Las Vegas in December: A Complete Visitor’s Guide in 2023

THINKING ABOUT A TRIP TO LAS VEGAS IN DECEMBER?

You’ve landed on the right article! We’ve spent time in Las Vegas on many different occasions during different seasons of the year. December is the coolest time of year in Las Vegas, so it’s a great time to visit if you want to avoid the desert heat!

From the neon lights and flash of the Las Vegas Strip to the great outdoor activities in the area that our family loves, we’ll cover it all! This article will highlight everything you need to know and what to expect when visiting Las Vegas in December.

Las Vegas Weather in December

During the month of December, the weather in Las Vegas is cool. In fact this month brings the lowest temperatures of the year. Keep in mind that the days are cool but comfortable with a sweater or jacket, but given the desert climate, evenings and early mornings feel a lot colder.

High and Low Temperatures in Las Vegas in December

During the month of December, you can expect the average temperature in Las Vegas to be 50° Fahrenheit. 

Overnight, the average minimum temperature in Las Vegas drops to around 38° Fahrenheit.

• Average high temperature in Las Vegas in December: 50° Fahrenheit
• Average low temperature in Las Vegas in December: 38° Fahrenheit
• What are the hottest months in Las Vegas? July at 97° Fahrenheit
• What are the coldest months in Las Vegas? December at 50° Fahrenheit

Rain 

Given the desert climate, rain is not something you have to worry about too much in Las Vegas. On average, Las Vegas sees around 0.67″ of rain in December. This is a decent increase from the drier fall months, averaging around 0.5” each month. 

How Cloudy is Las Vegas in December?

December continues to experience cloud cover from November. This means you can expect more cloudy conditions during your visit to Las Vegas in December, January, and the coming spring months (typically ranging from 18-20%), compared to Las Vegas in May and other summer months when the desert sky is virtually cloudless.

Although you’re likely to find some cloudy skies in Las Vegas in December, the beginning of the month promises to be the clearest. That’s your best chance to find clear skies during your December visit.

When Are Sunrise and Sunset in December?

Sunrise in December starts at 6:32 a.m. in the first part of the month. By December 15th, sunrise is at 6:44 a.m. This is a difference of 12 minutes since the beginning of the month. By the end of the month, sunrise is at 6:51 a.m., for a total difference of 19 minutes throughout the month. 

Sunset at the beginning of December is at 4:26 p.m. By the end of the month, you can expect sunset at 4:36 p.m., for a difference of 10 minutes throughout the month.  

What to Wear in December

The weather in December is going to be cool. You can expect some cloudy days, some rain, and some downright cold mornings and evenings. Overall, you should expect cool weather ranging from the low 50s and dipping into the mid-30s.

With temperatures this cool, it’s smart to dress in layers. Consider long pants and sweatshirts or jackets. If you get cold easily or are planning on being out late at night, consider a heavier coat as well.

Though temps will be much cooler than the blazing summer months, make sure to still bring plenty of water with you. Regardless of the time of year, it’s important to stay hydrated especially if you’re planning to spend a lot of time exploring the strip or other spots around town on foot.

Events in Las Vegas in December

Las Vegas is known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, so you can bet there’s always a fun event happening right around the corner. From hotel residencies to special events, there’s no doubt your family will be plenty entertained while visiting Las Vegas. 

Las Vegas is a hot spot for the best shows and concerts, and the month of December will be no exception. Keep an eye on schedules to see if any of the events line up during your visit to Sin City.

Shows

There are so many entertainment options when visiting Las Vegas, so we’ve made things easier by narrowing down the best shows to consider when vacationing in Vegas with a family.

• Blue Man Group
• Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil
• O by Cirque du Soleil
• KA by Cirque du Soleil
• Terry Fator
• Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
• Jabawockeez

Concerts 

If you’re not planning to visit Las Vegas in December for a specific hotel residency show, keep an eye on the concert schedule for events that might pique your interest.

Artists from every decade hit the stage in this city, so one of your favorites might just be performing at one of the city’s many entertainment venues.

Here’s a quick glance at some of the concerts happening in Las Vegas in December 2023. 

Miranda Lambert, Garth Brooks, U2, Luke Bryan, Bruno Mars, Lainey Wilson, Carrie Underwood, Kylie Minogue, Rodney Carrington, Usher, Wayne Newton, Erika Jayne, and Barry Manilow have multiple residency dates in Las Vegas in December.  

