Las Vegas in December: Weather, Events & What to Do
7 min read
December in Vegas is two completely different trips depending on when you book. The first half of the month is one of the quietest, cheapest stretches of the year. The back half explodes into holiday crowds and the biggest single night Vegas throws: New Year's Eve.
The decorations go up, the cold rolls in, and the energy shifts. Let me break down how to make the most of whichever December trip you are planning.
The Weather: Cold for the Desert
December is the coldest month. Daytime highs sit in the 50s, and nights drop into the 30s and 40s. This is real jacket-and-layers weather.
It is dry and often sunny, so daytime can feel pleasant in the sun, but the moment it sets the temperature drops fast. Bundle up for any night out on the Strip.
Pools are closed or limited to a heated winter setup. Do not come to Vegas in December expecting pool time.
Pack a warm jacket, especially for New Year's Eve, when you may be standing outside on the Strip for hours.
The First Two Weeks Are a Steal
Early December, before the holidays, is one of the best-value windows all year. Rates drop, crowds vanish, and you can book nice rooms cheap.
This is the time to do Vegas on a budget or to splurge on a suite that would cost a fortune any other time. The city is calm and the shows are easy to get into.
The catch is the cold, but if you are mostly doing indoor things like shows, dining, casinos, and spas, the weather barely matters.
Holiday Decor and Christmas
Vegas dresses up for the holidays and some of it is genuinely worth seeing. The Bellagio Conservatory's winter display is the standout and it is free to walk through.
The Venetian decorates beautifully, and resorts across the Strip put up trees and lights. It makes for a great evening of walking, weather permitting.
Christmas week brings a wave of family and holiday travelers, so prices climb and the Strip gets busy. It is festive but no longer cheap.
Shows run a holiday schedule, and some add special programming. Book ahead during the back half of the month.
New Year's Eve Is the Big One
New Year's Eve in Vegas is one of the largest celebrations in the country. The Strip closes to traffic, hundreds of thousands of people pack in, and there is a major fireworks show launched from the rooftops of multiple casinos at midnight.
It is unforgettable and it is expensive. Hotel rates hit their annual peak, club tickets cost a fortune, and the crowds are intense. If you want it, book months ahead.
I have a full New Year's Eve guide that covers where to stand, which parties are worth it, and how to survive the crowds. The short version: plan everything in advance and embrace the chaos.
If NYE is not your thing, avoid the last few days of December entirely. The early-month value is the opposite end of the same month.
What to Do in December
Lean indoors. December is prime show season because the theaters are warm and the lineup is strong. Sphere is the top ticket if the right act is in residence.
Hit a spa. The cold weather makes the resort spas extra appealing. A morning at the Qua Baths or a similar spot is a great way to spend a chilly day.
Eat big. This is steakhouse and fine-dining season. The patios are too cold most nights, but the indoor dining scene is at its best.
Catch sports. NFL is heading into the playoff push, the Golden Knights are playing NHL, and the sportsbooks are lively all month. Circa's book is the spot.
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Frequently asked
Is December a good time to visit Las Vegas?
Early December is excellent value with quiet crowds, if you can handle the cold and skip the pool. The holidays and New Year's Eve are festive but crowded and expensive.
How cold does it get in Vegas in December?
Daytime highs in the 50s, nights in the 30s and 40s. It is the coldest month, so pack a real jacket and layers, especially for New Year's Eve.
Is New Year's Eve worth it in Vegas?
If you want a massive, high-energy celebration with Strip fireworks, yes, but it is the most expensive and crowded night of the year. Book months ahead or skip the last week of December.
