When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
When are the business and most expensive times to visit?
Keep reading as we dive into Las Vegas Holidays and the busiest times to visit Las Vegas.

Even though the Vegas strip and surrounding areas have exploded in size, there is a limit for any city.
To have the best time on your vacation to Sin City, you will likely want to avoid some of the heavier traffic times.
Things like holidays and conventions draw more people to Vegas than other times of the year, and the crowds will make it harder to see everything you want to enjoy. There are more hotel rooms in Las Vegas than any other city in the world, and the prices of those rooms skyrocket when the city is especially busy.
By carefully planning your vacation time around the Vegas schedule, you will get the best possible rates and have a great time walking the Strip and exploring all that the city has to offer.
Following is a list of some of the busiest times during the year to visit Las Vegas. While there is pretty much always something going on in Vegas, these times are the worst for the crowds.
Busiest Vegas Weekends and Holidays

New Year’s Eve – Super Busy!
The mother of all party nights, New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas is pure madness.
While this is attractive to many, it also comes at quite a price in terms of room rates and crowds. The streets and hotels become overwhelmed with visitors, and flights are also more expensive.
You will find long lines at every turn, and the overall experience of seeing Vegas will be hampered significantly.
Unless you enjoy the crazy parties that come along with NYE, you are better off picking another time to visit.

CES – First Week in January
The consumer electronics show brings in a large number of people, as well as the Adult Entertainment Expo. CES has drawn tens of thousands of people to Las Vegas.
The conference regularly receives upwards of 180,000+ attendees and features more than 1,200 speakers and 4,000 exhibitors.
AVN – Adult Entertainment Expo – Mid January
The AVN novelty Expo is the premier B2B event in adult entertainment and features adult toys, lingerie, gifts, supplements, games, furniture cosmetics, and much more. There are many opportunities for networking and workshopping at this event, which draws around 25,000+ people.

Super Bowl Weekend – Early February
Super Bowl Weekend is one of the busiest weekends in Las Vegas, with many people looks to bet and watch the game in Las Vegas. There is more money wagered on this game than any other.
Casinos are known to throw parties and offer special VIP packages for watching the big game from one of their clubs, restaurants, or bars.
The Las Vegas Convention Center notes over 90% occupancy rate for hotels in Vegas during this weekend.
Some of the more popular Sportsbooks in Vegas include MGM, Caesars Palace, The Mirage, Circa Las Vegas, and Caesars Palace.
Book early if you plan on being in Vegas for the big game.
March Madness – Mid March
This one can catch many visitors off guard if they are not sports fans.
‘March Madness’ is the nickname of the NCAA Division One Men’s Basketball Tournament, and it is high time for sports fans from all over to head to Vegas and wager on the games.
While the exact dates of the tournament vary from year to year, it is always on three consecutive weekends (usually the last two weekends of March and the first weekend of April).
By far, the first weekend of the tournament will be the busiest in Vegas, with the games being played Thursday-Sunday. Most sportsbooks will have reserved seating, and many Vegas sports bars will offer food and beverage packages as well.
If you are not a basketball fan and not interested in wagering on the tournament, you would be wise to check the dates and pick another time for your trip.

Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend
The abundance of flights heading to and from Las Vegas makes it a great destination for a long weekend out of town. Since both Memorial and Labor Day weekends have built-in days off for most workers, they become highly popular times to visit the desert.
Also, Labor Day and Memorial Day sort of mark the end and beginning of summer, respectively, so travelers take the opportunity to get the summer started with a bang on end with one more trip.
Memorial Day Weekend is when hotels will likely kick off their pool party seasons. Visitors will often find special events and concerts or tributes scheduled during these weekends as well.
Room prices will be very high these weekends!

4th of July
Celebrate US Independence Day in Las Vegas with all the lights and fireworks.
This weekend holiday is not as crowded as Memorial Day or Labor Day but will still be very busy and more expensive than normal weekends.
Many of the Hotels and Resorts feature fireworks shows, including The Plaza Hotel. T
You can be sure the hotels with pool clubs will be crowded, so if you still want to visit during the 4th of July, stay at a hotel without lavish pool accommodations to score a deal.

Halloween
What better place to get dressed up in costumes than Las Vegas?
Several Vegas nightclubs have costume contests and themed parties.
Halloween in Vegas is a totally different experience.
