Is Las Vegas worth seeing during the coldest month of the year? Is it really freezing? What do you need to know before visiting in January?
Good to know: The Christmas and New Year’s holiday crowds are gone, and hotel prices have dropped now. However, it is critical to bring the appropriate clothing for the January weather. There are also very few things that are not possible or not recommended in January.
With our Vegas January Guide, you’ll be well-prepared for your next trip. We provide you with essential weather details, tips on what to pack, and the best things to do in Vegas during January.
Weather Overview
Although January is the coldest month in Las Vegas, even a winter month in this desert paradise is pleasant in comparison to many other states in the U.S.
In January, Las Vegas has an average high temperature of 60°F (15°C) and an average low of 34°F (1°C). While the daytime temperatures are generally nice for visiting the city, evenings can be quite chilly. There are only two days of rain.
Quick Weather Facts
In Las Vegas, nearly every day is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) in January. On average, on one day throughout the month, the temperature in the city hits 70 degrees Fahrenheit (more than 21 degrees Celsius). During January, temperatures do not rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius).
There is a chance of frost in Las Vegas. In January, the temperature can drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) or lower on three nights in a row.
Activity Overview
First of all: You have to see David Copperfield when visiting Vegas this month! He is by far the best magician in the world you will ever see. You will love his show: Cars, bikes, UFOs, aliens, … you name it. Please book in advance!
Our two other tips: ‘O’ by Cirque du Soleil at Bellagio. Fantastic and so different from any other show! If you are interested in something completely different: The Fire**** Adventure!
January is a more laid-back month in Las Vegas. There are no pool parties in Vegas if that is what you are looking for. However, all the shows, concerts, as well as other attractions are running, and luckily they are less packed.
The strip and Fremont Street are active throughout the year, which means lots of performances and activities. Even as the temperature drops, the action continues.
January Quick Tips and Facts
Attractions/Shows: Every attraction is open, and shows are running.
Pools: Some hotel pools are heated in the winter. Check with your hotel first and read our January pool tips below.
Accommodation: Hotel prices are moderate but lower than in December.
Clothing: Wear layers and bring a sweater, a light jacket, a medium jacket, and comfortable long pants.
New Las Vegas Travel Guide
This Las Vegas Guide (via Amazon) is up-to-date and an excellent resource for your trip! It will undoubtedly help you decide where you want to go and what to see in Vegas. Even visitors who have been to the city multiple times found it extremely helpful. Its organization is really great being set up by areas on the Strip!
Las Vegas Shows and Events in January
Find a list of selected shows, concerts, stand-up comedy, and other special events at the most popular hotels and casinos for January below (subject to change):
MGM Grand
- David Copperfield [Ticket reservation here]
- The Hunger Games: The Exhibition
- Jabbawockeez [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
Crowds/Rates | Is it Busy?
January is less busy in Las Vegas, as crowds thin down a little after New Year’s. While not really quiet, it’s still a more affordable month with lower hotel prices compared to December. Additionally, flights to Las Vegas are cheaper during January.
Find Las Vegas hotel deals via booking.com via this link: Las Vegas Hotel Deals (Tip: Sort by start rating and price!). We always use booking.com as we find the best Vegas deals there, but you are free to use any other hotel website of course!
We suggest choosing your hotel based on its facilities (its restaurants, pool, and entertainment, etc.)
Tip: Avoid booking your stay during CES, as Hotel rates are significantly higher during the exhibition period.
Weather Details
Temperatures do drop significantly at night in January, as it is the coldest month in Las Vegas. After sundown, it becomes colder and more uncomfortable to spend time outside if you are not clothed appropriately. On a few evenings, frost may form, although the temperature will often remain above freezing. Snow is unlikely.
Typical average high temperatures:
- Early January: 57°F (14°C)
- Mid-January: 58°F (15°C)
- Late January: 61°F (16°C)
Temperatures in the morning, afternoon, and evening in mid-January:
- 8 AM: 44°F (7°C)
- 3 PM: 58°F (15°C)
- 9 PM: 47°F (8°C)
During the day, it will likely feel like a beautiful fall or spring day in other parts of the United States. The afternoon is the hottest period of the day.
Sunset: In January, the sun sets at 5 p.m., so schedule your touring accordingly.
Please check out our Las Vegas in December guide, in case you are planning to visit the city earlier, or our Las Vegas in February tips if you are flexible.
Quotes about the January weather from visitors:
‘I’m originally from the northeast and enjoying the 60-degree temperature. Pack sweaters and a warm jacket if you’re coming from a warmer climate. If you don’t, you’ll freeze in the evenings and at night.’
