Las Vegas, aka “Sin City” or “The Entertainment Capital of the World,” is a vibrant city located in the Mojave Desert of Nevada where you can go to have the most unpredictable night of your life. The city is known for its casinos, luxurious resorts, drive-thru weddings, world-class entertainment and other parts of its lively nightlife but there is something there for everyone. The iconic Las Vegas Strip is lined with towering hotels, themed resorts and neon lights for unforgettable nights outs. Beyond the glitz and glamor of the Strip, visitors can explore a diverse range of attractions, including gourmet restaurants, shopping malls, museums, and outdoor recreational opportunities. You will never run out of fun in this desert (but far from deserted) city. Deciding to visit Las Vegas is the easy part, but planning for it is where it can get tricky. Here is a guide to help you decide what to wear to Vegas.
Vegas’ Weather and How To Prepare
With all the grandiosity of this city, you probably are thinking “What do you pack to visit a place like Las Vegas?” It mainly depends on the weather and what you are planning to do. The weather in Las Vegas varies throughout the year, with distinct seasons characterized by hot summers and mild winters. If you do not know what you will be doing during your time in Sin City, you can pack the attire you would most likely need in Vegas. This includes casual clothes, evening attire and swimsuits. It’s also a perfect time to whip out that special outfit you have been waiting for the right occasion to wear.
Summer (June to August)
Summers in Las Vegas are extremely hot and dry. Daytime temperatures often soar above 100°F (37.8°C), with occasional heat waves pushing temperatures even higher. Nights are warm, but temperatures can drop significantly after sunset. It’s important to stay hydrated and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.
This is the time of year where you will want to pack majorly lightweight clothing items like shorts, loose shirts, flowy dresses and rompers, sandals and more for the daytime if you will be outside a lot. However, still bring a light sweater or jacket as it can get chilly at night and indoors the air will be blowing constantly. You will still probably want to leave jeans at home for this time of the year. Especially considering the only time you would be able to wear them would be at night and that is when you will likely need to change into more formal attire depending on your plans.
Fall (September to November)
Fall brings slightly cooler temperatures compared to summer, but it’s still warm during the day. Daytime highs range from the 80s°F (around 27-32°C) in September to the 60s and 70s°F (around 15-25°C) in November. Nights become cooler, especially towards the end of the season.
This is the time of year when you start dusting off the jeans for what to wear in Vegas. The daytime is still pretty hot, but the later it is in fall, the easier it is to not overheat in jeans. Pairing them with a nice graphic tee and sneakers or a loose blouse and sandals is the perfect casual look for spending the day on the Vegas strip. At night when you may attend dressier clubs, restaurants or other events, you will want to make sure you at least have a jacket to throw over your dress or blouse if it is not long sleeves.
Winter (December to February)
Winters in Las Vegas are mild compared to many other parts of the country. Daytime temperatures typically range from the 50s to 60s°F (around 10-20°C), with occasional colder days dipping into the 40s°F (below 10°C). Nights can be chilly, with temperatures sometimes dropping close to freezing, but snow is rare in the Las Vegas valley.
However, no snow does not mean it is not cold, as it is after all the desert. Bring your long sleeves, stockings, slacks, coats or whatever layers you have for going out at night during these months. As for the daytime, you can most likely wear what you would during the fall months, but it never hurts to have a sweater or jacket that goes with the look.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a pleasant time to visit Las Vegas, with mild temperatures and occasional breezes. Daytime highs range from the 70s to 80s°F (around 21-30°C), making it comfortable for outdoor activities. Nights gradually become warmer as the season progresses. Pack as if you are visiting in late fall if you are considering what to wear in Vegas in early spring. If you are visiting closer to the transition from spring to summer, that is when you can begin packing for hot days and cool nights again.
Overall, Las Vegas experiences a desert climate with low humidity and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Visitors should be prepared for hot temperatures in the summer and cooler evenings in the winter, but generally, Las Vegas offers favorable weather conditions for most of the year.
General Tips for Packing and What To Wear in Vegas
What you should wear in Las Vegas depends on the time of year, your personal style, and the activities you plan to engage in. The city is known to be very laid back with casinos ranging from people dressed to the nines that just left a fancy club to others in shorts and flip flops. You will see it all when walking around. On the other hand, some clubs, restaurants, events and upscale casinos and bars do have dress codes and they can be strict. These establishments are usually more strict with the relaxed nature of men’s outfits and often do not allow jeans, cargo shorts, flip flops or sandals, t-shirts, sneakers and/or more. This is why packing based on what you plan on doing is so important. Here are some general tips for packing and what to wear in Vegas:
Casual Wear: During the day, especially in warmer months, you can opt for casual attire such as shorts, t-shirts, sundresses and comfortable shoes for walking. Las Vegas can get quite hot, so light, breathable fabrics are advisable. You are very unlikely to encounter a dress code during the day.
Evening Wear: In the evenings, particularly if you’re going out to dine at a nice restaurant or exploring the nightlife, you might want to dress up a bit. This could mean cocktail dresses, button-down shirts, slacks or stylish jeans (if they are allowed). Again, many clubs and upscale venues enforce dress codes, so it’s a good idea to check ahead. The fun part about these dress codes is that it means you can go all out with your outfit and experiment with fun styles and textures. Sequins, animal print, bedazzled accessories, killer heels and more are appropriate for most in sin city.
Swimwear: If you plan to hit the pool parties or spend time at the pool, make sure to pack your swimsuit and cover-up. Wear whatever kind of bathing suit you want and that makes you the most comfortable and confident. However, do note that you will want a nice cover up for a more revealing bathing suit depending on the hotel or establishment the pool you are visiting is at. Most importantly though, bring the cover up for the blazing sun no matter the time of year. And do not forget extra sunscreen either!
Comfortable Shoes: Las Vegas involves a lot of walking, especially along the Strip, so bring comfortable shoes. If you plan to go dancing or clubbing, comfortable yet stylish shoes are a must. If you are going to bring the heels, more power to you but make sure to bring a nice backup pair of flats or sandals for when you inevitably want to take them off.
Accessories: Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen are essential during the day to protect yourself from the sun. In the evenings, you might want to accessorize with jewelry or a nice watch. A cute but convenient bag that can hold your keys, wallet, phone and maybe an extra pair of shoes is ideal to have with you on a night out.
Layers: Evenings in the desert can get cooler, so it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater, especially if you’ll be out late. Bring them in the summer as well for the likely cool indoor temperatures.
Theme Wear: Consider the theme of any shows or events you plan to attend. Some venues or events might have specific dress codes or themes you’ll want to adhere to. This can be a uniquely fun experience and take a little of the thought out of what you should wear.
Overall, Las Vegas has a diverse range of fashion styles, so you can pretty much wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident. Just be mindful of any specific dress codes for the places you plan to visit.