Looking for fun ways to spend your summer in Las Vegas?
I visit Las Vegas every year, and every time, I end up going during some of the hottest months of the year: June and July. Over the years, I’ve gained a lot of experience on how to make the most of summer in Las Vegas, and I’ve come to appreciate the unique energy the city has in the summer.
It’s a different kind of fun, one that’s both exhilarating and exhausting in the best way possible. There are so many fun things to do in Vegas in the summertime, like pool parties and thrilling rides that just aren’t the same during other months.
The heat, while intense and sometimes even dangerous, is just part of the experience. Over time, I’ve gotten used to it and even become somewhat of an expert at navigating it and staying cool. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your summer trip to Vegas (and survive the blazing heat)!
Short on time?
Vegas sizzles in the summer, but you can still stay cool and have a blast. Here are my top picks to beat the heat:
- Mount Charleston: Escape to cooler mountain breezes just an hour away
- Helicopter night flight over the Strip: Take in glittering views from above
- High Roller Wheel: Air-conditioned pods with panoramic city sights
- Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition (Luxor Hotel): Fascinating and perfectly indoors
- See Vegas shows (like Cirque du Soleil): World-class entertainment in cool, comfy theaters
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Is it Good to Visit Las Vegas in the Summer?
Having visited Vegas during the summer more times than I can count, I can tell you: it’s not for everyone. The desert heat can reach up to 120°F (49°C), and most days, it feels like you’re walking into an oven or sauna (I personally prefer to think of it as a sauna…it’s a little more bearable that way).
But if you’re not afraid of sizzling temperatures and you’ve got things to do in the city (as we often do in the summer), you’ll find that Las Vegas in the summer has so much to offer. The pools are open and active, the day clubs are buzzing, and there’s no shortage of indoor activities to cool off.
Vegas also hosts a variety of special events during the summer months, including live shows, celebrity residencies, and big-name concerts. That’s when the entertainment scene really heats up in the city. But be prepared – if you’re not a fan of the heat, it might take some adjusting.
Las Vegas Summer Weather
The weather in Las Vegas during summer is no joke. You’ll want to be prepared for extreme heat, especially if you plan to spend time outside. I’ve learned that the key to surviving the scorching temperatures is managing your time outdoors. Early mornings and evenings are more bearable, but midday can be brutal. The dry desert air doesn’t help much either. It’s intense but lacks humidity, which means sweating will leave you feeling parched much faster.
The trick is to hydrate, stay cool, and stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day (usually between 11 am and 4 pm). While many people enjoy the city’s iconic pool parties and outdoor activities during the day, I usually skip those since I’m sensitive to the heat and prefer to stick to indoor activities like walking around casinos and exploring other cool spots.
Just be sure to hydrate, wear sunscreen, and take regular breaks (midday naps and cold showers are fantastic) to keep the fun going without overdoing it.
Best Things to Do in the Summer in Las Vegas
When summer rolls around, the entertainment and activities in Vegas really pick up. Here are some of my favorite activities to enjoy during the summer months in Las Vegas:
Attend Summer Concerts in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is home to some of the biggest names in music, and summer is when the city comes alive with amazing concerts. Many top-tier artists, like Bruno Mars, Carrie Underwood, Usher, and Lady Gaga, have residencies in Vegas during this time. Most of these concerts take place on the Strip, at venues like the T-Mobile Arena near Park MGM.
If you love concerts, be sure to check out the Vegas.com website for the best ticket deals!
Pool Parties & Day Clubs
One of the best ways to beat the heat and have fun in Vegas is by enjoying its famous pool parties. Popular DJs like Steve Aoki and Skrillex often perform at day clubs such as Wet Republic and Encore Beach Club, which are super popular in the summer. You’ll see people walking around in swimsuits and cover-ups near the pool areas!
