The month of August in Las Vegas is extremely hot. Expect very high temperatures, little wind, and dry humidity. That is why we will provide you with every necessary tip you should know to have a great time in Vegas despite the heat.
3 Activities We Recommend in August
We highly suggest at least one of these three activities (see above). Check them out for a memorable Vegas vacation. These tours are excellent for this month as you don’t spend want to spend a full day outside in the heat
Is August a Good Time or Too Hot?
While August in Las Vegas is too hot for travelers who can’t handle the heat, it’s a good time to visit for the majority of people. Most are able to tolerate the weather conditions with temperatures over 100°F ( 38°C), as they plan activities accordingly and avoid spending afternoons in the sun.
Keep in mind that Las Vegas sees over 3.5 million tourists each year in August. All those visitors can manage the desert heat just fine. However, there are some essential tips you should know to prepare for the heat and have a good time:
Weather Overview
The weather during August in Las Vegas is sunny, scorching, and dry with very little rain expected. Average high temperatures range from 99°F to 104°F (37°C-40°C) and the sun is very intense from the late morning until the afternoon. It rains less than 0.4 inches on average.
The desert sun is extremely powerful and the weather conditions are not for everyone. However, it can be a great time if you manage the heat and are a fan of hot, dry, and sunny weather. Some visitors even love the Vegas summer heat.
💡 As the sun is at its strongest, read all our tips in this article on how to prepare for the heat, what to wear, and which are the best activities during these conditions in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Typical temperature progression during the month of August:
- Early August: 104°F (40°C)
- Mid-August: 102°F (39°C)
- Late August: 99°F (37°C)
Typical temperature progression during a day in August:
- Early (8:00 AM): 85°F
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): 102°F
- Evening (9:00 PM): 94°F
The afternoon is the hottest time of day. Mornings in August start at around 85°F (29°C) and get hotter as the day progresses. If you want to avoid the hottest part of the day, then plan activities for early in the morning or in the evenings, when the temperatures are slightly cooler.
Managing the Heat
Even if you are from a much colder state or country, you might find the dry August heat in Vegas mostly pleasant. However, it’s still important to follow some essential tips during your visit:
- Just don’t plan on walking the Strip in the middle of the day for too long.
- If you still want to walk the Strip during the daytime, walk into any hotel, shop, restaurant, or bar and cool off after being outside for 15-20 minutes.
- Search for shaded places and try to walk in the shades.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and keep your body hydrated all the time. It’s a lifesaver!
- Plan your outdoor activities for the morning. There are many half-day tours that start early: Las Vegas Tours – GetYourGuide
- Apply enough sunscreen, regardless of where you go during the day.
- Plan your pool time for the mornings, or visit pools with umbrellas. A cabana is expensive, but it’s the best choice and provides the most shade and pleasant pool experience in August.
Planning Your Day
Tour Tip: The Mojave, Red Rock Sign, 7 Magic Mountains Tour (see the stunning photo) is just perfect for August as it starts early and takes only 5 hours. If you plan to take trips during the intense summer heat, pick half-day tours and choose those that start early in the morning (7 AM to 8 AM). Also, ensure that you are prepared for the intense desert heat. Bring light coverups, plenty of sun lotion, a sunhat, and enough water for your entire trip. The hot desert sunshine is manageable for some time as long as you prepare.
Pool Time | Tips
August is a great month to hit the pools in Las Vegas. However, because of the intense heat and sun around noon and in the afternoon, it’s best to spend your time at the pools in the morning or in the late afternoon.
We always visit in August and go to the pool from 9 AM to 1 PM every day. We always stay hydrated, use lots of sun lotion, wear hats while lounging and go in the water often. Afterward, we eat at the pool restaurant and plan the rest of the day.
Selected hotels and their pool opening hours (subject to change):
- The Bellagio: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Caesars Palace: 10 AM – 5 PM
- The Aria: 9 AM – 5 PM
- The Cosmopolitan: 8 AM -6 PM
- Mandala Bay: 9 AM – 5 PM (depending on the pool)
- The Mirage: 10 AM – 5 PM
Pools with umbrellas help to stay cool as well as take a refreshing dip. Cabanas, though expensive to rent, offer the most shade and comfort. Remember that you can or have to reserve seating, daybeds, or cabanas (sometimes for registered guests only).
What to Wear / What to Pack
During August you should wear loose-fitting clothes for breathability in Las Vegas. Shorts and tank tops are your go-to outfit for exploring. If you want to protect yourself from the sun, wear cotton and linen cover-ups. Pack swimwear for your pool visits.
