If you want to visit Las Vegas but aren’t a fan of the desert heat, winter is the perfect time of year to go.
It’s popular belief that it’s always hot in Las Vegas. The city is located in the Mojave Desert and has good reason to be associated with scorching hot temperatures but if you show up in the winter months, you may be surprised.
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Yes, the Las Vegas heat hits over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the hottest summer months but those high temperatures don’t last year-round. Las Vegas is a four-season city, giving you pleasant temps in spring and autumn and mild winters. Winter in Vegas is chilly but still warm enough to be out and about making February the perfect time to visit the city.
The average high in February is 66° F/ 18.9°C with the low at 33° F/ 0.56°C. Las Vegas doesn’t get much rain, and February is no different, averaging only two days of rain in the month. Of course, this can fluctuate, and in the past decade, Sin City has had light snow a handful of times in February. This is unusual, the average snowfall in Vegas is 0.3 inches a year, but if you’re lucky, you might see it snow in the desert during your winter visit.
If you plan to visit Las Vegas in the winter, you will want to bring a light to midweight jacket and dress in layers. The temperatures themselves may not seem very low, but the wind is what makes it colder. Below are a few tips on what to wear in Las Vegas in February based on your activities.
What to Wear in Las Vegas in February during the Daytime
Daytime temps are warmer and a long sleeve shirt and pants are perfect if you plan to be in the sun or stay indoors. Outside, in the shade, it can be a bit chilly and with all the great patio restaurants and bars, you’ll want to be outside so bring your jacket.
Casual clothing is a must for daytime in Las Vegas any time of the year, even more so in winter. The distance from one place to another is deceptively farther than it looks. Everything seems close but once you start walking, it’s much farther than you realize. Going from one property to the next one over can have you walking half a mile outside.
Even getting from your hotel room to the casino floor can be a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are a must for everything from lunch and sightseeing to just strolling the Strip or Fremont Street with friends. If you’re like me and forget your comfy shoes and jacket, there are plenty of places to go shopping.
- If you plan to go hiking, the temps in Red Rock Canyon and on Mount Charleston will be lower on most of the trails. You may even come across snow in some places. Layers with a heavier jacket and gloves are a good choice along with appropriate footwear for the trails.
- Mount Charleston also offers sledding and other snow activities in the winter, depending on the amount of snowfall. Those more adventurous, can ski and snowboard at the Lee Canyon Ski & Snowboard Resort in Lee Canyon. Appropriate outdoor winter clothing is advised including layering light and warm clothing, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots. If it’s actively snowing on the mountain, you may also consider wearing a face mask and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- For day trips to Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon, a light jacket may be needed. These areas are mainly unshaded but wind gusts bring a chill and will claim your hat if you don’t hold onto it. If you plan to stay for a longer period of time, keep in mind, the temperature will be lower in the early morning and drop as the sun sets in the evening.
- Are you looking for a pool party? Many of the hotels in Las Vegas offer heated pools, letting you enjoy swimming through the winter months. If this is your jam, check out our suggestions for the Best Heated Pools in Las Vegas. Swimwear is required to be in the pool and most properties will also have heaters to keep you warm while you lounge at poolside. The walk from your room to the hotel pool may be a tad bit on the cool side though. It’s a good idea to bring a warm coverup or change of clothes for the trek back to your room.
What to Wear in Las Vegas in February during the Evening
Las Vegas is known for its nightlife. In the winter months, the temps may be lower but your favorite restaurants, cocktail lounges, and clubs will be open and waiting for you to show up looking just as hot as ever.
For the evenings, you will want to bring something a little nicer than your casual, comfortable day clothes. Many places in Las Vegas have a dress code. It’s always best to check the venue’s site to make sure you’re dressed appropriately. Some require formal attire but most welcome upscale or elegant casual. How is that different from day casual you may ask? Well, think of it as date night in Vegas and you want to dress to impress.
This time of year, that can mean an extra layer of clothing but if that’s not for you, typically, all restaurants and lounges with an outdoor patio will have heaters to keep the chill away. Depending on how close you are to the heater, you may want to keep your jacket or light outerwear with you to be safe or ask for a table inside.
- For men, think business casual. Slacks or dark jeans and a long sleeve button-down shirt are a perfect choice for an evening in Las Vegas. Top it with a light sweater or dress coat and you are good to go. You’ll look great and be warm for those chilly evening temperatures in the desert. If a dress coat isn’t your thing, bring a light jacket for that walk from your hotel. Many venues will offer coat check if you prefer not to hang onto it during dinner or drinks but too much of the latter and you may forget it.
You will still want to wear comfortable shoes in the evening. Las Vegas requires a lot of walking. Dress shoes are known for being uncomfortable but you don’t want to wear your running shoes to dinner. This is where those nice sneakers get their chance to be seen. Paired with your smart casual attire, you’ll fit in great everywhere you go.
- Ladies, it’s your time to shine. That can be everything from a maxi dress with wedges, to a more elevated evening dress and high heels or those pants that make your ‘you know what’ look amazing paired with a cute top. Again, look at the website for the places you plan to go and see if they have a specific dress code but the most important thing is that you feel good in what you’re wearing. Part of that is preparing for the cooler temperature and the chilly breeze that comes with winter nights in Las Vegas. The temp drops significantly after the sun sets and it can get cold. Bring along that statement coat you never wear, you know the one. It’s a bright color or a fun pattern and you lovingly look at it each year but never wear it. Vegas is the place to show it off. You may also want a thicker shawl or pretty scarf to not only accessorize but keep you warm. Many venues have coat checks so you won’t have to hold your coat but you’ll be thankful to have it once you step outside.
The other thing, and I cannot say this enough, is to think about your shoes. Those high heels are fabulous, they make your legs look incredible but are they comfortable? If you even think they may hurt your feet, bring along a pair of flats in your bag to change into or consider different shoes altogether. I’ve purchased my share of flats while walking the Strip in Vegas and now keep a set of foldable flats in my purse just in case. I also carry a few bandaids because those blisters can quickly ruin a fun night.
I hope this helps you pack for your winter trip to Las Vegas. Bring that lightweight jacket. Pack your comfortable shoes and as always check the local weather report before traveling.
And have fun!