Although I’ve never attended one of these parties myself, I’ve heard they’re full of high-energy music, refreshing cocktails, and the chance to dance in the water. They’re a huge part of Vegas’ summer scene, and you get the full Vegas experience here! These pool parties and day clubs attract crowds from all over the world.
Nightlife
Vegas is known for its vibrant nightlife, and summer is when it’s at its peak. You can enjoy rooftop bars with stunning views of the Strip and world-renowned nightclubs like Omnia and Hakkasan – there’s no shortage of places to party on the Strip.
Even though the nighttime temps are still warm (around 85-90°F), they’re not nearly as oppressive as during the day, so going out at night is a lot more manageable. Plus, you’ll likely spend a lot of time inside casinos, waiting for the clubs to open. It makes for a really fun night out!
Outdoor Activities, Hiking, or Day Trips
If you’re looking to switch things up, summer is a great time to explore the stunning desert landscape surrounding Las Vegas. While popular day trip spots like Red Rock Canyon and Death Valley are too hot to visit during the summer (a lot of government websites advise against it), other popular locations like Mount Charleston and Lake Mead offer cooler experiences.
Mount Charleston
A quick drive from the Strip, Mount Charleston offers a refreshing escape from the intense heat. It is located North of Las Vegas, and the cooler mountain breezes are certainly welcome in the summertime, plus, there are some beautiful hiking trails you can walk through. The mountain area is much cooler, and it feels like a mini-vacation from the city’s scorching summer temps. It’s the perfect spot to cool off and enjoy the fresh pine air.
If you don’t want to drive, why not join a guided tour to Mount Charleston?
➡️ Book this amazing guided Mount Charleston tour here!
Lake Mead (w/ water sports)
I can’t think of a better place to escape the Vegas heat than Lake Mead. It’s perfect for water sports like boating, jet skiing, and paddleboarding.
The lake has some beautiful crystal-clear waters and breathtaking surroundings, making it the perfect way to cool off and enjoy the outdoors.
Helicopter Tour Over the Vegas Strip
If you want to see Vegas from a completely different perspective, a helicopter tour is a must-do. I highly recommend doing a nighttime helicopter tour over the Las Vegas Strip, because you get some incredible photos you just can’t get anywhere else. There are so many different helicopter tours you can do from Las Vegas, but this night flight has to be my favorite.
The helicopter flight over the Las Vegas Strip takes about 10-12 minutes total, and you get to see all of the beautiful lights of the strip and iconic spots, like Bellagio, Stratosphere, and Fremont Street Experience. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t forget, and it’s a very easy and reliable way to see the Strip like you’ve never seen it before. The pilots are super friendly and kind, and make everyone feel very safe during the flight!
➡️ Book your Las Vegas helicopter tour here!
Experience the High Roller
The High Roller is the world’s largest observation wheel, and it offers an incredible view of the entire Las Vegas Strip. I took a ride on the High Roller during the night, and it was such a breathtaking (and an air conditioned) experience! Get your tickets here!
I recommend booking your ticket at the door instead of in advance if you’re visiting during the day. One time when I was visiting, I wanted to ride the high roller during the day, but the workers told me it was closed due to the intense temperatures in the area (the AC was working overtime I guess). So, just keep that in mind that it might be a possibility if you plan on going during the day. Either way, you’re sure to have a great time on the high roller – the views at sunset are absolutely stunning!
➡️ Get your High Roller passes here!
Fremont Street
Fremont Street is the original location of the Las Vegas Strip and it’s so worth a visit. The area is packed with lights, music, and street performers, and the energy is always buzzing. In the summer, I like to visit Fremont Street at night when it’s cooler. It’s a great way to experience old-school Vegas.
The Viva Vision Light Show on Fremont Street is a must-see! It’s a 6-8 minute 3D graphical interpretation of top songs from legendary musical artists, and it’s completely free. It’s a dazzling way to take in the neon magic of old Vegas, and it’s one of the many free things to do in Las Vegas!