💡 Remember Vegas is in the desert and very hot, so don’t forget your sunglasses, a water bottle, and enough sunscreen in August. However, everywhere you go is air conditioned and it can be freezing in some of the casinos or restaurants. Bring a light sweater for indoors if you get cold easily.
Due to the brilliant hot weather, there are plenty of pool parties to attend, including clubbing pool parties, so consider bringing your very best swimwear as it might become your evening wear.
There is no formal dress code for visiting shows or casinos, and some people go in casual clothing. However, it is a good idea to dress in formal jeans or dress pants and button-down shirts, as many visitors do. Ladies should choose an appropriate evening dress.
Women’s clothing suggestions
Mornings:
- Tank tops or short sleeve T-shirts/blouses
- Breathable leggings or loose-fitting trousers (think linen)
- Shorts or skirts
- Flat shoes or sandals
Afternoons:
- Tank tops or short sleeve T-shirts/blouses
- Shorts or skirts
- Your favorite swimsuit, sandals, and a hat
Evenings:
- A dress or jumpsuit with flats or heels
- Bold jewelry to add a touch of glamour
Men’s clothing suggestions
Mornings:
- Short sleeve T-shirts
- Jeans or shorts
- Athletic shoes
Afternoons:
- Muscle Tee or short sleeve T-shirts
- Shorts
- Athletic shoes or sandals
- Your favorite swim trunks and flip flops
- Sunglasses, and a hat.
Evenings:
- Dark jeans/slacks and a button-down shirt
- Fitted suit (optional)
- Dress shoes or minimalist sneakers
Weather Details
Coldest Temperature
The heat is constant during August in Vegas with the coldest temperatures recorded in previous years at around 73°F (23°C) during the nighttime. Those who would like slightly cooler temperatures when visiting Las Vegas during this month should aim to visit during the end of the month when temperatures become cooler.
Humidity
Las Vegas is dry throughout the year due to its desert location. Humidity in August is at an average of 22% with the driest and humid days being in the middle of the month. The relative humidity in Las Vegas during this time typically peaks at 35% in the morning and then drops to 17% in the afternoon between 3 and 4 PM.
Rainfall
Usually, Las Vegas receives less than 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain in August. While not typical, there are years when is no rain at all during this month. It is officially monsoon season in Vegas with possible thunderstorms.
However unlike other monsoons, the rain comes in spontaneous showers, which are very short (about 5-15 minutes), and once they are finished everything is dry within minutes, thanks to the high temperatures.
💡 Even with the possibility of monsoon rains, if you visit Vegas in August, there will never be a time of day when you aren’t warm. Although, the rains do sometimes bring temporary relief and can move temperatures out of the 100s and into the 90s.
So don’t pack a raincoat or an umbrella as any rain showers during your trip to Vegas, will be a welcome break from the heat. Additionally, as those seldom rainstorms are over so quickly, you can easily wait them out indoors.
Wind
The average wind speed in Las Vegas during August is around 12 kph (kilometers per hour) which is a moderate breeze and very welcome in the heat.
Sun/Daylight
In Las Vegas, there are 13 hours of glorious sunshine to be expected during the month of August. This includes little to no cloud coverage making it one of the sunniest months of the year to visit. The beginning of the month has the longest days, at around 14 hours whereas the end of the month sees the daylight hours shortening by 1 hour to around 13 hours of sun.
Crowds
August in Las Vegas is not as busy as June or July. However, the city still receives over 3.5 million visitors on average in August. The crowds thin out a little towards the end of the month.
Tip: If you are traveling to Las Vegas during August, consider visiting mid-week when it is quieter unless you are coming to Las Vegas for the bustling nightlife, in which case aim to visit at the weekend.
During large events expect the strip area to become very busy both before and after a concert or large convention.
Allegiant Stadium is adjacent to the strip and often holds large concerts and sporting events. The stadium has the capacity for 65,000 people to attend their events so check their website here for any potential concerts or events happening during your trip.
Large conferences in Vegas also draw large crowds to the area. Before traveling check for any large annual conferences taking place as popular conferences can draw up to 25,000 people to the Vegas area.
