You’re probably thinking about a pool party. Most people do when they think of Vegas. They picture that shimmering desert heat, the sweat on a cold glass of overpriced Dos Equis, and the desperate search for a blast of industrial-grade AC. But if you’re heading out there at the end of the year, the december temp in las vegas is going to give you a massive reality check.
It’s cold. Honestly.
Not "Midwest blizzard" cold, but definitely "I should have brought a real coat" cold. The desert is a drama queen; she goes from 110°F in July to a bone-chilling 35°F at 4:00 AM in December. If you step off the plane in flip-flops and a tank top, you’re going to be the person everyone else is staring at while you shiver in the taxi line.
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The Brutal Truth About the Numbers
Let's look at the actual math because the averages are a bit deceptive. On a "normal" day, the high sits around 58°F. That sounds decent, right? Like a crisp autumn day in New York. But that high only lasts for about two hours in the mid-afternoon. By the time the sun ducks behind the Spring Mountains—which happens early, usually around 4:30 PM—the temperature craters.
- Average High: 58°F (14°C)
- Average Low: 39°F (4°C)
- Record Low: A terrifying 11°F (-12°C) back in the day.
- The "Sun Factor": It feels 10 degrees warmer in the sun and 10 degrees colder in the shade.
The wind is the real killer. Las Vegas is basically a giant funnel for wind coming off the desert. You’ll be walking down the Strip, tucked between the massive towers of Caesars Palace and the Bellagio, and suddenly a 20-mph gust hits you. That december temp in las vegas suddenly feels like it’s in the 20s.
Can You Actually Swim?
Sorta. But it depends on where you stay.
Most of the big "day clubs" and massive resort pools like the Garden of the Gods at Caesars or the MGM Grand’s lazy river are shut down. They’re drained or just closed for maintenance because, frankly, nobody wants to be out there. However, a few spots have figured out that tourists are stubborn.
Stadium Swim at Circa is the big one. They keep those pools heated to somewhere between 94°F and 103°F. It’s basically a giant, social hot tub with a massive TV screen. If you aren't at a place with a specifically heated pool, forget about it. Even the "heated" pools at some mid-range hotels can feel pretty brisk when the air hitting your wet shoulders is 45 degrees.
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What to Wear (and Why You’ll Get it Wrong)
Most travelers pack for the destination they want, not the one they’re visiting. You want "Vegas Glam," but you need "Layered Survivalist."
I’ve seen women trying to walk from The Venetian to Wynn in tiny cocktail dresses and stilettoes while the wind is howling. They look miserable. Blue-lipped miserable.
Basically, you need a system. Start with a base layer—a t-shirt is fine because the casinos are kept at a steady 70°F. Then, a medium-weight sweater or hoodie. Top it off with a real jacket. Not a denim jacket. A real, wind-blocking coat. If you’re doing a rooftop bar like Legacy Club or Foundation Room, you’ll want that coat. They have fire pits, sure, but they can’t fight the entire Mojave Desert.
The Humidity (or Lack Thereof)
The air in December is ridiculously dry. We're talking 20% to 30% humidity on a good day.
Your skin will start to feel like parchment paper within 24 hours. Your nose might bleed. Your throat will definitely feel scratchy. It’s not a cold; it’s just the desert sucking the moisture out of your soul. Pack the heavy-duty lotion and some saline nasal spray. Trust me on this one.
The low humidity does have one upside: the "dry cold" is much easier to handle than a "wet cold." 39 degrees in Vegas feels a lot more pleasant than 39 degrees in Seattle or London. You don't get that damp chill that settles into your bones. You just need to block the wind.
Why December is Actually Secretly Great
Despite the "december temp in las vegas" being low, it’s actually one of the best times to go if you aren't a sun-worshipper.
First, the crowds (except for New Year’s Eve) are much more manageable. Second, you can actually walk the Strip. In July, walking from Planet Hollywood to the Fashion Show Mall is a death march that requires three Gatorades and a prayer. In December, it’s a lovely 2-mile stroll.
Hiking is also at its peak. Red Rock Canyon is about 20 minutes off the Strip. In the summer, people literally die of heatstroke on those trails. In December? It’s perfect. You can do the Calico Tanks trail in a light fleece and feel like a champion. The colors of the rocks are more vivid under the winter sun, too.
The "Micro-Climates" of the Casinos
You have to account for the weirdest part of the Vegas ecosystem: the transition zones.
You’ll be in a casino where it’s 72 degrees. Then you walk through a "shopping promenade" where it’s 75. Then you hit the sliding glass doors to the street and—BAM—it’s 42 degrees with a gust of wind. This constant back-and-forth is why so many people get "Vegas Throat."
Bring a scarf. It’s the most underrated Vegas accessory. You can shove it in a bag when you’re at the blackjack table and wrap it around your face when you’re waiting for an Uber.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
- Check the wind forecast, not just the temp. A 55-degree day with 5 mph wind is beautiful. A 55-day with 25 mph wind is a nightmare.
- Hydrate twice as much as you think. Alcohol + desert air + heaters = massive dehydration.
- Book the "Winter Swim." If you must be in a swimsuit, go to Circa or the few heated pools like those at the Wynn or Bellagio.
- Lip balm is mandatory. Buy the medicated stuff before you arrive; the gift shops on the Strip will charge you $9 for a stick of Chapstick.
- Plan your outdoor time for 1:00 PM. This is when the sun is highest and the buildings aren't casting massive, freezing shadows over the sidewalks.
The december temp in las vegas doesn't have to ruin your trip, but it will if you ignore it. Dress like you're going to a football game in the fall, stay hydrated, and enjoy the fact that you aren't melting into the pavement like everyone does in August.
Be prepared for the desert's mood swings. Pack the layers. Leave the flip-flops for the spa.