Tips for surviving Las Vegas weather year-round

Some people think that, just because Las Vegas is in the middle of the desert, there's no weather there...other than HOT.

Temperatures from late June and into mid-September could very well top 100 degrees on an almost daily basis, so don't forget to keep yourself hydrated, wear plenty of sunscreen (this applies to year-round visits), and use lip balm and moisturizer regularly if you're not used to the arid climate. Also, be sure to take along a nasal spray if you're prone to nosebleeds, because the dry air will affect you after only a little while. While temperatures in the 100's are not uncommon during the peak summer months of July and August, those months can also have daily temperatures that range into the mid to upper 110's, with nightly cooling only into the 90's, so be sure to dress appropriately. Limiting your sun exposure between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. is also a good idea if you're not used to extreme heat.

While it's certainly hot a lot of the time, Spring and Fall can be very pleasant times to visit. Temperatures can range anywhere from the 50's and 60's to the 80's and 90's during the daylight hours. Just be aware that a lack of daytime heating can cause those temperatures to quickly fall off into the 30's and 40's at night, so be sure to have a sweater or jacket for the evening hours if you plan to be outside. Also, if a cold front comes through the area, a matter of minutes could have you wishing you had a jacket - or a coat. My husband learned that lesson the hard way on a trip in late May one year when the temperatures went from low 90's to mid 60's in less than 30 minutes. Checking the weather forecast before you head out for the day is advisable; checking the forecast before you pack for your trip is even better still.

Also be aware that, no matter what month it is, the desert landscape is a very flat place, and flash flooding is quite a possibility with as little as 1/2 an inch of rain. Such was the case on my trip in August of 2007. I went to bed on a particularly warm night (I think the temperature topped out at about 112 that day), and I heard quite a bit of thunder in the wee hours of the morning. Being a South Texas girl, I paid no attention; thunderstorms are quite common in Texas, and we don't usually think anything of them unless it rains quite a bit in a short amount of time.

Heading for breakfast the next morning, I heard quite a few people talking excitedly about the flooding all over the city. Yes, it had rained during the night - that 1/2 inch that I spoke of before - and because of all the flat land and built up areas pushing the water into the alleys and side streets, the Imperial Palace parking garage, Koval Road behind it, and many other streets and roads around Las Vegas were closed due to flooding. Being the curious person that I am, I headed out the back door toward the monorail station between IP and Harrah's to have a look, and I snapped a few photos like this:

Flooding like that would've taken at least 7 or 8 inches of rain in Texas over a couple of hours, so I was a little surprised. But I reminded myself that Las Vegas IS in the middle of the desert and there is nowhere for the water to go. Keep that fact in mind when you're out and about and a storm pops up - hotel lobbies have been known to flood, and you should never try to go through any floodwaters for your own safety. Also be aware that a hotel/casino may temporarily close their exits to the Strip or the parking garage/valet parking because of high water, but the water usually recedes pretty quickly and everything will be back to normal as soon as possible.

Traveling to Vegas in the winter months can also be a great treat if you're used to living in more frigid northern climates, or if you don't really experience any cold because you live someplace really warm, like Southern Florida or South Texas. Temperatures during November and December are usually quite pleasant; I've been visiting when the daytime temperatures have been in the 40's and 50's, and it's quite comfortable for me in a light jacket or sweater. Of course, the nighttime temperatures can dip into the 20's and 30's easily, so be sure to bring plenty of clothing on if you're not used to those lows.

Something else you shouldn't be surprised to see in Vegas during the winter months: snow. Yes, it's snowed on the Las Vegas Strip quite a few times in the past couple of years, and it makes for a very pretty picture, indeed. I've never been lucky enough to be in Vegas during a snowfall, but it's something I'd love to experience in person.

This photo was taken from a hotel room window by one of my LV4E friends known as "skybank" - and what a peaceful view it is:

Don't be surprised when the snow doesn't stay around for too long, though. As soon as the sun comes out with the temperatures holding in the 40's or above, the snow will turn to slush and water, and it'll soon be a happy Vegas memory. Just remember that Las Vegans (and tourists) don't necessarily know how to drive in those conditions, and watch out if you're in a car or on foot.

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Because Las Vegas is not used to getting a lot of snow or rain at any given time, be aware that experiencing either may cause delays at the airport, or traffic tie-ups around the city and on the highways out of town. Be sure to check for flight delays or road closures before you head out on your journey.

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No matter what type of weather you experience in Las Vegas, I leave you with this one bit of truth: It's always a very pleasant 72 degrees in the casinos!

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Have a great trip!