December is an incredible month to explore Las Vegas and surrounding areas. The skies are usually clear, and the air is cool and crisp. Come prepared with lots of layers and comfortable clothing.
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This means considering whether you are a person who gets warm or cold easily and pack accordingly.
💡 This outfit guide was written by our Vegas resident!
It can be a challenge to pack the right outfits for December in Vegas! Do you need a warm jacket? Can you wear jeans? What clothing items are essential? What should you wear during the day and in the evening?
We are here to help with our complete guide:
- December Weather Overview
- December Outfits | Packing Guide
- Essential Clothing Items [IMPORTANT!]
- More Personal Experiences and Tips
- Outfits for Shows, Restaurants, Casinos
Weather Overview
December in Las Vegas brings more refreshing weather than the scorching summers, but it never gets extremely cold or freezing. Most days are clear, dry, and warm. However, the mornings, evenings, and nights in this entertainment capital city can get relatively cool.
That’s why we always use layers in December. Read more clothing tips later.
Good to know: December feels like pleasant spring weather in Vegas for visitors from the northern states.
During December, the average high temperature in Las Vegas is 58-60°F (14-16°C) degrees. It’s about 15°F degrees colder in the morning and late evening. The climate is dry and typical of a desert area, with little chance of rain. Daylight lasts for 9 hours and 45 minutes on average.
As the month progresses, temperatures start to drop a bit. As a result, if you visit in early December, the temperatures are usually a little more pleasant.
- Early December: 61°F (16°C) average high
- Mid-December: 58°F (14°C) average high
- Late December: 56°F (14°C) average high
Temperature progression on a typical day in December:
- Morning (8 AM): 44°F
- Afternoon (3 PM): 57°F
- Evening (7 PM): 47°F
💡 You usually experience mild sunny afternoons and chilly cool evenings during this month.
Is it windy in December? Although it’s not the windiest month of the year, the wind can blow quite often in December, making some evenings feel colder than they actually are.
Does it snow in December? While you might see a few snow flurries, snowfall is very rare and uncommon in Las Vegas during December. This means you won’t have to worry about snowfall in December. However, there could be snow in the nearby mountains (about 45 minutes to drive).
Does it rain in December? While rain is rare in Vegas, December is one of the wetter months of the year, and you may catch a rainy day. Nevertheless, most days are rain-free, and you can enjoy exploring the Strip or going on a tour.
Compared to the summer months, when a heavy downpour is over after 10-20 minutes, in December, it’s typically more light rain which takes longer. However, no need to bring heavy rain gear. We usually head to a casino, Area15, or an afternoon show during those rainy hours.
Outfit Tips and Packing Guide
💡 Layering is key during December in Vegas.
In December, the majority of visitors to Las Vegas will want to dress warmly in the mornings and at night. On a warmer and sunny afternoon during your vacation, you may feel more comfortable without a jacket or outer layers, especially if you are from a northern state and are used to temperatures falling below freezing.
However, a long-sleeved shirt is, in general, the ideal option for a December trip. Those visiting from warmer or humid climates, like Florida, will find the temperatures to be very chilly, so plan on bringing lots of layers and a medium jacket.
Just remember that layering is important as temperatures vary during the day. Think sweaters, light jackets, medium jackets, maybe cardigans; you get the idea. Everything you can put on when it gets cooler or take off when it’s getting warm.
Basic Packing List
Your suitcase should consist of:
- A light sweater or jacket
- A medium jacket
- Jeans or khakis
- Swimsuit (for hotels with heated pools)
- T-shirts
- Long-sleeved t-shirts
- A collared shirt or a dressy blouse
Is a Warm Winter Jacket Required?
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- ATTENTION PLEASE: We update the size(add size XXL, and sized up for other sizes), choose the size your usually...
How you experience the winter weather in Vegas will depend largely on the temperatures you are used to back home.
