The best thing about this larger-than-life US city is that it literally never sleeps. Whatever time of year you visit, there’s always something going on. Whether it’s a festival, event, show or just about the biggest buffet spread you’ve ever seen, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
To help you pick the perfect time to visit, we’ve matched your top holiday criteria with the best times of year to go…
BEST FOR WEATHER
April, May, September, October
Vegas boasts sunny weather all year round, so the good news is, there’s no off-season or bad time to visit. The coldest months are December and January, but the temperature still averages a mild 14 degrees with plenty of sunshine – perfect for getting out and about.
If you’re really not a fan of the heat, skip June, July and August, when the mercury reaches a sizzling 40 degrees (we’re sweating just thinking about it). However, this is when the pool parties really get going and the night-time temperatures are near perfect. So if swimming soirees and all-night clubbing are on your Vegas agenda – the peak summer months will be perfect for you.
To get the perfect balance of warm, sunny weather without the heat and humidity, aim for spring or autumn, with April, May, September and October being the most popular months.
BEST FOR FESTIVALS
May, September, October
Vegas’ festival offerings are getting bigger and better every year. It’s not just about the music, there are food festivals, racing car events and even a lantern festival to entice you into the city of sin. 24-hour party people will love Electric Daisy Carnival, an epic electronic dance festival with the biggest and best staging, pyrotechnics and costumes you’ll ever see. It takes place in May or September every year. There’s also Las Vegas Pride in October which lines up daytime and evening events for both families and revellers. Plus, the unique RiSE lantern festival when tens of thousands of biodegradable lanterns are released into the sky for an out-of-this-world night time spectacle.
BEST FOR POOL PARTIES
April to September
There’s only one word to describe Vegas’ pool parties – legendary. Much more that your usual cocktail and flamingo float combination. These epic events are all about extravagant settings, costumes, and performances from huge household names. Most of the parties start from around April/May and end in September/October so book your trip for the peak summer season if you want to join in.
When it comes to pool party options, there are so many to choose from. The Daylight pool party in Mandalay Bay is essentially Ibiza in a hotel – combining glitz and glamour, a chilled-out atmosphere and top DJs in the line-up. You’ve also got the Grecian-themed, gold and marble Venus Pool Club at Caesars Palace, the number one choice for the celebs. Or, there’s Temptation Sundays at the Luxor which is an LGBT pool party with a different theme every week. Entry to this one is half price if you stay at the Luxor Las Vegas, so pick this Egyptian-themed resort for pool parties on tap.
BEST FOR SHOWS
All year round
Keen to catch one of Vegas’ spectacular shows? The good news is, there are shows on 365 days a year. Catch the famous Cirque du Soleil at one of the many theatres along the strip, with The Beatles LOVE and the celestial water-themed O being the most popular. And, check the list of residency shows for a chance to see your favorite performer on your trip. The Backstreet Boys and Mariah Carey are taking to the stage on various dates throughout the summer of 2018 if you fancy a touch of 90s nostalgia, while Celine Dion is returning in October 2018 for a string of pre-Christmas shows.
BEST FOR BUDGETING
July, August
For the cheapest room rates, book your stay mid-week to avoid those weekend vacationers and steep prices. It’s not just hotel rooms, everything from casino tables to nightclub entry fees tend to drop mid-week, and there are plenty more food and drink deals throughout these days too.
You’ll also find that when the temperature in Vegas reaches its peak – in July and August – the room rates tend to drop too. So, if you don’t mind the heat, book your stay right in the middle of summer.
BEST FOR FOODIES
All year round
Just like the epic shows, Vegas’ spectacular food offerings and famous buffets are available all year round. There are also loads of food festivals throughout the year where you can sample snacks and dishes from across the globe. The Indian Food & Cultural Festival is held in May every year, the Greek food festival is in October, and the Great American Foodie Fest in April. A huge line-up of gourmet food trucks from across the country selling their best dishes.
When it comes to buffets, there are loads to choose from in all of the major hotels. You’ve got gourmet seafood buffets, an all-you-can-eat French food extravaganza, and a lavish Roman feast fit for an emperor at Caesars Palace. To make the best of your buffet experience, the perfect time to visit is just before the lunch options switch over to dinner for the freshest dishes and shortest queues.
BEST FOR SIGHTSEEING
March, April, May, September, October, November
Fancy combining your holiday to the city of sin with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Grand Canyon? If you want to hike into this natural wonder, the best times to visit are in the spring and autumn – March through to May, and September through to November. This is when the temperatures are cool enough for a long hike and there are less tourists on route.
You can also experience this extraordinary attraction from up above on a helicopter trip. On a Mustang Helicopters Grand Canyon Landing Tour, you’ll pass over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Fortification Hill before arriving at the Grand Canyon. The helicopter will then make the 3,500-foot descent to the Canyon floor where you’ll enjoy snacks and a Champagne toast next to the Colorado River. This trip has got ‘best day of your life’ written all over it.
Mustang Helicopters Grand Canyon Landing Tour Tickets
Ready to hit Las Vegas? This year-round destination offers something for everyone, whether you’re a party animal or a culture vulture (yes, really). Take a trip to the Grand Canyon next door or visit nearby LA to tick off several places in one trip.
