The climate of Las Vegas
Recognized as a Mid-latitude steppe according to the Köppen climate classification,
Las Vegas,
New Mexico, graces itself in striking weather diversity throughout the year. The climate sees a significant swing from cooler temperatures around 24.3°F (-4.3°C) to 25.9°F (-3.4°C) during the winter season, up to warmer highs fluctuating around 80.2°F (26.8°C) to 81.5°F (27.5°C) in summer.
Las Vegas climate remains moderately humid throughout the year, with relative humidity percentages in the vicinity of 37% to 61%. Tellingly, rainfall does not follow a strict seasonal pattern. The span of the year sees a varied rainfall from 0.47" (12mm) to 1.65" (42mm), with the much pronounced during the summer months. Snowfall is characteristic of winter with the maximum of 5.04" (128mm) observed predominantly in
January, and typically drops off after
February.
Unique in its own way, Las Vegas experiences longer daylight hours of up to 14.5 hours during the summer, giving more than enough sunlight for outdoor activities. This light becomes less generous in the winter, shrinking to a mere 9.8 hours per day. Delightfully, average sunshine hours are usually high, oscillating from about 7 hours in the winter months to 11.9 hours at the height of summer.
The best time to visit Las Vegas
Anyone considering a visit to
Las Vegas,
New Mexico should mark their calendar from
May to
July. The climate during this period is mostly favorable for a visit. Daytime temperature scale moves from 68.9°F (20.5°C), gradually increasing to peak at 81.5°F (27.5°C) in July, and these balmy conditions complement the increased sunshine hours, with May enjoying 11.6 hours and July having 11.6 hours. This creates an ideal environment for a myriad of outdoor activities for visitors. Even though July is the wettest month with a rainfall of 1.65" (42mm), the high number of sunshine hours helps mitigate the impact of these rains.
The worst time to visit Las Vegas
Considering the weather parameters, the winter period specifically from
November to
February is arguably the least attractive period for a visit. The average low temperatures plunge to their lowest from 31.6°F (-0.2°C) to 24.3°F (-4.3°C), thus making outdoor activities less enjoyable for some. Furthermore, snowfall rears its head with November,
December and February seeing 2.32" (59mm), 5.04" (128mm), and 4.8" (122mm) respectively. Along with this comes the shortest daylight hours of 10.3 hours in November to as low as 9.8 hours in December, affecting visibility.
Spring weather in Las Vegas
Spring ushers in a fresh breather as the harsh winter conditions begin to thaw out in
Las Vegas. The season, spanning
March to
May, sees a temperature rebound with averages rising from 55°F (12.8°C) in March to 68.9°F (20.5°C) in May. A noticeable stride occurs in daylight hours as well, increasing from 12 hours in March to 14.1 hours by May. Although the rainfall slightly rises to 0.71" (18mm) in March and 0.63" (16mm) in May, the number of sunny days coupled with ascending temperatures makes this a comforting period to stop by.
Summer weather in Las Vegas
Summer in
Las Vegas is a time of warmth and increased rainfall. Temperatures peak during this season, rising from 81°F (27.2°C) in
June to 81.5°F (27.5°C) in
July, and taper off to 80.2°F (26.8°C) in
August. Sunshine hours remain essentially constant from June to August at an average of 11.7 hours daily. Despite June to August being the wettest three-month period, with each month seeing rainfall exceeding 0.71" (18mm), the high temperatures ensure a tepid and welcoming atmosphere.
Autumn weather in Las Vegas
A respite from the summer heat, autumn in
Las Vegas, from
September to
November, is marked by a graceful dip in temperatures from 73.8°F (23.2°C) in September to 52.5°F (11.4°C) in November. However, daylight hours contract from 12.4 hours in September to 10.3 hours in November, presenting shorter days. Rainfall measures also decrease throughout autumn, descending from 0.87" (22mm) in September to a meager 0.47" (12mm) in November. Despite these changes, the autumn period has a special beauty offering a pleasant and tranquil climate.
Winter weather in Las Vegas
Winter in
Las Vegas spans
December through
February, with temperatures sinking to their lowest in this period. Average high temperatures take a deep dive from 42.1°F (5.6°C) in December to 25.9°F (-3.4°C) in
January, while low temperatures freeze to 23.9°F (-4.5°C) in February. Snowfall during this period peaks at 5.04" (128mm) in December before easing to 4.8" (122mm) in February, providing a breathtaking winter wonderland view. Despite the cold conditions, the winter season can offer a unique charm for those who appreciate its beauty.
Weather in January
Turning the calendar to
January brings cooler temperatures to
Las Vegas,
New Mexico. Shifting from the chilliness of
December, January sees an average high of 42.4°F (5.8°C) and a low of 24.3°F (-4.3°C), along with an increased relative humidity of 61%.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning into
February, the weather in
Las Vegas remains cold, though slightly warmer than
January. Snowfall decreases from 5.04" (128mm) in January to 3.94" (100mm), heralding the approach of spring. The longer daylight hours, from 10.1 hours in January to 10.9 hours, hint at the coming season change.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March boasts a significant climb in temperature. The shift is almost spring-like, featuring a decrease in snowfall from 3.94" (100mm) in
February, down to 2.68" (68mm). Even though the weather remains somewhat cold, the added sunshine days make March feel less wintery than the previous months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees a decline in both the intensity and frequency of snowfall, moving from 2.68" (68mm) in
March down to just 1.1" (28mm). The weather leans towards milder temperatures, as the landscapes awaken fully into spring. Enjoy the increasing hours of sunshine and the blue skies that dominate the month.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings a firm declaration of spring in
Las Vegas,
New Mexico. The shift is noticeable, with an elimination of snowfall from the forecast. The month is characterized by longer daylight hours and a decrease in relative humidity from 37% in
April to 38% in May.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June introduces a notable change, marking the official arrival of summer. The average high temperature elevates to 81°F (27.2°C), offering a pleasant warmth compared to the spring months. The stretched daylight hours cater to more outings and activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Reaching the heart of summer,
July often claims the hottest month of the year title in
Las Vegas,
New Mexico. The average high temperature peaks at 81.5°F (27.5°C). Despite the heat, the month experiences the highest rainfall, 1.65" (42mm), providing the needed balance and relief.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August maintains the summer warmth, with a slight decrease in the average high temperature from 81.5°F (27.5°C) in
July to 80.2°F (26.8°C). The frequency of sunshine days and longer daylight hours continue to encourage outdoor activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings a subtle hint of change, as the summer heat starts to recede. The descent in temperature is gentle, with the average high moving from 80.2°F (26.8°C) in
August to a comfortable 73.8°F (23.2°C). Despite the drop, the weather stays pleasantly warm, allowing outdoor activities to continue.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October signals a clear transition into the fall season in
Las Vegas,
New Mexico. The downshift in temperature from 73.8°F (23.2°C) in
September to a cooler 62.4°F (16.9°C) is hard to miss. The arrival of autumn paints the cityscape in vibrant fall colors, making October an ideal month for scenic drives and autumn leaf peeping. October in Las Vegas, New Mexico, brings a minor decrease, with the average high-temperature reducing from a moderately hot 73.8°F (23.2°C) in September to a comfortable 62.4°F (16.9°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Las Vegas,
New Mexico witnesses a sharpened drop in temperature. The cold begins to set in, and the first signs of snowfall appear with an average of 2.32" (59mm), marking the end of the fall and the onset of winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December