Vegas in December
Two distinct seasons: NFR cowboy month early on, NYE chaos at the end.
Avg Daily High
57°F
Avg Daily Low
40°F
Hotel Pricing
Expensive
Crowds
Busy · Pools closed (most properties)
Source: Weather data from U.S. Climate Data (citing NOAA 1991–2020 normals for KLAS), based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for Harry Reid International Airport. Event dates verified from official event sources where available. Re-verified 2026-04-09.
What December in Vegas Actually Feels Like
NFR (early December) fills off-Strip and budget hotels. Mid-month is one of the cheapest weeks of the year. NYE is the single most expensive multi-day window of the year.
Best for
- •NFR fans (rodeo)
- •NYE party travelers
- •Couples (mid-month)
- •Holiday shoppers
Watch out for
- •NFR (Dec 3–12 in 2026) fills off-Strip hotels; cowboy hats everywhere
- •NYE (Dec 30 – Jan 1) is a different planet — book months ahead, expect 4–8x rates and $200+ club covers
- •Coldest nights of the year — 40°F lows
- •Some pools and outdoor attractions are closed
Major Events in December
The events that drive hotel pricing and crowd levels this month. Plan around them — or for them.
First two weeks of December (Dec 3–12 in 2026)
National Finals Rodeo (NFR)
Ten-day rodeo event at Thomas & Mack Center. Fills off-Strip and budget hotels with rodeo fans.
Dec 30 – Jan 1
New Year's Eve
The biggest party weekend of the year. Strip closes to vehicles. Club covers $200+. Hotel rates 4–8x normal.
Dec 23–27
Christmas Week
Family travel; surprisingly busy week with elevated rates.
What to Do in Vegas in December
The activities that work best given the weather, pool season, and event calendar this month.
NFR-themed weekend (early December) for the rodeo experience
Mid-month value trip — couples weekends in the December lull
Holiday lights and seasonal restaurants
NYE if you go all in — book months ahead, plan around the Strip closure
Indoor entertainment dominates — Sphere, Cirque, residencies, casinos, comedy
What to Wear in December
Coldest month of the year. Mid-50s daytime, low 40s nights. Real winter jacket for evenings, layers for the day. Gloves for outdoor sightseeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What people search when planning a Vegas trip in December.
What is the weather like in Las Vegas in December?
+
Las Vegas in December averages a daily high of 57°F and a daily low of 40°F with about 0.45 inches of precipitation across roughly 3 rainy days. Data from NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Harry Reid airport weather station.
Is December a good time to visit Las Vegas?
+
Two distinct seasons: NFR cowboy month early on, NYE chaos at the end. NFR (early December) fills off-Strip and budget hotels. Mid-month is one of the cheapest weeks of the year. NYE is the single most expensive multi-day window of the year. Crowds are manageable with normal advance planning.
How much does a Vegas trip cost in December?
+
Hotel pricing in December is expensive. NFR (early December) fills off-Strip and budget hotels. Mid-month is one of the cheapest weeks of the year. NYE is the single most expensive multi-day window of the year. For a full cost breakdown including flights, food, shows, and nightlife, see our Vegas trip cost guide.
What events are happening in Las Vegas in December?
+
The major events in December are: National Finals Rodeo (NFR) (First two weeks of December (Dec 3–12 in 2026)); New Year's Eve (Dec 30 – Jan 1); Christmas Week (Dec 23–27). Each of these can significantly impact hotel pricing — verify dates if you're booking around an event.
What should I wear in Vegas in December?
+
Coldest month of the year. Mid-50s daytime, low 40s nights. Real winter jacket for evenings, layers for the day. Gloves for outdoor sightseeing.
What can I do in Las Vegas in December?
+
NFR-themed weekend (early December) for the rodeo experience. Mid-month value trip — couples weekends in the December lull. Holiday lights and seasonal restaurants. Pool dayclubs are closed at most properties.