7 Tips from a Local to Beat the Heat in Las Vegas

Written by: John Mehaffey , Expert on Las Vegas Casinos, Games, and Travel
5 minute read

Summer can be a brutal season to visit Las Vegas. It is hotter than nearly any other major city in the world, and the heat can be overwhelming to people accustomed to cooler climates. There are still ways to have fun in Las Vegas when the temperatures are in the 110s.

Las Vegas Heat Wave 7 Survival Tips From a Local

How To Survive Las Vegas Heat

If you come to Sin City, keep these things in to avoid ruining your trip because of the weather.

1. Pools and Dayclubs

The most obvious way to stay cool is at pools and day clubs. However, there are several drawbacks. Las Vegas Strip clubs can be costly, especially on weekends. Daybeds usually start at over $100 and can run into several hundred during the week.

Cabanas at the lower-end resorts cost $300 or more on weekdays and $1,000 or more at the luxury ones. Prices double on weekends. Major clubs can cost thousands to enter before accounting for food or drinks.

Another issue is that the pool decks tend to get very hot. Walking on them barefoot can quickly cause guests to burn. Scorching surfaces are also problematic at the two Las Vegas waterparks, Cowabunga Bay and Cowabunga Canyon.

2. Adjust Your Sleep Schedule

Another suggestion is to adjust your sleep schedule so that you rest during the day and go out in the evenings. It may be easier said than done, especially for visitors from other countries and the East Coast. However, there are several advantages to this.

The biggest reason to stay up all night and sleep all day is to avoid the heat outdoors.

Another is that the casinos are less crowded late at night and early in the morning. This schedule allows players to get seats at their favorite slots, video poker games, and table games. Poker players may need help finding their preferred game selection in the late and early hours.

Going out at night also helps with the heat. The temperature drops quickly as soon as the sun sets. The Las Vegas weather forecast may say it will be 95 degrees at 10 pm. That may seem hot, but it tends to be comfortable with little humidity and no sun beating down.

3. Go to Daytime Shows

There are many Las Vegas shows available during the day. These tend to have low admission costs. Most are family-friendly, including magic shows and ones catering to books and movies aimed at children. Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, located behind Linq, has shows for 18 and up starting in the early afternoon.

4. Dress Appropriately

Many guests only realize how hot it is once it’s too late. Dark clothes and long pants can make visitors cook while they are outdoors. Dress in light colors, and do not be afraid to show some skin. After all, it is Las Vegas.

While it may be sweltering outside, casinos tend to over-cool the indoors. I recommend keeping a jacket or longer-sleeve shirt for people who dislike excessive air conditioning.

5. Visit Museums

It may seem odd to visit Las Vegas and go to a museum. However, there are several. The Mob Museum is in downtown Las Vegas. The Children’s Discovery Museum is also downtown. The National Atomic Testing Museum is just east of the Las Vegas Strip on Flamingo Road.

In a way, Area 15 is a museum. It is a quirky destination that locals and tourists enjoy with different activities and exhibits.

6. Arrive in Las Vegas After Dark or Early in the Morning

It may be convenient to arrive at a hotel with a late afternoon check-in. However, the temperature can be overwhelming at that time of day. Those driving in from Arizona and California may be accustomed to the heat.

Those coming by air or from Utah and northern Nevada might not be. Having car problems in the desert can become a life-threatening situation.

Air travel may be less rough. The taxicab staging line is just outside the baggage claim at Harry Reid International Airport. Ridesharing is a hike that requires crossing two driveways and upstairs in the parking deck.

The taxi line is more organized than rideshare, which can be chaotic during busy times, especially since many drivers have similar cars. Taxis offer flat rates to the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding area that are competitive with services like Lyft and Uber. You avoid additional hassle or having to walk in the heat.

7. Drink Lots of Water

Hydrating should go without saying, but people can forget. The dry air evaporates sweat, so guests may not realize how much water they lose while walking outside in high temperatures. Bring water bottles while strolling around the Las Vegas Strip and the Fremont Street area.

This is Sin City but avoid alcohol, at least during the day, as it exacerbates dehydration. If you drink, have a bottle of water with each one. It is best to reserve the drinking for nighttime.

And, finally, the most important thing I can recommend is that you enjoy your visit and play responsibly!


John Mehaffey

John Mehaffey Expert on Las Vegas Casinos, Games, and Travel

John Mehaffey is a poker and casino expert who has been playing online games for money since 2001. He knows how to find the best video poker and table games and writes about casino players' clubs, promotions, and things to do in Las Vegas, where he currently resides.

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