Las Vegas is known for its hot and dry climate, with long, very hot summers. For visitors looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the desert heat, timing your trip to hit the hottest temperatures can be ideal. However, the extreme heat also brings challenges. Understanding the monthly climate data can help you decide when to visit to experience the hottest weather versus more moderate temperatures.
Key Factors About Las Vegas Weather
When determining the hottest time to visit Las Vegas, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Las Vegas has a subtropical hot desert climate.
- Daily high temperatures in the summer often exceed 100°F.
- The hottest months are June, July, August, and September.
- Nighttime lows offer little relief, with temperatures staying above 80°F.
- The climate is very dry, with low humidity.
- Rainfall is scarce, with only about 4 inches annually.
With highs frequently in the triple digits, lows rarely dropping below the 80s, and clear, sunny skies, Las Vegas heat is intense. However, the low humidity does help offset the extreme temperatures to some degree. Understanding the monthly trends will help pinpoint the peak heat.
June
In June, average high temperatures reach around 96°F, while lows stay around 75°F overnight. Daily temperatures routinely surpass 100°F during the day. June marks the beginning of the prolonged summer heat.
The average monthly rainfall is negligible, at just 0.09 inches. Skies are sunny and clear with only 2% of days having any measurable precipitation. Combined with the cloudless skies, low humidity, and lack of rainfall, June has excellent conditions for soaking up the desert sun by the pool or exploring the sights.
June Climate Data for Las Vegas:
- Average high temperature: 96°F
- Average low temperature: 75°F
- Record high temperature: 117°F (June 20, 1940)
- Average monthly rainfall: 0.09 inches
- Average sunny days: 29
July
July is consistently the hottest and driest month in Las Vegas. The average daily high soars to 104°F while nighttime lows stay sweltering at 83°F. Triple digit heat exceeding 110°F is common many days in July. Overnight lows rarely dip below 80°F, offering little relief.
Rainfall remains scarce, with an average of only 0.11 inches expected for the month. Skies stay sunny and cloudless nearly every day. Combined with very low humidity, July’s weather is ideal for pool parties and experiencing the intensity of desert heat.
July Climate Data for Las Vegas:
- Average high temperature: 104°F
- Average low temperature: 83°F
- Record high temperature: 117°F (July 24, 1942)
- Average monthly rainfall: 0.11 inches
- Average sunny days: 31
August
August continues the hottest weather in Las Vegas. The average high remains around 104°F, with nightly lows of 83°F making for unrelenting heat around the clock. Triple digit temperatures are recorded almost half of the days in August on average.
Like July, rainfall is scarce at just over a tenth of an inch expected for the month.Humidity stays very low and sunny skies prevail almost every day of August.
August Climate Data for Las Vegas:
- Average high temperature: 104°F
- Average low temperature: 83°F
- Record high temperature: 114°F (August 19, 1939)
- Average monthly rainfall: 0.13 inches
- Average sunny days: 31
September
September brings a gradual cooling trend to Las Vegas, though summer heat persists. Average highs lower slightly to 96°F, with nightly lows around 77°F. Heat waves can still push temperatures back up over 110°F at times during September.
Precipitation increases slightly in September, but remains scarce at around a quarter inch expected for the month. Sunny skies and low humidity continue providing excellent pool and outdoor weather, even as the heat becomes less extreme.
September Climate Data for Las Vegas:
- Average high temperature: 96°F
- Average low temperature: 77°F
- Record high temperature: 114°F (September 13, 1940)
- Average monthly rainfall: 0.24 inches
- Average sunny days: 28
Comparing the Hottest Summer Months in Las Vegas
Looking at the key climate statistics for June through September shows that all four months are hot in Las Vegas. However, July stands out as having the most extreme temperatures on average.
The table below summarizes the average highs, lows, and record temperatures for Las Vegas during the peak summer months:
| Month | Avg High Temp | Avg Low Temp | Record High Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 96°F | 75°F | 117°F |
| July | 104°F | 83°F | 117°F |
| August | 104°F | 83°F | 114°F |
| September | 96°F | 77°F | 114°F |
Based on average highs peaking at 104°F, average lows climbing to 83°F overnight, and the highest temperature on record reaching 117°F, July stands out as having the most consistently hot weather of any summer month in Las Vegas.
Tips for Visiting Las Vegas in July
If you’re looking for the hottest weather Las Vegas has to offer, scheduling your trip for July will give you the highest odds of experiencing extremely hot days. However, the extreme heat requires some special planning and precautions.
Useful tips for visiting Vegas in July include:
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water and limiting alcohol to avoid dehydration.
- Seek shade and indoor attractions – Take breaks from the direct sun in air conditioning.
- Swim and cool off in pools – Hotel pools let you beat the heat.
- Use sun protection – Wear sunscreen, hats, and lightweight clothing.
- Avoid excess walking – Take trams and Uber/Lyft to limit walking in the heat.
- Book an air conditioned room – Ensure your room has good A/C and blackout shades.
If planning outdoor activities, do them early in the morning or late evening when temperatures are slightly cooler. July offers the quintessential Las Vegas heat, but be prepared and take precautions.
Avoiding the Heat in Las Vegas
For visitors who prefer warm but not extreme heat, June, August, and September can provide slightly more moderate temperatures while still offering hot and sunny pool weather. October brings even more heat relief as daily highs lower into the 80s.
Las Vegas winters are quite mild as well, with 60s during the day and 40s at night. This can be an ideal time to enjoy comfortable outdoor sightseeing and hiking. Spring and fall also offer warm conditions without the intensity of mid-summer.
No matter when you visit, Las Vegas provides endless entertainment options, world-class dining, and excitement. Getting to know the climate patterns lets you plan the perfect time to experience America’s Playground.
Conclusion
In conclusion, based on average high temperatures, overnight lows, lack of rainfall, and sunny skies, July is clearly the hottest and driest month for visiting Las Vegas. For tourists who can handle extreme heat, July provides ideal conditions to experience the peak of Las Vegas’ desert climate. However, the heat requires precautions to avoid dehydration and heat-related illness. For more moderate temperatures, the shoulder seasons of June, September, and October can still offer excellent pool and outdoor weather. Las Vegas offers world-class entertainment and activities year round – knowing the monthly climate patterns helps visitors choose the perfect time to visit.