So, you’re headed to the Neon Capital. Honestly, most people just assume it’s a giant blast furnace 365 days a year because it’s in the middle of the Mojave. But if you show up in July wearing a heavy denim jacket or—worse—hit the Strip in January with nothing but a tank top, you’re gonna have a bad time.
The weather in Las Vegas is basically a game of extremes. It's dry. Like, "I need to buy three bottles of lotion and a gallon of water the second I land" dry. Right now, as of Saturday night, January 17, 2026, it’s actually a crisp 60°F outside. The sky is perfectly clear, and there’s barely a breeze, just a tiny 2 mph puff from the northeast.
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If you’re walking between casinos tonight, you’ll feel that 21% humidity. It sounds low, but for Vegas in the winter, that’s standard. It’s "light sweater weather" for the locals and "wow, this is better than Chicago" weather for everyone else.
The Reality of Vegas Seasons
Most people get the seasons here totally wrong. They think summer starts in June and ends in August. Kinda true, but the "hot season" actually stretches from early June all the way past mid-September. We’re talking average highs of 104°F in July. That’s not just "warm." That’s "the steering wheel will burn your skin off" hot.
Then you have the "cool season." It runs from late November to late February. Believe it or not, December and January can be legit cold. December is usually the coldest, with highs struggling to hit 58°F and lows dipping to 39°F.
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What’s Happening This Week?
If you're in town for the next few days, here’s the play-by-play. Today, we hit a high of 68°F, but it’s going to drop to 43°F tonight as the clouds roll in.
- Sunday, January 18: It’s looking cloudy. High of 65°F, low of 42°F. There’s a tiny 10% chance of rain during the day, so don't be shocked if you see a stray drop.
- Monday, January 19: The sun comes back. High of 65°F. Perfect for a walk down the Strip.
- Mid-week (Jan 21-22): It stays mild. Highs will hover around 59°F to 60°F.
It’s pretty consistent. No crazy wind storms expected—just light breezes between 2 and 8 mph.
The Dry Heat Myth
"But it's a dry heat!" Yeah, people say that all the time to justify 115 degrees. But here’s the thing: at those temperatures, your sweat evaporates so fast you don't even realize you're dehydrating. It’s sneaky.
In June, the humidity can drop to 13%. That is desert-level dry. Your nose might get crusty. Your skin might itch. Seriously, drink more water than you think you need. Even in the winter, like right now with humidity at 21%, you’ll wake up feeling like you swallowed a desert if you don’t keep a bottle of water on the nightstand.
Flash Floods are Real (No, Seriously)
You wouldn’t think a place that gets 4 inches of rain a year has to worry about drowning, but flash floods are the biggest weather threat here. From July through September, the monsoons hit.
One minute it's sunny, the next, a wall of water is ripping through the "washes" (those concrete channels you see near the highways). If you see water on the road, Turn Around, Don't Drown. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. A foot of it can float your rental car.
When Should You Actually Visit?
If you want the "sweet spot"—where you can sit by the pool without melting but also walk outside without a parka—aim for April, May, September, or October.
In April, you’re looking at highs around 80°F. It’s gorgeous. October is similar, with the heat finally breaking and the evenings becoming bearable again.
Quick Tips for Your Trip:
- Winter (Now): Layers are your best friend. It’s 60°F now, but it’ll be 43°F before you know it. Bring a jacket for the walk back from the show.
- Summer: Plan everything for before 10 AM or after 8 PM. Midday is for casinos, naps, and staying submerged in a pool.
- Sunscreen: The UV index hits 11+ in the summer. Even today, in January, the UV index is a 2. It’s low, but the desert sun is stronger than it looks.
Basically, Vegas weather is predictable if you respect the desert. Pack the ChapStick, bring the layers, and always—always—have a bottle of water in your hand.
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Next Steps for Your Trip
Check your hotel’s pool schedule if you're visiting this week; many Vegas pools close for "winter" even when it's sunny. If you're planning an outdoor excursion to Red Rock Canyon or the Hoover Dam, Monday or Tuesday are your best bets for clear, sunny skies and mild walking temperatures around 61°F-65°F.