Las Vegas weather in December 2026
“A steady middle month — well worth visiting with the right expectations.”
Roughly 2 rainy days across the month, on average.
December strips Las Vegas down to its clearest self. Daytime highs hover around 14.8°C (59°F), while nights dip to 4.1°C (39°F)—sharp enough that you'll feel the desert's true character. With only 13.4mm of rain expected across roughly 2.3 rainy days, you're looking at mostly clear skies. Sunshine runs 8.1 hours daily, which means golden afternoons and crisp, star-filled evenings. The air is bone-dry; mornings carry a bite that melts by noon.
The city itself transforms in December. The casinos light up with holiday displays, drawing families and festive crowds, but the streets feel less suffocating than summer. Hotel rates drop noticeably compared to peak season, and you can actually walk the Strip without melting. Locals venture outdoors in the afternoons—hiking Red Rock Canyon becomes genuinely pleasant instead of punishing. New Year's Eve, of course, brings peak crowds and premium pricing, but the weeks before and after offer breathing room.
Over the past decade, December in Las Vegas has remained consistent: reliable cold-and-dry conditions with minimal deviation. 2026 follows the historical pattern closely, with no unusual warming or precipitation spikes projected. This stability makes December one of the most predictable months for planning.
December suits photographers chasing desert light, families who can't handle summer heat, budget travelers seeking lower rates, and anyone who enjoys hiking or outdoor exploration without sweat. If you're traveling to Las Vegas in 2026 and want to avoid crowds while enjoying comfortable weather, aim for early to mid-December. Book accommodation soon—holiday pricing creeps in as you approach the 25th.
Locals never eat on the Strip; Chinatown on Spring Mountain Road is where 300+ Asian restaurants (Raku, Monta, Ramen Sora) serve real food. Fremont Street Downtown is old Vegas, not tourist Strip. The Cosmopolitan's secret pizza place (no name, follow the wall art on 3rd floor) opens til 4am. Vegas Golden Knights hockey is bigger than the Raiders locally. Nevada allows 24-hour marriage; witnesses supplied by chapel.
What to pack for Las Vegas in December
Layering is essential. You'll shed a jacket by afternoon but need it at sunrise and after sunset. Bring a light rain jacket just in case, though rain is rare. Comfortable walking shoes matter since the city sprawls, and your feet will thank you on cool, dry pavement.
- Merino wool sweater or thermal base layer
- Lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker
- Chino or denim pants
- Comfortable walking sneakers or desert boots
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses (sun reflects off concrete)
What to pack for Las Vegas in December
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Where to stay in Las Vegas
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Las Vegas across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated December trip to Las Vegas
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Las Vegas?
Flights to Las Vegas in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Hike Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire, explore downtown Las Vegas's Fremont Street (fewer crowds than the Strip), visit the Neon Museum, catch a show or catch sunrise at the Strip.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Las Vegas. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Las Vegas
While December has its own character in Las Vegas, the data-backed best months to visit Las Vegas are February, March, April, October. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for Las VegasOther places with a similar climate right now
Las Vegas in December — FAQ
Q01Should I visit Las Vegas in December?
Should I visit Las Vegas in December?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, Las Vegas averages a high of 15°C (59°F) and a low of 4°C (39°F), with 13mm of rainfall across roughly 2 rainy days. March-May and October give 25C pool days without July's 44C tarmac; F1 Grand Prix November jacks hotel rates 5x for the third weekend.
Q02What temperatures should I expect in Las Vegas during December?
What temperatures should I expect in Las Vegas during December?
The average high temperature in Las Vegas during December is 15°C (59°F), with an average low of 4°C (39°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). December 15C days empty pool decks; Mount Charleston 45 minutes away gets ski snow, and Bellagio conservatory holiday display draws local families.
Q03Is December a rainy month in Las Vegas?
Is December a rainy month in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas averages approximately 2 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 13mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04How should I dress for Las Vegas in December?
How should I dress for Las Vegas in December?
For Las Vegas in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. A stainless water bottle because Strip vendors charge $8 for a bottle in 44C and dehydration hospitalizes tourists daily.
Q05Is December a busy travel month for Las Vegas?
Is December a busy travel month for Las Vegas?
Tourist crowds in Las Vegas during December are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Locals never eat on the Strip; Chinatown on Spring Mountain Road is where 300+ Asian restaurants (Raku, Monta, Ramen Sora) serve real food. Fremont Street Downtown is old Vegas, not tourist Strip. The Cosmopolitan's secret pizza place (no name, follow the wall art on 3rd floor) opens til 4am. Vegas Golden Knights hockey is bigger than the Raiders locally. Nevada allows 24-hour marriage; witnesses supplied by chapel.