Sporting Events

Cheering on the local team is always a fun way to explore and experience a new city. Be sure to check out a sporting event in Las Vegas in December! 

Football

Get in on some NFL action with the Raiders in Las Vegas in December. Any NFL fans would love the opportunity to visit this relatively new stadium and enjoy an amazing game of professional football live.

Legacy Fight Alliance

If you prefer your sports a little more intense, there’s a MMA Legacy Fight Alliance night in Las Vegas on December 15th at the Pearl Theater at the Palms Hotel.

Things to Do in Las Vegas in December

There are so many fun attractions to explore with your family in Las Vegas. From taking in the wonders of the gorgeous hotels to being star-struck by the lights and glamour of the strip, there’s so much to see and enjoy, and don’t forget the delicious food!

It took us a few trips to discover it, but we love the Neon Museum! It’s a bit off the beaten track, but definitely, a fun spot to check out with adults and kids alike. 

Due to its subtropical desert climate, Las Vegas is a fantastic place to visit year-round. Sure, summer travelers are known to spend countless hours in hotel pools, but contrary to what you might think, there are so many fun things to do in Las Vegas during winter.

Checking out Valley of Fire or Red Rock Canyon is a much more comfortable experience in the cooler months of the year. There are some amazing Valley of Fire hikes you won’t want to miss when visiting Las Vegas in December!

If you would prefer to visit Red Rock Canyon, there are lots of great tours. If you don’t have your own transportation, some of these tours include transportation from many of the downtown hotels.  

There are so many fun attractions on the strip, but exploring the state park and conservation area is actually one of our favorite things to do with kids in Las Vegas. A quick visit out of town to check out Seven Magic Mountains is another sure bet for family fun in Las Vegas in December! 

Las Vegas Day Trips 

Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is about 45 minutes west of Las Vegas and is considered one of the industrial wonders of the world. Families are welcome to travel to and explore the dam on their own, but we definitely recommend taking a Hoover Dam tour.

During our last visit to Las Vegas, we went down into the dam on a tour, and it was so much fun. It was so interesting to learn more about the history of creating the dam and seeing the big generators.

The tours are super convenient. Many of them pick guests up from Las Vegas area hotels and drive them to the dam. 

▶ BOOK Hoover Dam Tour

Antelope Canyon

If you’re looking for an excuse to get out of town during your visit to Las Vegas, consider an Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas Tour. Antelope Canyon is about four and a half hours outside of Las Vegas. Travelers can choose from different Lower Antelope Canyon tours, including Antelope Canyon X or even an Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Trip.

Travelers who wish to make the road trip from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon and nearby Horseshoe Bend might find themselves asking, can you see Antelope Canyon without a tour? You can drive yourself to the entrance of the canyon, but you will need to book a tour to go in because it is on protected Navajo Land.

If you decide to stay in the Antelope Canyon area instead of making the long trek back to Vegas all in one day, you can be sure your family will stay in comfort. There are some amazing hotels near Antelope Canyon. 

▶ BOOK Antelope Canyon Tour

The Grand Canyon

Another fun day trip destination from Las Vegas is the Grand Canyon. There are some amazing things to do at the South Rim Grand Canyon, and it’s a really enjoyable place to visit with family. We are always blown away by how beautiful it is every time we visit.

Best of all, there are some phenomenal places to stay near the Grand Canyon too, just in case you decide to stay overnight! If you are short on time, you can definitely see the Grand Canyon in one day, but if you can stay overnight, you can watch a spectacular sunrise. Sunrise and sunset are our favorite times to visit the Grand Canyon.

If you want a truly memorable and unique way of experiencing the Grand Canyon, check out some of the Las Vegas helicopter tours that visit the Grand Canyon.

▶ BOOK Grand Canyon from Las Vegas Tour

Best Time of Year to Visit Las Vegas 

Late fall throughout the winter months is the best time to visit Las Vegas. These months will still be somewhat crowded, but visiting during this time saves travelers from the extreme heat and summer pool party atmosphere. 

Las Vegas in September can still see high temperatures pushing 100° F, but as temperatures settle in lower for the winter, December in Las Vegas takes a plunge into the low 50s, making it an even more cool and comfortable time to visit!

Where to Stay in Las Vegas in December

Las Vegas is known for some of the most impressive hotels, especially on the strip. For visitors traveling on a budget or just uninterested in staying on the strip, there are some remarkable hotels near the Las Vegas airport and some really fun Fremont Street hotels too! 

Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

⭐️ Rating 7.6/10 | 📍 Location: 129 Fremont Street | 🏩 View on Expedia.com 

Most people know the Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino as one of the most iconic Las Vegas landmarks. It’s been around for a long time, but with the help of renovations throughout the years, it’s still making customers happy. 

We love this family-friendly Fremont Street hotel for its affordability and great pool complex! 

▶ Check Rates & Availability at Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

Club Wyndham Grand Desert

⭐️ Rating 9/10 | 📍Location: 265 E Harmon Ave in Las Vegas | 🏩 View on Expedia.com 

Club Wyndham Grand Desert is a great hotel option for travelers hoping to stay near Mccarran Airport. One and two-bedroom suites with a full kitchen make this one of the best hotels in the area. 

We love the gorgeous garden at this location. The courtyard is such a fun and comfortable place to play with your kids and enjoy the outdoors. They even have a fire pit!

▶ Check Rates & Availability at Club Wyndham Grand Desert

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Las Vegas Airport South

⭐️ Rating 8.6/10 | 📍 Location: 6560 Surrey St in Las Vegas  | 🏩 View on Expedia.com 

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Las Vegas Airport South is another airport area hotel that showcases remarkable customer service. There are so many wonderful things about this hotel. The staying rooms are clean, comfortable, and sound-proofed, which is a big deal when you’re staying the night in a party city! 

The pool at this property is open 24 hours, and they offer a complimentary breakfast and a free all-day shuttle to the airport. 

▶ Check Rates & Availability at La Quinta Inn & Suites Las Vegas Airport South

FAQ: Las Vegas in December 

Is December a Good Month to Visit Las Vegas, Nevada?

December is a great month to visit Las Vegas, especially if you want to enjoy cool but manageable temperatures. The unforgiving desert heat of the summer months has all but disappeared come December. The days will offer comfortably cool temperatures, which make walking the strip or hiking outside of town a more enjoyable experience. 

Is Las Vegas Busy in December?

Las Vegas is a very busy place to visit in December. Given the cool down in weather, winter breaks, and the impact of the holidays, Las Vegas sees a lot of visitors this month. There’s something special about ringing in the New Year in Sin City, so expect lots of tourists all the way through the month and into the new year.

How Hot is Las Vegas, Nevada in December?

Las Vegas in December brings 50-degree days and even cooler nights and early mornings, sometimes just a handful of degrees over freezing. These are the coolest temperatures the city will see all year. That said, Las Vegas is not hot in December.    

Does it Rain in Las Vegas in December? 

Given that Las Vegas is in a desert climate, it doesn’t see a lot of rain. Tourists can expect an average of 3 days of rain in Las Vegas in December. 

Conclusion: Las Vegas in December

We hope this guide to Las Vegas will help you better prepare for your visit in December. From how to pack for the weather to all the best attractions in town, you’ve got a guidebook to craft your perfect trip! 

Las Vegas always turns out to be an epic family adventure we remember forever. Enjoy all the family fun Sin City has to offer! 

Additional Las Vegas Travel Blogs

Las Vegas is such a great city to visit, whether you’re looking to spend time on the Las Vegas Strip or explore the beautiful national parks (Zion in December is amazing!) and hiking trails in this part of the United States. If you’re looking for more info on traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada, check out these additional Las Vegas travel guides:

• 11 Best Las Vegas Bus Tour Options
• A Complete Guide to Flyover Las Vegas
• 11 Best Las Vegas Helicopter Tour Choices
• 7 Highest Rated Hoover Dam Tour Options from Las Vegas [Helicopter + Car]
• 11 Delicious Las Vegas Food Tours You Can’t Miss
• 28 Best Things to Do with Kids in Las Vegas
• 11 Best Red Rock Canyon Tours
• 11 Best Fremont Street Hotels for Travelers
• 12 Closest Hotels Near the Las Vegas Airport for Travelers
• Seven Magic Mountains in Las Vegas: A Complete Visitor’s Guide
• Las Vegas to Moab: The Best Route & Stops Along the Way
• Antelope Canyon Itinerary: How to Spend 4 or 7 Days in the American Southwest
• 6 Best Ways to Tour Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas
• Visiting Valley of Fire or Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas
• A Complete Guide to the Valley of Fire Hikes in Las Vegas
• 29 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas During Winter
• What to Expect at the Neon Museum in Las Vegas
• Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon: A Complete Travel Guide