December in Las Vegas: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

December in Las Vegas means holiday decorations and typically some good rates on rooms. Even though temperatures are still warm, the whole city has a festive feel, and you should make sure to see the holiday display at Bellagio as well as at the Palazzo. Or choose a unique restaurant in Las Vegas for a holiday meal or to have some cocktails to toast the end of the year. As December draws to a close, the crowds will grow and the excitement about the New Year fills the city.

When you're planning your trip and what to pack, consider Las Vegas's weather and events to decide if December is right for you.

Las Vegas Weather in December

December in Las Vegas does bring cooler weather than the blistering summers, but it never reaches frigid temperatures. However, the desert nights can be chilly.

• Average high: 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius)
• Average low: 38 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius)

The holidays come to Las Vegas but the snow never really arrives. There are instances when Las Vegas gets a flurry or two, but you can be sure that you will not need your heavy winter coat on the Las Vegas strip. December is warm relative to most other cities, and if you're coming from northern parts of the U.S., it will feel downright balmy.

You are in the desert, so the climate is dry even in December. Clouds are common, but there is little humidity and only a small chance of rain.

What to Pack

Because of Las Vegas's general predictable weather, it's easy to adhere to a standard packing list year-round. Plus, even when it's 100 degrees outside, there's plenty of air-conditioning indoors, making a sweater a necessity any time of the year! A good starting point for packing for Las Vegas includes:

• Jeans or khakis
• A bathing suit and cover-up
• Shorts or skirts
• T-shirts and tank tops
• A collared shirt or dressy blouse
• A sweater or jacket

December Events in Las Vegas

All of the standard must-see Las Vegas fixtures apply in December, but the festive month offers a few extra special attractions, too.

• Check out the holiday decorations on display at the LINQ Promenade during the entire month of December. Just as everything else in Las Vegas, you can expect this display to be over the top. There's a giant tree, holiday magic shows, and festive carolers. Plus, get an unbeatable view of the entire city by riding the High Roller, the world's tallest Ferris wheel located in the same plaza.
• The famous water show at the Fountains of Bellagio is a daily occurrence throughout the entire year. But during the entire month of December, check out the revamped show where the typical songs are swapped out for holiday music.
• If you find Vegas to be too warm, head to the T-Mobile Arena to watch the Vegas Golden Knights play hockey; the ice cools the place down, but the hockey heats it right back up. 
• The holiday lights and Christmas tree at the Fremont Street Experience are a great way to get into the mood of the season.

December Travel Tips

• Christmas is a busy time in Las Vegas. Expect larger than normal crowds around December 25 and December 31, and make hotel and restaurant reservations as far in advance as possible.
• December is the perfect time to take a day trip to Mt. Charleston before the snow arrives or, once it starts to fall, ski and gamble on the same day!
• If you're coming to Las Vegas to hang out by the pool, then December probably isn't the best month to visit. You can probably find some heated pools or hot tubs to relax in, but laying out in the sun isn't likely.
• As you plan your trip to Las Vegas, you can compare the prices of tours and attractions with Viator.com. If you're looking for shows, you can also try Best of Vegas, a ticket aggregator that offers discounts. Take a look at what they are offering, and if it suits you, you can easily save a few dollars.

Want to know the best time to visit Las Vegas for you? Find out with our month-by-month guide to Sin City's weather and events.