The majority of crowds and foot traffic will be seen after dark, but there are plenty of family-friendly events during this time of year that draws international visitors as well as bring in the locals for some fall fun.
According to a study, October also has the highest average hotel prices than any other month of the year, so if you are looking for a cheap trip, travel during July or December instead.

Thanksgiving Weekend and Christmas
Not everyone stays home for the holidays. Thanksgiving weekend and the Christmas holiday are both times of big crowds and expensive rooms in Vegas.
Not only are airline tickets expensive due to the increase in people traveling, but hotels will quickly book as well, with people planning their holiday vacations far in advance.
The Las Vegas strip is also one of the few places that doesn’t shut down on Christmas or Thanksgiving Day, so many people are drawn to the strip during these times.
If you decide to take your family on a trip at this time, be sure to book far in advance to get a rate that is more affordable than a last-minute booking. The city will still be crowded, but at least you can save a few dollars on your room expense.
Also, if you plan to eat dinner on the strip, make a reservation weeks before the holiday.
National Finals Rodeo – Early December
While rodeo might not be on the same level as football or baseball in terms of American sports, the National Finals Rodeo event in Las Vegas is a huge production.
Early each December, the year-end championship rodeo event comes into Vegas for ten days and the city is once again packed to the brim. There is also the NFR Cowboy Christmas event going on during that time as well.
Many international travelers attend this event, with most contestants coming from the US, Brazil, France, and Canada. The competition has been held in Las Vegas for 33 years, and in 2016, 170,996 people attended the ten days of competition, with the event being sold out every year.
The total prize money to be won at this event equals $10 Million, and the excitement draws very large crowds.
Trade Shows – Throughout the Year
One of the most consistent forms of traffic in the Las Vegas area is the stream of trade shows that visit the city all year round.
When industries are looking for a place with the capacity to host a large number of clients and businesses (and entertain them as well), they often turn to Vegas. Some of the biggest trade shows can bring over 100,000 visitors to the city and inflate room rates and congestion.
The Consumer Electronics Show and AVN Adult Expo are just a couple of the countless shows that visit the city. Before planning your trip, seek out a list of the trade shows and conventions coming to Vegas and make a point of avoiding the biggest ones.
There is always something going on in Vegas.
Summary – Busiest Times to Visit Vegas
There is always something going on in Vegas.
You don’t need to look for a time with nothing going on to plan your trip because you won’t find a blank spot on the Vegas calendar.
However, sometimes are busier than others, and you can save money in Vegas and avoid headaches if you avoid those peaks. Plan ahead, consider all of your options, and you will have a great time and get a great deal on your Vegas vacation!
Tom Hamilton - Author
Hi, I am Tom, and I love Las Vegas. You may see me lounging at the pool, catching a late-night show, or trying my luck at craps while out in Las Vegas.
I hope my tips and information can help people plan an enjoyable vacation and do so while saving money.
More About Me | Contact Me
FAQs
Crowded Vegas Strip - Busiest and Most Expensive Days of the Year? ›
Thanksgiving weekend and the Christmas holiday are both times of big crowds and expensive rooms in Vegas. Not only are airline tickets expensive due to the increase in people traveling, but hotels will quickly book as well, with people planning their holiday vacations far in advance.
What are the busiest days on the Vegas Strip? ›The summer weather in Las Vegas keeps many visitors away, although Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day weekend tend to bring crowds. Also, December is a wildly popular month, thanks to the National Finals Rodeo, Christmas, and New Year's Eve celebrations.
What time of year is Vegas not busy? ›The slowest times of year are parts of January and February; late June through August; the week before Christmas; and the week after New Year's. If a major convention is to be held during your trip, you might want to change your date. Contact the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (tel.
What are the best and worst months to visit Vegas? ›For the best weather, head to Las Vegas in March, April, October or November, when temperatures range around a pleasant 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid January, February and December when the coldest weather is most likely. Likewise, steer clear of July and August to avoid the hottest days.
What is the quietest day in Las Vegas? ›Weekdays (Monday-Thursday) are historically least crowded during the summer season in June, July, and August. Weekends attract more tourists and vacationers.
What months is most expensive for Vegas? ›Thanksgiving weekend and the Christmas holiday are both times of big crowds and expensive rooms in Vegas. Not only are airline tickets expensive due to the increase in people traveling, but hotels will quickly book as well, with people planning their holiday vacations far in advance.
