So, you’re thinking about Vegas in December. Honestly, most people mess this up. They see "desert" on a map and pack nothing but flip-flops and tank tops, thinking it’s going to be a tropical paradise while the rest of the country freezes. It isn't.
Vegas is weird.
The temp las vegas december averages are actually a lot lower than you’d expect. We’re talking about a high of roughly 57°F (14°C) and lows that frequently dip into the 30s. It’s a dry chill. It’s the kind of cold that sneaks up on you the second the sun drops behind the Spring Mountains. One minute you’re enjoying a crisp afternoon walk near the Fountains of Bellagio, and the next, you’re shivering because you didn't bring a real jacket.
I’ve seen tourists huddled in gift shops buying overpriced "Las Vegas" hoodies just to survive the walk back to their hotel. Don't be that person.
The Reality of Temp Las Vegas December and Why It Fluctuates
If you look at the National Weather Service data for the Harry Reid International Airport, the numbers tell a specific story, but they don't tell the whole story. While that 57-degree average sounds "light jacket" friendly, the desert is a heat sink that loses its warmth the moment the light fades.
By 4:30 PM, the sun is gone.
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Once that happens, the temperature plummet is aggressive. You can easily lose 15 degrees in two hours. December is actually the coldest month of the year for the Valley, even beating out January by a hair in terms of those biting, windy nights. Speaking of wind—the "Washoe Zephyr" or just general valley gusts can make a 50-degree day feel like 40.
Understanding the Microclimates
Vegas isn't just one flat temperature zone. If you’re staying at a high-rise on the Strip, the wind tunnels created by massive buildings like Wynn or Caesars Palace can make the air feel significantly sharper.
Conversely, if you head out to Red Rock Canyon for a morning hike, you might find frost on the desert floor. It’s beautiful, sure, but it’s a different world than the climate-controlled casino floor. Mount Charleston, which is only about 45 minutes away, will almost certainly have snow. You can literally go from a sunny 60-degree lunch at a sidewalk cafe to a 30-degree ski slope in less time than it takes to play a long round of blackjack.
What to Wear When the Sun Goes Down
Layering. I know, everyone says it, but in Vegas, it’s a survival tactic.
Inside the casinos, the HVAC systems are working overtime to keep things around 70 degrees. If you’re wearing a heavy wool coat inside, you’ll sweat. If you’re wearing a t-shirt outside at 9:00 PM, you’ll freeze.
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Basically, you need a "Vegas System":
- A base layer that looks good in a bar (think a nice tee or a button-down).
- A mid-weight sweater or a denim jacket.
- A legitimate outer shell or a stylish overcoat for the walks between properties.
Men often get away with a sharp blazer, but women frequently struggle because "Vegas fashion" usually leans toward less fabric. If you’re planning a night out at XS or Omnia, bring a pashmina or a coat check budget. Walking from the rideshare drop-off to the club entrance in a cocktail dress when the temp las vegas december is hitting 38 degrees is a mistake you only make once.
Swimming in December? It’s Complicated
You’ll see photos of people at Vegas pools in December. Usually, these people are either from Minnesota and think 55 degrees is summer, or they are at one of the few heated pools that stay open year-round.
Most resort pools actually close for the season.
Circa’s Stadium Swim is a notable exception; they keep those pools heated to 94 degrees or higher. It’s basically a massive hot tub with a giant TV. However, getting out of that 94-degree water into the 50-degree air is a brutal transition. If you’re a swimmer, check specifically if your hotel (like the Cosmopolitan or Bellagio) has a heated "winter pool" option, because otherwise, you’re looking at a very expensive view of a closed concrete deck.
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Rainfall and "The Big Chill"
Rain isn't common, but when it happens in December, it’s gloomy. Las Vegas gets about 4.2 inches of rain per year. December is one of the "wetter" months, though that’s a relative term. If it does rain, the humidity makes the cold feel much more "Eastern European" than "Mojave Desert." It lingers.
There’s also the rare chance of a light dusting of snow on the Strip. It happened in 2008, and it occasionally happens every few years where the palm trees get topped with white. It doesn't last, but it shuts the city down because nobody here knows how to drive on an ice cube.
Strategic Tips for Your December Trip
Don't let the cooler weather scare you off. December is actually one of the best times to visit because the crowds thin out (except for the Rodeo and New Year's Eve) and the city looks incredible with the holiday lights.
- Book your dinner reservations for 6:00 PM or later. By then, you’ll already be dressed for the evening chill, and you won't have to worry about the sunset transition mid-meal.
- Walk the Strip during the day. The 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM window is gorgeous. The sun is bright, the sky is a deep, impossible blue, and the air is crisp. It’s perfect walking weather.
- Check the wind speeds. A 55-degree day with 5 mph winds is lovely. A 55-degree day with 25 mph gusts is miserable. Apps like Windy or even basic weather apps are your friend here.
- Hydrate more than usual. People forget to drink water when it’s cold. The desert air is incredibly dry in the winter, and between the heaters indoors and the dry air outdoors, your skin and throat will feel it.
The temp las vegas december reality is that you are visiting a high-desert environment during its dormant phase. It is sophisticated, chilly, and requires a bit more planning than a summer trip where you just live in a swimsuit.
Pack a real jacket. Bring some lip balm. Enjoy the fact that you can walk a mile without melting into the pavement.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the specific pool hours for your hotel at least two weeks before arrival, as many properties begin seasonal maintenance in December. Purchase a lightweight, packable down vest; it’s the most versatile piece of clothing for the Vegas climate transitions. If you plan on visiting Red Rock Canyon, book your entry reservation early, as the cooler temps make it the peak season for hikers and the park often hits capacity by mid-morning. Finally, monitor the "feels like" temperature rather than the "high" to account for the desert's rapid heat loss after sunset.