‘I’ve visited Vegas a few times in late January. The weather was mostly pleasant, with temperatures in the low 60s on most days, though we did have a few days with a brisk wind. If you’re from the northern hemisphere, it will feel like the beginning of spring!’
What to Wear and Pack
Vegas may be a desert, but January still brings colder winter temperatures. Make sure you pack a medium coat to insulate you from chilly nights and mornings. Unless you’re accustomed to the cold, you may want to dress in a warm jacket and boots in the evenings to stay warm when out and about.
Tip: If you’re going to a nightclub, you may want to skip the jacket altogether as the clubs don’t usually offer a coat check.
Warm days: Because midday temperatures might still reach fairly high levels in January, some people wear short sleeves and light coats in the afternoon. Keep in mind that it is also dependent on the temperatures to which you are accustomed.
Layers: Remember to bring clothes that you can layer over each other and take off if it warms up in the afternoons. Temperatures can sometimes get into the 60s, so depending on what you’re used to, you may be comfortable just wearing short sleeves.
The secret is adjustability: always pack and carry various layers. A sweatshirt or a sweater, in general, is a smart choice this time of year.
Outdoor activities: If you plan to venture out into the nearby hiking areas during the daytime, wear light layers and hiking boots.
Summer clothing: Bring shorts and t-shirts anyway, because a few warm and mild afternoons are possible even in January. Additionally, pack your swimwear if you plan to hit the heated pools.
💡 Tip: Read our complete outfit guide for Vegas in January.
Accessories | Bags
Bring a suitable bag in January! You will need one for carrying water, your wallet, phone, jacket, and hand sanitizer.
We always suggest a bag with anti-theft features (see our recommendations above) to keep your belongings safe in the city!
🔒 Tourists in Vegas are an easy target for thieves, particularly in congested areas such as downtown, Fremont Street, the Strip, and on the monorail. Be cautious and carry an anti-theft bag.
Packing Lists
Women:
- A medium coat
- A light sweater or jacket
- Long-sleeve T-shirts or blouses
- Leggings/Jeans/Trousers
- Comfortable flat shoes for walking (many underestimate the amount of walking!)
- For dinner and a show: a long dress with flats
- For bars/clubs: a shorter dress and high heels (option, keep flats in your purse for later)
- Jewelry that elevates your look
- For heated pools: Your favorite swimsuit and sandals (just in case)
- Optional for warmer afternoons: T-shirts / short sleeves
Men:
- A medium coat
- Long-sleeve T-shirts
- Jeans
- A vest or light jacket
- Athletic shoes
- For dinner and a show: dark jeans/slacks and a button-down shirt
- To get into clubs: dark jeans/slacks and a button-down shirt, plus a sports coat/blazer or a full fitted suit
- Dress shoes or minimalist sneakers
- For heated pools: Swimwear
- Optional for warmer afternoons: T-shirts / short sleeves
Additional for outdoor activities:
- Plenty of water
- Sunscreen + a hat + sunglasses
- Layers, including a moisture-wicking T-shirt and a light baselayer
- A light or medium jacket (bring a warmer jacket if you leave early)
- Comfortable athletic shoes/hiking boots
Pools & Swimming
January is outside the pool season in Vegas. For most travelers, the weather is not comfortable enough to go swimming, even in a heated pool. For those who still want to lounge outside, many hotels on the Strip feature a heated pool in the winter.
Are the heated pools open every day during January? No, when the weather is bad, too cold, and especially when it’s too windy, even the heated pools will be closed on those days.
Even on the warmest days, it’s not ideal summer-like pool weather pools for most guests. In particular, it gets cold when you come out of the water after swimming in a heated pool. You might not be cold before going in or while in the pool, as it is heated. However, on most days, you will be shivering as soon as you come out of the water.
Regardless, sometimes we enjoy time at the pool, even in January:
On most days, it’s too cold for the pool in January. However, on occasion, it’s comfortable enough for us, and we swim in the pool. Caesar’s Venus pool is nice and warm, but the Paris pool is always sort of chilly. When the weather allows it, we enjoy lounging at the pool. Sometimes, we even see someone else in the pool when it’s definitely too cold for us.
Hotels on Las Vegas Strip that have open pools in December and year-round (subject to change, please check with your hotel):
- MGM Grand: One heated pool is open during January. However, the majority of the Grand Pool Complex is closed. Unfortunately, their famous Lazy River Pool is closed as well.
- Bellagio: The pool deck is open in January, and the two bigger pools are heated to 84°F.
- Park MGM: Usually, their South Pool is open in January. They heat it to 80 degrees during the winter months.