What's the cheapest month to go to Vegas? ›People looking to visit Las Vegas on a budget and save a big chunk of their money ought to do that between January and April or between September and November. Many reasons make these the cheapest times to visit the city, including the airfare.
What is off season in Vegas? ›Low season (June to August) is the cheapest (but hottest) time to visit. With temperatures regularly entering triple digits, summers in Las Vegas are sweltering. However, Las Vegas has the very best pools around and low season means great hotel deals.
What is peak season in Vegas? ›Peak Season in Las Vegas
While Las Vegas is busy year-round (especially on weekends), the city is buzzing during the week between Christmas and the New Year, as well as later January when many conventions come to down. Fall and early spring, when temperatures make for more bearable weather, also can draw crowds.
The best time to visit Las Vegas is from March to May and from September to November. While you'll find plenty of travel deals throughout the year, the spring and fall shoulder seasons offer the most moderate weather.
What days are best to stay in Vegas? ›
So avoid traveling on weekends and during the most popular holidays. TIP: If you want to avoid the crowds and save money, it's best to plan a visit to Vegas between Monday and Thursday. It's not only quieter and more enjoyable, but most hotels also have better rates and midweek deals.
How long is best to go to Vegas? ›After more than 20 years, I've found 6-7 days is ideal. But I gamble most of the time. From downtown to Mandalay Bay, you could see all the must-see's, and do all the must-do's in 5 days. Just do one section of the Strip each day, and one day and evening downtown.
What is Las Vegas sunniest month? ›July is the hottest month in Las Vegas with an average temperature of 33.5°C (92°F) and the coldest is December at 8°C (46°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 13 in August.
What days are the cheapest in Vegas? ›Which Are The Cheapest Days Of The Week To Stay In Vegas? Due to many visitors vacating on weekends, weekdays are the cheapest time to stay in Vegas. Sundays to Thursdays are the best bet for tourists looking to stay in the city on a budget as the things are a bit slower during these days.
What time is traffic the worst in Las Vegas? ›The Las Vegas streets get very congested during morning hours (7am-9am) and evening rush hours (4pm–6pm), as well as at weekends. Traffic becomes heavy in tourist areas after 4:00 p.m. The Strip is slow-going most of the time and turns into a virtual car park when the town is busy.
What are dark days in Vegas? ›Known as the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas has magic shows, comedy shows, adult shows, musicals and, of course, Cirque du Soleil. Tourists are spoiled for choice on the weekend but many shows aren't performing midweek. In Las Vegas the days shows don't perform are called called "dark".
How much money should I take to Vegas for a week? ›So, a trip to Las Vegas for two people costs around $4,342 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs $8,684 in Las Vegas. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared.
What is the best time to win money in Vegas? ›Mid-Week: The best days to gamble are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. There are fewer people in town, so the casinos are less crowded. And since there's less demand for slots and table games, the casinos offer more generous comps and promotions. During the Day: The best time to gamble is from noon to 4pm.
Is Las Vegas crowded during Christmas? ›Is Vegas crowded at Christmas? Las Vegas is busy every day of the year, but very popular during Christmas and New Year's when the city pulls out all the stops to make this season unlike anything anyone has seen before.
What day are hotels cheapest in Vegas? ›Hotel room prices vary depending on many factors but you'll most likely find the best hotel deals in Las Vegas if you stay on a Sunday. The opposite is true for, Thursday, which is usually the most expensive day. Book more than 90 days before your stay begins to get the best price for your Las Vegas hotel.
How long does it take to walk the length of the Las Vegas Strip? ›
The Las Vegas Strip is 4.2 miles long and runs from Mandalay Bay to the Stratosphere. At an average walking rate of 0.3 miles per hour, it would take you almost 90 minutes to get across the Strip—and that's if you don't stop along the way. The Strip is very busy.
What is pool season in Las Vegas? ›WHEN DO POOLS OPEN IN VEGAS? Pool season ranges from March to October, with pool hours typically from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. After Daylights Savings Time, hours are typically shorter because the sun sets earlier. Since Las Vegas has good weather year-round, some hotel pools are always open.
Does Las Vegas have a tourist season? ›Las Vegas is busy all year round. However, the late months of November through January, when the weather is pleasant, and festivities abound, Vegas sees the most tourist influx.
