Many people make winter vacation plans to Las Vegas to avoid the cold weather and snow where they live. Luckily, winter in Vegas doesn’t last long, so you’re in for a real treat if your hometown has snow in the forecast for a while. Temperatures stay between the mid-50s and 60s at the start of the year and begin to move back into the 70s in April, making the winter and early-spring months one of the most pleasant times to plan a visit. Though January isn’t the coldest month in Vegas (December is!), it comes in a close second. But you still will never have to put on your snow boots!
If you are one of the families traveling for a lot of fun and a little bit of warmth this January, we’ve found some of the best outdoor activities to enjoy and appreciate the cooler weather our city has to offer. See what to expect with the weather in Vegas in January, along with our favorite things to do in January, below.
January weather in Las Vegas is the step between our coldest month of December (average high 57°F) and our slightly warmer temperatures in February (average high 63°F). January weather averages to be a high of 57°F with a low of 37°F. As you can see, the lows can still get fairly chilly, so it’s best to pack layers. Desert nights can get especially cold, so be sure to pack your warm pajamas. While Vegas has an average of 294 sunny days a year, January tends to see more rainy days – which is still a low average of 2 days a month.
Our biggest packing tip for January? Pack with the intent to layer. Even during those cold nights outside, resorts and casinos will be nice and warm inside. Bring along some layers so you don’t get stuck in an uncomfortable outfit.
One of the best parts of winter in Vegas is the milder temperatures. While summer and spring are popular times to visit due to school breaks and pool parties, the winter is the perfect season to explore activities outside of the norm. Check out these activities in Vegas that will have you outside and enjoying the crisp, cool air.
Going to the pool in winter doesn’t sound like a typical possibility, especially when many are caught in snow storms or freezing temperatures. Luckily, Las Vegas knows how to make big things happen, which is why Stadium Swim became the only Vegas pool open year-round. The Winter Swim program goes through all of January, and offers cozy touches such as heated pools, plush robes, warm seasonal drinks, fun activities like shotskis, and more. You’ll feel like you’re at the ski lodge, but without the snow and with all the Vegas fun!
One thing you’ll notice about our city if you come during the Vegas Golden Knights season is that we love our team. If you really want to immerse yourself in Vegas culture while here in January, be sure to catch one of the VGK games. And if making it to a home game in person isn’t in the cards, head to one of the many sports bars, Stadium Swim, or the sportsbook to keep cheering on with more fans. No matter where you go to watch, you’ll see how special of a sports city Vegas has become.
Shopping after sweating isn’t always the most glamorous feeling, which is often the case if you go to an outdoor mall in Vegas in summer. Luckily, shopping at the Downtown Container Park is perfect in the winter, because you get to enjoy the weather in Vegas in January while checking out all the awesome pieces of art all without breaking a sweat (unless you’re a really intense shopper). Check out their events schedule to see what fun activities they have planned – like karaoke in the park or wine tastings.
Another beautiful location to visit nearby Vegas in the winter is Mt. Charleston. Taking a Vegas-Mt. Charleston road trip will take you approximately 1.5 hours round trip, and is worth every second. While Las Vegas has a short and mild winter, Mt. Charleston stays chilly for a bit longer. A vast difference from the desert of Vegas, the Spring Mountains display beautiful snow-capped mountains and tall, green trees. Even if your trip was to avoid snow, this is a great exception.
Walking between bars in Las Vegas is especially nice in the winter when you don’t have to fight the hot sun while going between stops. Plan a bar crawl where you can really experience the city’s bars, especially outdoor bars like OneBar, D Bar, Circa Bar, and Legacy Club rooftop bar. Legacy Club also has some fire pits to help keep you cozy as you enjoy the beautiful view below. What’s even better is that the drinks will also help – and some late night treats like soup from Saginaw’s Delicatessen will help even more.
After having to delay her initial Las Vegas residency, Adele is ready to belt out her biggest hits at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace this January. The residency itself will be running through March, so you’ll have more than just January to catch “Weekends with Adele”. This is sure to be one of the best residencies in Vegas history as Adele dazzles with stunning backdrops and even more impressive vocals. It’ll also be one of the best places to warm up as you dance and sing along.
No matter which cold weather activity you choose to partake in this January, you are sure to have an amazing winter vacation experience. From people watching to intense hikes, wintertime truly is one of the most beautiful times to visit Las Vegas. Book your room with Golden Gate Hotel to start exploring all that Vegas in January has to offer!
