Things to Do in Las Vegas When It Rains
6 min read
Vegas gets about four inches of rain a year, so when it actually pours, the whole city acts surprised and the pools shut down. Do not let it wreck your trip.
The good news is that most of the best stuff here is indoors anyway. Here is your rainy-day playbook.
AREA15 and Meow Wolf
This is the rainy-day winner. AREA15 is a giant indoor immersive complex, and Omega Mart by Meow Wolf inside it is a surreal interactive maze you can lose two hours in.
Add the zip line, axe throwing, and bars and you have a full afternoon with no sky required. About 10 minutes off the Strip by rideshare.
Catch a matinee or evening show
Rain is the perfect excuse to sit indoors and watch the best of Vegas. Any Cirque du Soleil title, an Absinthe show, or a magic act fills two hours easily.
The Sphere is fully enclosed, so weather never touches it. A Postcard from Earth screening is a great rainy-day pick.
The big indoor attractions
The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, the FlyOver simulated flight ride, and the Madame Tussauds wax museum are all comfortable rain shelters.
Inside the casinos you can also walk the Venetian's indoor canals or the Forum Shops at Caesars without ever stepping outside.
Eat and drink your way through it
A rainy day is a great day to book a long lunch at a place you would normally skip. Do a tasting menu, a proper sushi counter, or just a leisurely buffet.
The Chandelier bar at Cosmopolitan and the various casino lounges are perfect for waiting out a storm with a cocktail.
Indoor thrills and games
Hit an arcade like the one at AREA15, an indoor go-kart track, or a virtual reality experience. Topgolf has covered, climate-controlled bays if you still want to swing.
The casinos themselves are obviously the original indoor rainy-day activity, if you want to embrace the cliché.
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Frequently asked
Does it rain much in Las Vegas?
Rarely. Vegas averages around four inches of rain a year, mostly in brief winter storms and summer monsoon bursts. A full rainy day is uncommon.
Do pools close when it rains in Vegas?
Usually yes. Hotels close outdoor pools during rain and especially lightning, so have an indoor backup plan ready for pool days.
What is the best indoor activity in Las Vegas?
AREA15 with Omega Mart is my top indoor pick. It is fully enclosed, packed with things to do, and easy to fill an afternoon regardless of weather.
