Las Vegas vs Los Angeles in December — Which to Pick?
The numbers, side by side
Every figure below is an average across 11 complete years (2015–2025) of daily Open-Meteo records. Not a forecast — a historical baseline you can plan against.
Las Vegas vs Los Angeles in December
| Metric | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 15 °C (59°F) | 20 °C (67°F)Winner | Los Angeles is 4.9 °C warmer. |
| Average low | 4 °C (39°F) | 8 °C (47°F)Winner | Nights differ by ~4°C. |
| Rainfall | 13 mmWinner | 77 mm | Las Vegas is 63 mm drier. |
| Rainy days | 2Winner | 5 | Las Vegas is 2.6 days with fewer rainy days. |
| Sunshine | 8.1 h/day | 8.2 h/day | Effectively even in sunshine. |
Our honest take
In December, Los Angeles runs about 5°C warmer on average — a meaningful gap when you're deciding what to pack.
Las Vegas sees roughly 63mm less rainfall this month, so your afternoons are more likely to survive intact.
Neither is objectively better: pick Las Vegas for what Las Vegas is famous for; pick Los Angeles for what Los Angeles does uniquely. The persona cards below break the choice down by traveller type.
Traveller verdict for December
Data-driven picks based on 11-year climate averages (2015–2025). Neither destination is objectively “better” — it depends on what you're after.
Los Angeles takes the beach-day advantage — warmer sea air, drier skies, and more useful sun.
Las Vegas leans into the after-dark scene — warm evenings and the higher-energy crowd.
Either destination works for a family visit this month.
Similar shooting conditions — atmosphere becomes the deciding factor.
Los Angeles is the smarter pick for value — quieter crowds and softer accommodation rates.
Las Vegas has the edge for wandering food streets — walkable weather and a livelier scene.
Compare hotels in both
Booking.com deep links with December check-in dates pre-filled.
Las Vegas vs Los Angeles in December — FAQ
Q01Is Las Vegas warmer than Los Angeles in December?
Is Las Vegas warmer than Los Angeles in December?
Yes — Los Angeles runs about 5°C warmer than Las Vegas in December. Las Vegas averages 15°C highs; Los Angeles averages 20°C. Based on 11-year climate averages (2015–2025).
Q02Which is drier — Las Vegas or Los Angeles in December?
Which is drier — Las Vegas or Los Angeles in December?
Las Vegas is drier in December. It averages 13mm of rainfall vs 77mm at Los Angeles. That is a meaningful difference for outdoor plans.
Q03Which is better for outdoor activities in December?
Which is better for outdoor activities in December?
Neither destination pulls ahead on sunshine or dry days in December — both offer similar outdoor windows. Choose by terrain and interest rather than weather.
Q04Which is cheaper to visit in December — Las Vegas or Los Angeles?
Which is cheaper to visit in December — Las Vegas or Los Angeles?
Los Angeles tends to offer better value in December — lower crowd density and softer accommodation rates. Prices track tourism demand: quieter months means better deals in either destination.
Q05Which is better for a beach trip in December?
Which is better for a beach trip in December?
Los Angeles is the stronger pick for beach days in December — warmer daytime highs, drier weather, and more useful sun per day.