What is the hottest month in Las Vegas? ›Las Vegas Weather In July
The hottest month in Las Vegas is not just hot; July weather in Las Vegas is extreme! The warmest month in one of America's hottest cities sees an average high of 104°F and low of 80°F. In July, most days rise well over 100°F.
Sin City Seasons. Late November through Christmas, and then early January through February are traditionally slow times for Las Vegas, with a few notable exceptions. Thanksgiving, long one of the slowest weekends of the year, has recently gained in popularity, bringing with it huge crowds.
How many days in Las Vegas is enough? ›Five days is ideal for a first-time Vegas itinerary. This way, you can see the best attractions on and off the Strip and have plenty of time to take in all the sights. Start with a tour on the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus, which will take you down the Boulevard and through downtown.
What is the best time to go to the casino? ›Many gamblers prefer hitting the casino after midnight or around 2 a.m when there's less traffic and increased chances of betting against high rollers. Con of evening gambling: Like going to the casino on weekends, expect more packed tables and slots during peak evening hours and fewer games available to play.
Is it worth going to Vegas for 3 days? ›A 3-Day trip to Vegas allows just enough time for visitors to get a taste of what the city has to offer – and trust us, it has a lot! On a 3-day Vegas trip, visitors can see the flashing neon lights, eat at celebrity chef restaurants, gamble at flashy casinos and visit top city attractions…and that is just on Day One!
Is it worth going to Vegas for 2 days? ›Just remember that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas! You may be thinking “There's no way I'll see everything during a 2 day itinerary, Las Vegas has way too much to offer!” The truth is that 2 days in Vegas is an ideal amount of time, as the atmosphere is go, go, go!
How far is Grand Canyon from Las Vegas? ›Distance from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
The West Rim is the closest rim to Las Vegas. It is located about 130 miles from the heart of Las Vegas. On average, the drive takes approximately two and a half hours. Both the North Rim and South Rim are located over 270 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.
Is 3 nights in Vegas too much? ›
3 days in Vegas is a good amount of time to see the top tourist sites, do a little gambling (I said a little!), and get a little crazy in the clubs/pools. And after your long weekend in Vegas, you'll be ready to go home back to normal life, I promise you that.
Do you need a lot of money to go to Vegas? ›So bring at least $40.00 for each day spent in Vegas just for basic living expenses but remember there are no frills or even beer in this budget. To enjoy Las Vegas at all, $100 or $150 a day would be much better.
Is Vegas an expensive trip? ›The average price of a 7-day trip to Las Vegas is $1,504 for a solo traveler, $2,701 for a couple, and $5,064 for a family of 4. Las Vegas hotels range from $44 to $189 per night with an average of $89, while most vacation rentals will cost $190 to $570 per night for the entire home.
What time is golden hour in Las Vegas? ›From May to October in Las Vegas, nighttime temperatures remain above 50 °F. In July and August, the thermometer normally doesn't dip below 70. On about half of winter nights the temperature does drop below 40 °F (4 °C). Freezing weather in Las Vegas happens an average of ten nights a year.
What are people wearing in Vegas? ›There is no official dress code as such in Las Vegas unless it is mentioned on your ticket or invite. During the day, people dress in casuals. At night, people wear flashy partywear. However, you can dress according to your comfort and style.
Can you spend $100 a day in Vegas? ›It's easy to go big in Vegas. But what you might not know is that it can also be easy to do Vegas on $100 a day! Excluding hotel and travel costs, see how you can have an affordable trip to Vegas while still having a great time.
How far in advance should I book a hotel in Vegas? ›If your going over the holiday weekend I would say book sooner. But you should be fine booking 3/4 months out for the dates you have chosen. If you booking directly with the hotel keep checking prices as if they go down from the price you have originally booked it for you can call and rebook for the lower price.
Why is Vegas so expensive on weekends? ›Demand is higher during the weekend, as more people are able to take time off from work. Hotel prices tend to be higher during the weekend, as many hotels offer special rates for weekdays. The city itself is more crowded during the weekend, which can lead to higher prices for restaurants and attractions.
What is the busiest street in Las Vegas? ›Known officially as Las Vegas Boulevard, the Las Vegas Strip is the most recognizable street in Las Vegas. It is home to the most famous hotels and casinos in the city, which makes it one of the most photographed and visited avenues in the world.
