Las Vegas Weather December: What Most People Get Wrong

You’re standing on the Strip, the Bellagio fountains are dancing, and suddenly you realize your thin t-shirt was a massive mistake. People think "desert" and immediately think "heat." That's how you end up shivering through a $200 dinner.

Las Vegas weather in December is tricky. It’s a dry, biting cold that creeps up the second the sun ducks behind the Spring Mountains. If you’re planning a trip, forget the postcards showing poolside bikinis and melting pavement. December is about leather jackets, crisp desert air, and the occasional need for a scarf while you're walking between casinos.

The Reality of the December Chill

Let’s look at the numbers because they don't lie, even if the bright sunshine tries to trick you. During the day, you’re looking at average highs around 58°F (14°C). That sounds pleasant, right? It is, as long as you’re moving and in the sun. But the desert has no insulation.

Once 4:30 PM hits—and yes, the sun sets incredibly early here—the temperature nosedives. Average lows sit around 39°F (4°C). On some nights, it’ll even dip toward freezing.

Humidity is basically non-existent, usually hovering around 30%. This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you won't feel that damp, bone-chilling cold you get in London or New York. On the other, the air is so dry it’ll turn your skin into sandpaper within 48 hours. Pack the heavy-duty lotion. Seriously.

Is Rain Actually a Thing?

Rain in Vegas is rare, but December is technically one of the "wetter" months. We're talking maybe 0.5 inches of total rainfall for the entire month. If it does rain, it's usually a light drizzle that lasts an hour, though the desert ground doesn't soak it up well, so expect some deep puddles near the curbs.

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Snow? In the city, it’s a miracle if a single flake survives the trip to the pavement. But if you look west toward Mount Charleston or Lee Canyon, you’ll see white peaks. It’s a wild contrast to see palm trees in the foreground and a ski resort just 45 minutes away.

Why Las Vegas Weather December Changes How You Pack

Most people over-pack "Vegas clothes" and under-pack "human clothes." You don't need five sequined mini-dresses if you're going to be huddled under a space heater at an outdoor bar the whole time.

Layering is the only way to survive.
I usually suggest a "three-tier" system for a December trip:

• The Base: A light t-shirt or bodysuit. Casinos are kept at a steady 70-72°F, and if you’re at a crowded craps table, you’ll actually get warm.
• The Middle: A denim jacket, a light sweater, or a stylish blazer. This is for the long walks through the massive resorts.
• The Shell: A real coat. Not a parka for the Arctic, but something that cuts the wind.

Shoes are the other big pitfall. The Strip is deceptive. It looks like everything is "right there," but you’ll easily clock 15,000 steps a day. Boots are a great choice for December because they keep your feet warm and look sharp enough for most clubs. Leave the flip-flops in the suitcase unless you're heading to one of the few heated pools.

The Pool Question: Can You Actually Swim?

This is what everyone asks. "Is it too cold for the pool?"
The short answer: mostly, yes.

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Most hotel pools close in October and don’t reopen until March. They use the winter for maintenance or just to save on heating costs. However, a few heavy hitters stay open year-round by cranking the heaters up to 94°F or higher.

Stadium Swim at Circa is the king of winter swimming. They call it "Winter Swim," and it’s basically a massive outdoor hot tub party with a 143-foot screen for sports. Other spots like The Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Aria usually keep at least one pool open and heated for the "hardy" swimmers. Just remember: the water is warm, but the walk back to your towel is going to be brutal.

Outdoor Adventures and Desert Wind

December is actually the best time for the stuff most people avoid in July.

Red Rock Canyon

In the summer, Red Rock is a furnace. In December, it’s perfect. You can hike the Ice Box Canyon trail (ironic name, I know) or scramble over the sandstone without getting heatstroke. Just check the wind forecast. The desert wind can gust up to 30mph in December, and when that hits you at the top of a ridge, it feels ten degrees colder than it actually is.

The Wind Factor

Vegas is a bowl surrounded by mountains. The wind gets funneled through the valley, and in December, it can be relentless. If the forecast says 55°F but with 20mph winds, treat it like it's 40°F. The wind also makes outdoor attractions like the High Roller or the Stratosphere observation deck a bit more "exciting" (read: shaky).

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Nightlife vs. The Elements

Walking between the Wynn and the Venetian sounds easy. It’s one block. But that block involves bridges, escalators, and wind tunnels.

If you're wearing a dress or a thin suit, you'll see people sprinting between buildings. This is why the Las Vegas Monorail or even a quick Uber is worth the $10. It’s not just about the distance; it’s about avoiding the 40-degree gusts that ruin your hair and freeze your joints.

Inside the casinos, the weather is irrelevant. It’s a climate-controlled vacuum where time doesn't exist. But if you’re planning to see the Bellagio Fountains or the Mirage Volcano, stand near the building entrances so you can duck back into the heat the moment the show ends.

Specific Events to Watch For

• New Year’s Eve: It is almost always freezing. If you're joining the 300,000 people on the Strip for the fireworks, wear thermal underwear. Seriously. You’ll be standing on asphalt for hours.
• National Finals Rodeo (NFR): This takes over the first two weeks of December. Expect to see a lot of jeans and heavy leather coats—it’s the unofficial uniform of the city this month.

Actionable Tips for Your December Trip

1. Hydrate like a pro. You won't feel sweaty, so you'll forget to drink water. The dry air plus alcohol is a recipe for a massive headache. Carry a reusable bottle.
2. Lip balm and saline spray. Your nose and lips will thank you. The desert air in winter is notoriously harsh on your mucous membranes.
3. Check the "RealFeel." Always look at the wind chill before you leave the hotel room. A 50-degree day with no wind is beautiful; a 50-degree day with a North wind is miserable.
4. Book heated cabanas. If you’re determined to have a "pool day," rent a cabana with a heater. Places like Stadium Swim offer them, and they make the experience actually enjoyable rather than a test of endurance.
5. Sunscreen still matters. The sun is lower in the sky, but the UV rays hitting the pale desert sand can still give you a "winter burn," especially if you're out hiking at Red Rock or Lake Mead.

Vegas in December is charming, festive, and surprisingly cozy if you're prepared. Just don't let the palm trees fool you into thinking it's tropical. It's the high desert—dress for it.