Ride the Las Vegas Monorail
Riding the Las Vegas Monorail is a great way to cool down while still taking in views of the city. On a hot day, hopping on the monorail offers a quick, refreshing break from the sun, plus it’s a great way to get across the Strip.
It’s air-conditioned, and you get great views of the city while cruising above the street. I use the monorail whenever I need to get to a further destination on the Strip, like from the Stratosphere to Excalibur. Highly recommend!
Minus 5 Ice Bar
If you want to really cool off, check out Minus 5 Frozen Bar at Mandalay Bay, The Venetian, and The LINQ. The bar is made entirely of ice, from the walls to the furniture. You’re given a warm parka and some gloves, so don’t worry about bringing your own coat.
I recommend wearing closed-in shoes, but the basic package tickets include a coat and gloves that cost about 26 per person, after tax. Once you step inside, the chill hits you instantly and you’re greeted by interactive ice sculptures and over 90 tons of ice. It’s a fun and unique experience to beat the Vegas heat!
Watch a Sports Event
Las Vegas has become a major sports hub in recent years, and during the summer, it’s a lot of fun to catch a game or match. Many big games take place in the summer, but you might need to Uber to these locations, as many of the major stadiums are slightly off the Strip.
Be sure to check online to see if you can snag tickets for an NBA Summer League game or a Las Vegas Aces basketball game. Many of these arenas have air conditioning, making them a great place to cool off and enjoy some live sports. Alternatively, you can visit any casino and spend the day watching live games happening around the U.S. in the sportsbook areas! (You don’t even need to gamble – you can just order a pizza and watch the games from any sportsbook or bar area.)
Check out some Unique Exhibits (Titanic Exhibit at Luxor)
There are many museums and exhibits in various hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, such as the Real Bodies Museum at Horseshoe, the Titanic Exhibit, and the King Tut exhibit at Luxor, as well as the art gallery at Bellagio.
If you’re looking for a more interactive museum experience, I recommend exploring the Titanic Exhibit at Luxor! The exhibit is filled with artifacts from the ship, including a replica of the grand staircase and actual pieces recovered from the wreck. It’s educational, fascinating, a bit sad, and definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for some daytime activities on the Strip while escaping the heat.
➡️ Get your admission tickets to the Titanic Exhibit here!
Spa
This is one of my favorite activities to do on the Las Vegas Strip. Ask any of my friends, and they’ll tell you I’m a spa connoisseur. Sometimes when the heat becomes overwhelming, I head straight to the spa. It may seem counterproductive to spend the day in the sauna when the weather outside is already like a sauna, but after a visit to the spa, I always feel refreshed, and somehow, the heat outside seems much more manageable.
I’ve visited several spas over the years using their day passes, and my favorite spa on the Strip is Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace. The day pass is definitely the best value, and while you can add treatments like massages and facials, I recommend asking about the day pass so you can fully enjoy the jacuzzis, cold plunges, steam rooms, and dry saunas.
Shows
Las Vegas is synonymous with world-class entertainment, and summer is the perfect time to see a show. There are so many incredible shows on the Strip, from Cirque du Soleil’s jaw-dropping acrobatics to entertaining comedy acts.
Cirque du Soleil shows are one of the main reasons I love visiting Vegas. I’ve seen O and Michael Jackson ONE, and both were my favorites (I’ve almost seen all of them. My least favorite was the Beatles show, but all of Cirque’s performances are top-notch).
Summer is also when many artists do residencies, so you’ll likely be able to catch a top-tier concert or performance. If you’re in the mood for comedy, there are plenty of shows on the Strip, but I particularly enjoyed Potted Potter! As a die-hard Harry Potter fan, this show was really silly and entertaining. Their daytime matinee was a great way to get some entertainment on the Strip, and beat the heat.
➡️ Get your tickets to a fun Las Vegas show here!
Shopping
Vegas is a shopper’s paradise, and during the day, I recommend walking through the luxury malls like the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and the Shops at Crystals.
