Things to Do in Las Vegas in the Summer Heat
7 min read
Summer in Vegas means 110 degrees and pavement that could fry an egg, and the tourists who try to walk the whole Strip at 2pm learn this the hard way.
I love summer here anyway, because the city is built for it. You just have to play the day right.
Live at the pool
Summer is pool season, and Vegas pools are world class. For partying, Encore Beach Club and Ayu Dayclub at Resorts World run the biggest DJ lineups.
For lounging, Mandalay Bay's beach and wave pool and the Venetian pool deck are the move. Get there before noon to claim a chair, and tip the attendant for shade.
Plan around the heat, not against it
Do outdoor stuff early morning or after sunset, and keep the brutal midday hours for indoor things. The Strip after 9pm in summer is actually pleasant.
Hydrate hard, carry water, and use the air-conditioned tram and the casino interiors to hop between properties instead of baking on the sidewalk.
Cool indoor attractions for midday
Save AREA15, the Shark Reef Aquarium, the Sphere, and any show for the hottest part of the day. These keep you in the AC when the sun is at its worst.
Casino-hopping through the Venetian, Caesars Forum Shops, and the Cosmopolitan also keeps you cool while you sightsee.
Get out early for the outdoors
If you want Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire, go at sunrise. By 10am in July it is too hot to hike safely.
A morning helicopter tour or an early Grand Canyon trip beats the heat and gives you the best light for photos.
Embrace the night
Summer nights are when Vegas comes alive. The clubs, the rooftop bars, the Fremont Street zip line, and the Bellagio Fountains are all better once the sun is down.
Eat late, walk late, and treat midday like the off-hours. That is how locals survive July.
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Frequently asked
How hot does Las Vegas get in summer?
Daytime highs regularly hit 105 to 115 degrees from June through August. It is a dry heat, but it is still dangerous, so hydrate and limit midday sun.
Is it worth visiting Vegas in the summer?
Yes, if you love pools and nightlife. Hotel rates are often lower than peak season, and the dayclub scene is at its best. Just structure your days around the heat.
What should I do during the hottest part of the day?
Stay indoors. Hit a pool, an aquarium, a show, or AREA15, and save your outdoor plans for early morning or after sunset.