Conferences set to take place in usually in August:
- Def Con Computer Hacking Conference: One of the largest hacker conventions. Attendees include computer security professionals, journalists, lawyers, government officials, and anyone interested in software and computer architecture. Check dates here: DEFCON
Recommended Shows
For your August trip to Vegas, we put together a list of the best shows, concerts, stand-up comedy, and other special events at the most popular hotels and casinos (subject to change):
MGM Grand
- David Copperfield [Ticket reservation here]
- The Hunger Games: The Exhibition
- Jabbawockeez [Ticket reservation here]
The Mirage
- Shin Lim [Ticket reservation here]
Cirque Du Soleil:
- Michael Jackson: ONE
- O By Cirque Du Soleil
- Mystere
- The Beatles LOVE
Mandala Bay:
- Shark Reef Aquarium [Ticket reservation here]
The Venetian
- Atomic Saloon
- Madame Tussauds Las Vegas [Wax Museum ticket reservation here]
Planet Hollywood:
- The Jets 80s 90s Experience [Ticket reservation here]
- V – The Ultimate Variety [Ticket reservation here]
- Zombie Burlesque [Ticket reservation here]
- Vegas! The Show
Hotel Rates
Tip: If possible, book your hotel for August as far in advance as possible. Try to find deals via this link: Las Vegas Hotel Deals (sort by start rating and price).
Due to the extremely hot weather, hotel rates can be lower than during the month of July. August is still a popular time to visit Las Vegas, however, the cheaper times to book are from Sunday to Thursday, and as the month progresses the crowds get quieter and hotel prices begin to drop.
Things to do Mornings/Afternoons/Evenings
August in Las Vegas is a good time to visit, despite the enduring heat. Summer is when Las Vegas is alive with pool parties, waterparks, and awe-inspiring entertainment. Las Vegas is more than just casinos and clubs, and you are sure to have a brilliant time.
Mornings
If you’re planning anything outdoors during the daytime, early mornings, are your best bet for somewhat comfortable weather, with temperatures between 80°F and 90°F. Bring a refillable water bottle with you on any trip and wear sunscreen if you are spending any time outside during the day. You don’t want to ruin your trip due to heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Red Rock Canyon is a gorgeous drive in the comfort of air-conditioning, but should not be hiked during the midday sun. Consider Mt Charleston instead, it is a 45-minute drive from the strip, and it’s about 20 degrees cooler. This “sky island” full of aspen trees and bristlecone pines (the world’s oldest organism), will take to you to a world of nature away from the bustling, burning streets of Vegas.
Afternoons
The heat in the afternoon is very intense during August, so plan to spend afternoons either relaxing by the pool or taking in one of the brilliant shows Vegas has to offer.
Afternoons are a great time for watching shows when it’s hot outside. The great advantage is, that they are less pricey than their evening counterparts. For a unique, air-conditioned immersive experience, consider checking out Area 15, an off-the-strip building with activities for everyone in your group.
Evenings
When the sun goes down in Las Vegas the temperatures are still pretty high. If you don’t like the heat consider a very late evening walk along the strip, once the temperatures have cooled down, or perhaps a ride on the Highroller to see the strip from above (before midnight).
Clubbing in Las Vegas during the summer is a unique experience because of the nighttime pool parties, where you can wear whatever you like, which is especially great for men, who usually have to stick to a specific dress code. You don’t have to swim, but you might want to after having a few drinks.
If clubbing isn’t your thing you could instead get dressed up and have a fancy dinner at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in Las Vegas such as Restaurant Guy Savoy, Picasso, or Wing Lei.
The High Roller at The LINQ | Mornings or Evenings
There’s no better way in August to see Las Vegas than from the top of the High Roller at the LINQ in the morning or later in the evening. It stands over 550 feet (around 168 meters) tall and provides an excellent vantage point for viewing everything going on along the Strip. Reserve your tickets: High Roller at The LINQ
- From 550 feet, take in incredible views of the Las Vegas Valley and The Strip.
- While on your 30-minute ride, enjoy a party with an open bar cabin for those over the age of 21.
- Skip the long wait and get right to the front of the line.
Shin Lim Magic Show
Shin Lim and his up-close magic at the Mirage Hotel and Casino is intriguing. This show is a family-friendly event full of fun intriguing magic tricks. Find more information and tickets here: Shin Lim Magic Show.
Seven Magic Mountains and Red Rock Canyon
If you book an early morning trip, then August is a good time to visit Seven Magic Mountains and Red Rock Canyon as you’ll avoid the extreme summer afternoon temperatures that Las Vegas is known for. But still, bring a hat, and water, and apply sunscreen!
Jabbawockeez at MGM Grand
This hip-hop dance group offers a terrific show! You’ll be able to watch exciting, choreographed dances that will certainly impress you. Jabbawockeez is the perfect activity when wondering what to do in Las Vegas in August.
Additional details and ticket reservations: Jabbawockeez At MGM.
Area15 (Near Las Vegas Strip) | Afternoon
Area15, an indoor attraction just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, provides larger-than-life art installations, virtual reality experiences, unusual and intriguing experiences, and events. It’s similar to a shopping mall, except instead of the usual stores, you’ll find artists and unique things to interact with. This is a must-visit in August as everything is air-conditioned!