from Vegas, its sheer elevation means it’s one of the few places in Nevada that see snow. It’s perfect for skiing, snowboarding, or just enjoying the wintery views.
Take a winter day trip to the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of the most extraordinary sights in the whole of the US – it’s also one of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas. Yep, even in winter.
From Vegas, it’s a 4-hour drive to the South Rim, and 2 hours to the West Rim, so it depends how intense a day you want. You can break up the day by seeing some other sights: the famous Hoover Dam or slices of Route 66.
If you don’t feel like driving there are lots of tours you can take to the South Rim or West Rim (you can even take a helicopter to the latter).
Explore the ancient rock formations at Valley of Fire State Park
Just like Red Rock Canyon and Death Valley, Valley of Fire State Park is generally much more comfortable to explore in the winter. Only 45 minutes from the city, this state park is home to petrified trees and 2,000-year-old rock formations and Native American petroglyphs.
With the cooler temperatures, there are more hikes you can enjoy for longer. Plus, fewer crowds make it easier to have a picnic or take photos of the rich desert colours. It’s no problem if you don’t drive either – you can take a guided tour.
Go kayaking at Emerald Caves
Have you noticed how many of the best Las Vegas winter activities are outside? It’s a real novelty – especially since that includes water sports, too.
In winter, Nevada temperatures aren’t cold enough that kayaking is out of the question. Good thing, too, as that means you’d miss out on kayaking up the Colorado River to Emerald Caves. For this one, I recommend booking a tour – a local guide will be able to teach you loads about the local area, keeping you safe and on-route.
What’s new in Las Vegas for 2027?
Las Vegas never seems to stop changing, and there are already a few new additions worth knowing about for 2027.
- Netflix House – due to open at BLVD Las Vegas in 2027. Entry will be free, with ticketed experiences based around some of Netflix’s biggest shows and films.
- Hard Rock Las Vegas – transforming the former Mirage site into a huge new resort, complete with its famous guitar-shaped hotel tower. It’s currently slated to open in 2027, although I’d check the latest opening information before planning your trip around it.
- The Wizard of Oz Experience at Sphere – extended into 2027. It’s a particularly good option for a winter evening when you want something indoors but still distinctly Vegas.
- College Football Playoff National Championship – taking place at Allegiant Stadium on 25 January 2027. If you’re visiting around that time, expect the city to feel very different from a normal January weekend.
Where to stay in Las Vegas in winter
Luxury: Bellagio
If you’re already visiting the Bellagio for the festive display, why not spend the night?
One of the famous hotels that dominate the strip, no expense is spared at the Bellagio. The rooms are ornate and beautifully decorated, complete with marble bathrooms. Plus, it’s not just the Conservatory you’ve got for entertainment: marvel at the Fountains of Bellagio, wander through the lush botanical gardens, or grab a bite at one of the three on-site restaurants.
Mid-range: The LINQ Hotel
If you want to stay right in the middle of the action without going for one of the Strip’s big luxury resorts, The LINQ Hotel is a useful option. It’s just steps from the LINQ Promenade, so you’ve got the High Roller, restaurants, bars and plenty of entertainment practically on the doorstep. It also makes a convenient base if you’re planning to spend your days exploring outside the city and your evenings back on the Strip. For a trip where you want to pack a lot in, the location is the real selling point.
Budget: Desert Club Resort
If you’ve got a packed out trip to Vegas in the pipeline, you probably want to save those pennies. Luckily, that doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your creature comforts. Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort has everything you need: comfortable bedrooms, a bar and grill for convenient eats, plus fully equipped fitness centres and hot tubs for you to unwind in.
Heading to Las Vegas this winter? Let me know your plans in the comments below!
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Thanks for the good ideas for visiting Las Vegas in December. I have only gone in the summer when it was 117 degrees. Thank you so much.
No worries! It’s great visiting Las Vegas in winter – the weather is much more bearable!