You pack a swimsuit. You've seen the movies where people are lounging poolside with a cocktail in the middle of "winter." Then you step off the plane at Harry Reid International and the wind hits you. It’s not a warm breeze. It’s a sharp, desert bite that makes you regret every shorts-based decision you made while packing in your 70-degree living room.
The average temp in vegas december is a bit of a trickster. Honestly, most people show up expecting Palm Springs and end up buying an overpriced hoodie at a Strip gift shop.
The Numbers vs. The Reality
If you look at the "official" stats, they seem manageable. The average high is usually around 57°F to 60°F. The low? Somewhere near 38°F. But these numbers are averages for a reason—they hide the chaos.
Just last month, in December 2025, Las Vegas actually shattered records. It was the warmest December ever recorded in the city, with an average temperature of 54.8°F, which is nearly 7 degrees above the usual "normal." We saw a high of 74°F on December 11th. That's t-shirt weather. But then, by the end of the month, things dipped back toward the 30s.
Desert air has zero humidity to hold onto the sun’s warmth.
Once that sun drops behind the Spring Mountains, the temperature doesn't just fall; it nose-dives. You can easily see a 20-degree swing in a single hour.
What’s "Cold" in the Mojave?
For locals, 50 degrees is parka weather. If you’re coming from Chicago or Minneapolis, you’ll probably think we’re being dramatic. You might even be tempted to walk the Strip in a light long-sleeve.
Don't.
The wind is the real killer. Because the valley is flat and surrounded by peaks, the wind tunnels between the massive hotel towers like Caesars Palace and The Venetian can be brutal. It turns a 55-degree day into a "my face is numb" day very quickly.
Yes, It Actually Rains (Sometimes)
Rain in Vegas is rare, but December is technically one of the wetter months. "Wet" is relative, though. We’re talking maybe 0.4 to 0.5 inches for the whole month.
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In 2025, a New Year's Eve storm dumped just enough rain to bring the monthly total exactly to the historical average. It’s usually a light drizzle, but the desert ground doesn't absorb water well. Even a little bit of rain can make the sidewalks slick and the traffic even more of a nightmare than usual.
And snow?
Forget about it on the Strip. It has happened—2008 saw a decent dusting—but you’re much more likely to see the "fake" snow at the Cosmopolitan’s ice rink than the real deal. If you want actual powder, you’ve gotta drive 45 minutes to Lee Canyon or Mount Charleston.
Survival Guide: The Layering Strategy
Basically, you need to dress like you’re going on three different vacations.
- The Indoor Layer: Casinos are kept at a permanent 72 degrees. You’ll be fine in a polo or a blouse.
- The Outdoor Day Layer: A light jacket or a denim coat. If you’re in the sun, you’ll be comfortable.
- The "Oh No" Layer: A real coat, a scarf, and maybe even a beanie for the night.
If you plan on watching the Bellagio Fountains or walking from Planet Hollywood to the Wynn, you will be outside for at least 30 minutes. That desert wind does not care about your fashion choices.
The Pool Situation
Can you swim? Sort of.
Most pools in Vegas close for the season in October. However, a few "winter" spots stay open. Stadium Swim at Circa keeps their water at a literal 94 degrees. It’s basically a massive hot tub with a giant TV screen. The Marquee Dayclub at Cosmopolitan also puts up a massive dome over their pool deck so you can party without the wind chill.
Real Expert Advice for December Travelers
If you’re coming for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in early December, expect the city to be packed with cowboy hats and heavy starch. This is actually a great time to visit because the energy is high, but hotel prices can spike.
Mid-December, right before Christmas, is actually the "sweet spot."
The crowds thin out. The average temp in vegas december stays pretty consistent (chilly but clear). You can actually get a reservation at Hell's Kitchen or catch a Cirque du Soleil show without selling a kidney for tickets.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip:
- Check the Wind Forecast: A 58-degree day with 20mph winds feels like 40 degrees. Check the "RealFeel" on your app, not just the number.
- Moisturize Heavily: The December air is bone-dry. Your skin will crack, your lips will peel, and you’ll wonder why you feel so dehydrated after one margarita.
- Book New Year's Early: If you’re here for the 31st, the Strip closes to cars at 6:00 PM. It doesn't matter how cold it is; you’ll be walking. Wear comfortable, warm boots, not thin-soled heels.
- Sunscreen is Still Required: The sun is lower in the sky, but the UV rays hitting the white concrete of the Strip are still intense. You can get a "winter burn" faster than you think.
The desert in winter is beautiful, crisp, and surprisingly quiet if you know where to look. Just leave the flip-flops in the suitcase unless you're heading straight for a heated hot tub.
Next Steps:
Check the specific 10-day forecast for your travel dates, focusing specifically on the "Low" temperatures, as these will dictate what you'll need for dinner and show outings. Reach out to your hotel concierge now to confirm if their specific pool deck is heated or closed for maintenance during your stay.