Is there a curfew on the Las Vegas Strip? ›
The city of Las Vegas and the entire Clark County have a curfew ordinance. Anyone under the age of 18 is prohibited from being on the Strip or sidewalks adjacent thereto and all parking lots, driveways and walkways after 9 pm on weekends and holidays unless accompanied by a parent.
How do I avoid traffic in Las Vegas? ›Try using parallel roads.
Las Vegas Boulevard, otherwise known as The Strip, is by far the most popular road in the city. Skipping it is a smart move if you are in a hurry. However, you don't have to change your whole route but simply go for any of the roads parallel to it to bypass the traffic.
Las Vegas is on the extreme eastern edge of the Pacific Time Zone. Sunrise and sunset is earlier than any location to the west (California). Once you find out the official time for sunset in Las Vegas, subtract 30 minutes for your booking.
Are Vegas shows dark on Mondays? ›The MC/Comedian for the night was a bit crude and vulgar to get the laughs, but very dedicated the cause, which made him endearing. "Mondays Dark" gets the name because allot of Vegas shows are off on Mondays and employed artist have off to volunteer their time and talent.
What are Las Vegas night lights called? ›The free light shows at Fremont Street Experience are a must-see in Las Vegas! More than 24 million Las Vegas visitors a year take in the Viva Vision light shows at Fremont Street Experience.
What is the slowest day of the week in Las Vegas? ›No matter when you decide to visit Vegas, try to plan a midweek trip – because this is a common weekend getaway destination, you'll find more rooms at lower rates between Tuesday and Thursday. Las Vegas is also home to hundreds of conventions each year, which can drive up room rates.
What are the best days to gamble in Vegas? ›Here are some more specific tips: Mid-Week: The best days to gamble are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. There are fewer people in town, so the casinos are less crowded. And since there's less demand for slots and table games, the casinos offer more generous comps and promotions.
What is the best time to win in Vegas? ›The best time to play the slots in Vegas is at night. Gamblers each have their answer, but the prime time frame seems to be from 8 PM to 5 AM. Crowds pick up the most around midnight to 2 AM, so that's a great time to head to the slots! Avoid holiday weekends when the crowds are heavier than normal.
What days are good to go to Vegas? ›TIP: If you want to avoid the crowds and save money, it's best to plan a visit to Vegas between Monday and Thursday. It's not only quieter and more enjoyable, but most hotels also have better rates and midweek deals. Also some attractions are cheaper on weekdays (e.g. Meow Wolf's Omega Mart to mention just one).
What is the golden hour Las Vegas? ›The hour right before sunset, or golden hour, is one of our favorite times in Las Vegas. It covers the city in a golden glow that somehow makes everything more beautiful than it already is.
Do slots pay more at night? ›
Does the Day or Time Make a Difference in Your Chances of Winning? It's essential to know that there's no magical time to play at the casino and win more money or earn payouts more frequently. Winnings result from chance, with probabilities remaining the same no matter the game or time of day you play.
Do slots hit in the morning? ›Casino games have shown us hefty bettors, all day and all night! So, when the question comes, whether slot hits in the morning, the answer is- IT DOES! You can play slot games anytime you want! Whether it be early morning, late noon, or midnight, online slot games will always be at your disposal!
What is the best paying slot in Vegas? ›While nickel slots have the highest payout rate, they're also very rare. Caesars, MGM, Wynn, and other Las Vegas Strip casino operators have largely phased out nickel slots. Only about 1,000 nickel machines are still operating and you will be more likely to find one if you head downtown to Fremont Street.
What slot machine has the highest payout? ›- Mega Jackpots Cleopatra ( pictured below)
- Monopoly Big Spin.
- Divine Fortune.
- MGM Grand Millions.
- Mercy of the Gods.
Well, mathematically speaking, there is no difference whether or not you are playing one slot or moving around the casino. Due to the fact that slots are built around RNGs, and the consequence of every spin is totally arbitrary, you'll get the same fate whether you play at one slot the entire day, or move around.
How much do you tip in Vegas? ›The majority of people (38.5 percent) suggested a tip of $10 to $20, 23 percent suggest $5 to $10, 18.5 percent suggest a tip of under $5 while 5 percent suggest a tip of over $20.
What month does it get cooler in Vegas? ›The coldest periods will be in late November, mid- and late December, and mid-January. Snowfall will be below normal in most areas that normally receive snow, with the snowiest periods in early to mid-January and early February.