- Aria: The Sky Pool is open to all Aria and Vdara guests in January. It’s heated to 80°F.
- Mandalay Bay: Moorea Beach Club pool will stay open throughout January.
- Wynn/Encore: A pool remains open in the winter, which you can use in January (heated to 82°F)
- Resorts World: This is a fantastic pool complex in Vegas. It’s open in January and throughout the other winter months. They have seven great pools, and from one, you can even overlook the Strip.
Other ‘Strip-Pools’ that remain open in January:
- Cosmopolitan
- Luxor (open on weekends only)
- Palazzo
- Sahara
- Trump International
Vegas Downtown Hotels, which have pools open in January:
- Plaza Hotel & Casino
- Circa Las Vegas
- Downtown Grand
Things to Do | Overview
January is an excellent month for hiking in the greater Las Vegas region. This month, visit Mt. Charleston or Red Rock Canyon, as it is one of the few periods of the year when the temperature is cold enough. Check out more about these in our half-day tours tips below.
If your hotel features a heated pool, you can still enjoy swimming in January. Otherwise, January pools are deserted. If you are looking to spend a lot of time at the pools, consider visiting Vegas in March, when the pool season starts.
The afternoon in January is one of the finest times of day to explore the Las Vegas strip since the temps are nice enough to walk between hotels.
The International Consumer Electronics Show is one of the year’s largest events, bringing more than 160,000 participants from all around the world.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade will pass across the city on the third Monday of each month. The Hot Air Balloon Festival and the Adult Entertainment Expo are both popular events this month.
7 Must-Do Things in January in Vegas
Besides the obvious activities such as exploring the Strip and Fremont Street with the music, street characters, and, of course, the light show, we strongly recommend these must-do things in January:
1. Glittering Lights
This show is only open until January 10 (subject to change) and is perfect for families. It features a holiday-themed drive-thru holiday light show. You can choose to ride on the Santa Tram, which allows you to experience this event quicker than the drive-thru lanes.
Times:
- The show opens at dusk and closes at 9 PM or 10 PM
- From November 12 to January 10 (subject to change)
Tickets can be purchased for the whole season or a single night here: Glittering Lights Las Vegas.
2. Mojave, Red Rock Sign, and 7 Magic Mountains Tour
January is the perfect time to be at these locations as you’ll avoid the higher temperatures that Las Vegas is known for. Marvel at the inspiring sights of Red Rock Canyon, The Spring Mountains, and The Mojave Desert.
Additionally, the tour guide is spectacular. There aren’t enough stars to express how much fun we had on this tour. He knows the area’s history, is an enthusiastic storyteller, and is super-friendly!
3. Jabbawockeez at MGM Grand
This hip-hop dance group was also on America’s Got Talent and won America’s Best Dance Crew. When viewing this show, you’ll be able to see exciting, choreographed dances that will leave you and your family impressed. Jabbawockeez is the perfect activity when wondering what to do in Las Vegas in January.
Additional details and tickets: Jabbawockeez At MGM.
4. Grand Canyon/Hoover Dam Tour
For those seeking a break from the busyness of downtown Las Vegas, you can take a tour of the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam in January. This is a full-day tour (11-12 hours) featuring sights of the West Rim along. Your tour guide will drive you through Joshua Tree Forest and lead you on a hike to Guano Point, among other natural attractions. Purchase tickets here: Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Tour.
5. Area15
Only minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Area15, an indoor attraction, features larger-than-life art installations, virtual reality experiences, uncommon and exciting experiences, as well as events. It’s like a shopping mall, but instead of the usual stores, you will find artists and unique things to interact with. If you enjoy interactive art, this is a must-see in January.
6. Bellagio Conservatory Winter Display
If you are in Vegas in early January, the winter holiday display in the 14,000 square-foot Bellagio Conservatory is an absolute must-see. It’s a truly magnificent festive winter scene.
Every year, the garden is decorated with thousands of dazzling lights, over 28,000 poinsettias, and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree that is over 40 feet tall.
The opening dates change slightly every season. The Winter exhibit is usually open from early December until early January. This year (2021), it was even available until January 9. Check details here: Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden
7. Neon Museum
If you want to pay your respect to the hotels and casinos of vintage Las Vegas, you must go to the Neon Museum. Here you find skillfully and lovingly refurbished iconic neon signs from prominent Las Vegas establishments such as the Sahara, Golden Nugget, and Stardust. The attraction was built in the 1930s, and there are currently over 200 neon signs on the large property.
The Neon Museum is the perfect place for a January visit as everything is outside and gets way too hot in the summer months.
Tip: Read our complete guide with tips for the best time to visit Las Vegas [with tips for the best days].