Las Vegas, when's the best time of year to travel there?

Question

I want to spend a weekend in Las Vegas, I'm looking to travel cheap. When's the best time to go?

Answer 1

A room that may cost $200 per night one weekend may only cost half that a week later, so identify as many different potential vacation times as possible and then shop each of them for the best deals. Room rates also change significantly for a Sunday-Thursday stay, versus a Friday-Saturday.

Late November through Christmas and then early January through February are traditionally slow times for Las Vegas, with a few notable exceptions. Thanksgiving, long one of the slowest weekends of the year, has recently gained in popularity, bringing with it huge crowds. New Year’s Eve in Vegas has begun to rival Times Square in popularity. Each holiday brings corresponding long lines and higher hotel rates. Additionally, a few big conventions or events like Super Bowl weekend fall during this time period each bringing a wave of guests and gamblers. But generally speaking, the winter months are safe bets to get some bargains.

The trade-off is that you have to take lazy afternoons lounging in and around the pool off your itinerary. Daytime temperatures average in the 50s and 60s, which may sound tropical to those in snow-country, but it is surprisingly chilly and most hotels close part or all of their pool areas during those months. Nighttime temperatures can dip down into the 30s, with occasional whipping winds, so if you choose this time of year to visit, be sure to bring a jacket or coat.

But despite the comparatively moderate temperatures, things do slow down in Las Vegas during this time of year and you’ll also see some penalties in the “What To See and Do” column of your itinerary. Most of the Las Vegas stage shows take extended breaks in December, many of the outdoor recreation facilities are closed or have reduced hours, and there are fewer big-name entertainers visiting the showrooms. There is still plenty to do – this is Las Vegas, after all. But if there is a specific show or attraction that you absolutely must see, make sure to call or check the Internet to see if it will be open before you book your vacation.

The summer months of late June through August are also traditionally off-season in Las Vegas, not too surprising, given daytime temperatures averaging in the upper 90s or 100s. If you don’t mind being hot – really, really hot - this is a good time of year to visit the city and get cheap room rates. Just be sure to slather on the sunscreen and drink lots of water.

With the exception of Christmas, try to avoid visiting Las Vegas on holiday weekends, even relatively minor ones like President’s Day, unless you want to pay higher room rates and fight the hordes at the buffet lines. The same will happen during major events such as big boxing matches, NASCAR races, or the aforementioned Super Bowl weekend, all of which jam the city.

Another thing that can drive up room rates are major conventions. Las Vegas has become the top convention and exhibition destination in the country and the massive influx of people they bring creates havoc with hotel availability and cost. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority maintains an online calendar of all conventions so you can check to see if there will be one in town when you are planning your trip. Take a look a the projected attendance – anything over 30,000 people will start to drive up prices city wide, but even smaller gatherings can affect specific hotels near key exhibition spaces.
See: http://www.lvcva.com/finder/conventioncalendar/traveltrade

Generally speaking, weekends are more expensive than weekdays, unless there is a major convention in town. But similarly to the winter months, the downside to going to Las Vegas during the week is that there are fewer big name headliner concerts in town, most of which happen on the weekends. Many of the major ongoing production shows and even some restaurants are also closed on certain days during the week. Check with your hotel, or on-line schedules or in guidebooks to see what days each show is dark. It would be a shame to plan a trip around Blue Man Group, only to find out the days you are in town are the days they are out of make-up.

Answer 2

If cost is the most important thing to you, then you should start looking for the end of July through August - that is traditionally the slowest and cheapest time of the year in Las Vegas, although "slow" and "cheap" are all relative. Things are still expensive and there are lots of people, just a little bit less of both. Other good times include the two weeks leading up to Christmas (after National Finals Rodeo in early December but before New Years Eve); select weeks in January and February (avoid those big conventions!); and parts of June.

Having said that, the number one rule when booking a trip to Vegas to find the best rate is to try to be as flexible as you can on when you go. A room that may cost you $250 a night one week may only cost $150 the next, so the more options you give yourself the better chance you'll find lower rates no matter what time of year you are planning on visiting.

Have fun!

Answer 3

Las Vegas is the most interesting and entertaining city on earth and with hotelbye you will see out more. Nowhere else on the planet you may find a city that has all the travel amenities that only a total resort location will offer: lavish casino resorts, great eating, wonderful live activity and state-of-the artwork tradition and business display facilities. Las Vegas is definitely a spectacular city and anything that you'd assume from a world-class city, and more, is the following for your travel pleasure. One of many places you need to visit in Las Vegas is the Fremont Street, a pedestrian area with a myriad of special sites.

Answer 4

Yes. First of all, if you have decided to use a sedative for this drive, I suggest that you try it out at least a week before you leave. This way you actually know how much to use, how long it will last, what to expect, etc.... and you will not be freaking out . Plus what if on the off chance he has a reaction to it??? There several medications to choose from. Sometimes you have to ask. Next, pick up all food at ~ 8hours prior to departure. Some people may say the day before. I would rather clean up my cats potential mess than know he is so stressed he did not eat for 3-4 days and go into a diabetic comma because I was lazy. (your choice) Do keep water & liter in carrier at all times if possible. NEVER NEVER NEVER let your cat out of car. Be certain it is Micro chipped & REGISTERED (wont matter if no record on file) Put on a Tag with personal ID on a Break-a-way-collar as a last resort. I wish you all the best of luck. Remember that when you get where you are going, he needs time to adjust just like you do. :) FYI: SEATTLE gave an incredible answer down below. I agree 100%Absolutly correct!!!!

Answer 5

I went to Vegas the week before Christmas and got a steal because we planned ahead. We booked 5 days 4 nights at NYNY hotel and with airfare included (from Detroit) it was only like $475 a person.

It was also really nice because it was like 60 degrees there, and it wasn't over-crowded.

Answer 6

Actually, Summertime is very cheap because no one wants to travel in the sweltering 120 degree heat!!

I just got this postcard from New York, New York:

$49mid week or $109 weekend daily rate plus $50 in free play.
Use code DS0049 and call 888-506-9522 to make your reservations. Not valid July 1-4

Answer 7

The very best time to travel to Las Vegas is when you have MONEY in your pocket. You can save if you book ahead and research the many offerings that they have. Or check online.

Answer 8

Vegas is good anytime of year....if you watch flights and specials..you can get a really good cheap vacation that is worth it. There is so much to do there you can have fun without spending alot of money too. If you like to gamble..then downtown is a better bet as far as chances...the strip is beautiful but its also more expensive. And one things to do that is completely free of charge is to go downtown at night and watch the light show. Its about 2 block long I believe and there are like a million lights that are over head. And when started...the lights show stories to different songs.....its great...you can also watch the pirate show and the water show on the strip....good luck and have fun.

Answer 9

I think it's cheaper in the winter. It will be more crowded in the summer with kids out of school visiting the Hoover Dam and what not. No one wants to go on vacation when there will be kids every where. have fun

Answer 10

If you want to travel cheap choose close to the winter months. Either sometime in November or February.