Las Vegas 14 Day Weather: Why the Desert Winter Still Catches People Off Guard

Las Vegas 14 Day Weather: Why the Desert Winter Still Catches People Off Guard

You'd think a city in the middle of the Mojave would be a safe bet for warmth year-round. It's not. If you're looking at the las vegas 14 day weather forecast right now, you might see those sunny icons and assume it’s t-shirt weather. Honestly, that’s how people end up shivering in line for a rideshare at 11 PM.

Right now, as we move through mid-January 2026, Vegas is leaning into its "crisp" phase. We’re talking daytime highs that feel amazing if you’re walking—usually hovering between 61°F and 71°F—but the sun is a bit of a liar. Once it dips behind the high-rises, the temperature doesn't just drop; it face-plants. We’re seeing nighttime lows hitting 40°F to 46°F.

The Current 14-Day Reality: What to Actually Expect

Let’s look at the next two weeks. Today, Thursday, January 15, we're peaking at a beautiful 71°F. It’s perfect. You could walk from the MGM Grand to the Wynn and barely break a sweat. But by Saturday, a minor cool front nudges those highs down to about 65°F.

By the time we hit next week—around January 20 to 24—things stabilize in that classic desert winter groove. You’re looking at highs of 61°F or 62°F. Most days will be "mostly sunny," which sounds great until you realize the humidity is sitting at a bone-dry 20%. That dry air makes the cold feel sharper. It’s a "thin" kind of cold that cuts through a basic hoodie.

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Rain? Basically non-existent. There's a tiny 10% blip for this Sunday, January 18, but "rain" in Vegas usually means three drops on your windshield and a rainbow over the Strat. You don't need an umbrella. You need a better jacket.

Why the Desert Temperature Swing is Brutal

It’s the "diurnal swing." That’s the fancy term meteorologists like the ones at the National Weather Service use for the gap between the day's peak and the night's floor. In Vegas, that gap is often 25 to 30 degrees.

If you leave your hotel room at 2 PM when it's 70°F, you feel like a genius. By 8 PM, when it’s 48°F and the wind is whipping between the casinos, you feel like an amateur. The Strip creates a wind-tunnel effect. Even a 5 mph breeze feels like a slap when it’s 45 degrees.

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Packing for the "False Spring"

Forget the heavy parka. You'll look like you're lost. Also, don't just bring a t-shirt.

  1. The Mid-Weight Layer: A leather jacket, a denim trucker, or a light puffer. This is your workhorse.
  2. The Hidden Weapon: A scarf. Seriously. It takes up no room in a bag but saves you when you’re standing outside the Bellagio fountains.
  3. Moisturizer: This isn't weather advice; it's survival advice. The humidity is currently 24%. Your skin will turn into parchment paper within 48 hours if you don't hydrate.

Misconceptions About Winter Pools

"But the website says the pool is heated!"

Yeah, it is. Usually to 80°F. But when the air is 55°F and you step out of that water? It’s a physical trauma. Most resort pools actually close for the season. If you're a "pool person," you basically have one real option: Stadium Swim at Circa. They keep it hot, and they have "Winter Swim" vibes with robes and heated areas. Most other places on the Strip use this time for maintenance, so check your specific hotel's "pool status" page before you pack the bikini.

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Actionable Tips for the Next 14 Days

If you're heading out here before the end of January, play it smart.

  • Check the Wind, Not Just the Temp: A 60-degree day with 15 mph winds is colder than a 50-degree day that’s still.
  • Sunset is Early: The sun is tucking away around 4:50 PM. Plan your outdoor photos for "Golden Hour" around 4:15 PM.
  • The "Casino Climate": Casinos are kept at a permanent 70°F. If you’re sensitive to AC, you’ll actually want that light jacket inside the building just as much as outside.
  • Footwear Matters: You will walk more than you think. The "14-day weather" looks mild, but 10 miles of walking in brand-new boots will ruin your trip faster than a cold snap.

Stay hydrated, layer up like an onion, and don't trust the sun—it’s going home early.

Your next move: Check your hotel's specific pool opening dates, as many Strip properties (like Caesars or Bellagio) may have limited heated options or be mid-renovation during this January stretch.