Spending the day at Fashion Show Mall Las Vegas is also a lot of fun, and you can escape the heat while enjoying some window shopping, without spending a lot of money. Browsing the high-end and popular retail stores is a great way to spend a couple of hours indoors while still feeling like you’re part of the Vegas experience.
Food Festivals and Dining
It’s no secret that Vegas has an amazing food scene, and summer is a great time to check out some food festivals or dine at some of the best restaurants in Las Vegas. Places like Joël Robuchon and e by José Andrés offer some of the most unforgettable dining experiences. For something more casual, you can grab a quick bite at BrewDog, which serves quality, delicious food. You can have a lot of fun food-hopping in Las Vegas!
The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
I always make time to visit the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens when I’m in Vegas. It’s beautifully designed and changes seasonally, offering a peaceful, cool environment to stroll through and enjoy the flowers and greenery in the middle of the desert. Plus, it’s one of the many free things to do in Las Vegas!
Area 15
If you’re into immersive experiences, you have to check out Area 15. This entertainment complex is filled with interactive art exhibits, bars, and unique activities.
It’s a great place to escape the heat and spend an afternoon exploring. You can purchase single-day or multi-day passes to explore everything from axe throwing to Omegamart (which will definitely challenge your brain). There’s a lot of art and quirky things to look at – it’s a really entertaining complex! I highly recommend visiting during the day.
What to Wear in Las Vegas in the Summer
Las Vegas summers can be scorching, so I always keep it cool and comfortable. Here’s what I typically wear:
- Light, loose-fitting clothes (in lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton)
- Hat (I always go with a white baseball cap since it reflects heat better)
- Sunglasses w/ UV protection
- Shoes that don’t retain heat (I stick to white sneakers)
- Sunscreen (I love my badger balm SPF sunscreen which doesn’t have harmful ingredients!)
- Lip balm with SPF
How to Survive the Summer in Las Vegas
Quick tips on how to survive the intense summer heat in Las Vegas!
- Carry your water bottle with you at all times
- Stay indoors throughout the day, but take advantage of pool time
- Limit alcohol consumption to the late afternoon
- Take cabs or Uber
- Use a personal fan or misting bottle
- Use a UV-blocking umbrella
- Walk on shaded paths
- Take cool showers
- Eat light, hydrating foods
- Take regular breaks from the sun
Summer in Las Vegas: Frequently Asked Questions
What months are summer in Vegas?
Summer in Las Vegas spans from June through September, with July and August being the hottest months.
Is Vegas too hot in summer?
It can be! Temperatures often exceed 100°F (38°C), so if you’re not used to the heat, it can be uncomfortable. But with the right precautions, you can still enjoy the city, and there are plenty of activities in the summer that you can’t experience in the winter.
What month is hot in Vegas?
July and August are typically the hottest months, with temperatures reaching up to 120°F (49°C).
Is the Las Vegas heat bearable?
It can be, but only if you’re prepared. With air-conditioned spaces, pools, and plenty of hydration, you can enjoy your trip despite the heat.
Is Las Vegas cheaper in the summer?
Summer is peak season in Las Vegas, so prices for hotels and flights tend to be higher, especially around major holidays or events. It’s definitely one of the pricier times to visit Vegas.
Conclusion
Summer in Las Vegas is a unique experience, one that brings its own set of perks and challenges. But don’t worry, you’ll still have an incredible time with amazing food, world-class shows, and plenty of activities.
While the heat can be intense, a little planning and lots of sunscreen will help you stay cool and make the most of your trip.
Hope you enjoy Las Vegas in summer as much as I do! Happy travels 🙂
About the Author
Sasha is the founder of Little Happy Travels, a blog with tips and inspiration for combining work + travel and living the digital nomad lifestyle. As a business coach and remote worker, she’s spent the last few years traveling the world while helping others do the same. Follow for guides, tips, and personal stories on working from anywhere!