If you come from a northern or midwestern part of the United States, your home state is likely covered in snow in December, and a winter coat and gloves are probably part of your daily uniform.
If this is the case, you will probably be happy walking around the Strip in a T-shirt or thin, long-sleeved shirt on a sunny afternoon.
💡 You should pack a few layers and a medium jacket just in case for the colder mornings and evenings, but you will not find a heavy jacket necessary for even the low temperatures.
My jacket tips:
- REGULAR FIT: Close but comfortable fit through chest, waist, and hips.
- CLASSIC FIT: Close-but-comfortable fit with easy movement
If you originate from an always-sunny state where shorts and sandals are part of the daily uniform year-round, the Vegas cold will be a shock. We recommend that you bring a warmer jacket for the low temperatures in the mornings and evenings.
However, keep in mind that most people in Vegas are not dressing for “snow” weather this time of year, so you may find yourself looking out of place. If this is something you want to avoid, plan on packing plenty of shirts and long sleeves that you can layer under a thick medium jacket instead.
A Typical Day
9 AM: When leaving your hotel in the morning, the chilly overnight temperatures will still be lingering. You might wear jeans or pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and a light to medium jacket, depending on how used to the cold you are.
12 PM: By noon, the daytime temperatures are higher and the sun should be helping warm you up. You might be comfortable peeling off your jacket and walking around in your under-layered shirt or long-sleeve.
3 PM: Daytime temperatures normally peak at this time. If you were still walking around with your jacket and layers, you should be comfortable enough to take off a layer or two, especially if the sun is shining strongly. If you are a particularly cold person, you would benefit from carrying a sweater with you to swap with your medium jacket around this time.
6 PM: Without the sun’s rays, you will feel a bit colder, especially if you’re not used to any cold weather at all. If returning to your hotel room to get ready for your evening activities, you’ll want to wear closed-toed shoes, long pants or trousers, and a blouse or collared shirt that will pair well with your medium jacket. Even if you don’t feel cold enough to wear the jacket right away, bring it with you to layer up later.
9 PM: If you don’t mind the cold and you didn’t have your medium jacket on, you will want to be putting it on around this time. If the weather is windy during your visit, those gusts will feel especially sharp during the chilly nights and you’ll want to be comfortable.
Excursion Outfits
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It’s important to dress appropriately for Las Vegas excursions that are a little more intense than walking the Strip, such as hiking through Red Rock Canyon or visiting the Hoover Dam.
When making a day trip to one of the desert’s beautiful creations like Lake Mead or Red Rock Canyon, it’s important to be prepared in terms of your outfit and supplies, since it will be quite a drive back to your hotel if you forget anything important.
Women should plan to wear leggings or stretchy pants for freedom of movement, a comfortable sports bra, and a long-sleeved athletic shirt. These shirts are convenient because they are sweat-wicking and tight-fitted, so they are perfect for layering with a light jacket if you get cold in the high altitudes of a destination like Red Rock Canyon.
Men should plan to wear joggers or sweatpants and a long-sleeved athletic shirt to layer with a light jacket. Everyone should come prepared with thick, comfortable socks and supportive walking or hiking shoes.
A spare sweater or jacket is a great idea to pack in the car when hiking, as the winds and altitude can make temperatures much colder than they are in the city.
Tip: Even if you don’t think the weather is too cold and want to wear shorts and a short-sleeved shirt, we recommend covering up as much skin as possible, especially when hiking, to protect yourself from bugs, plants, and other flora and fauna you may come into contact with in the wild desert.
Long Sleeves Are Safer Than T-Shirts
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- BASICS THAT ARE FAR FROM BASIC - A stylish collection of cool, modern essentials designed for comfort, made for...
When deciding what to pack for your everyday wear, T-shirts are a great option for layers, but we recommend packing more long-sleeved shirts.
These work well for a bottom layer because they will keep you warm in the afternoons when a thicker jacket is unnecessary, but you still feel a little chilly.
Even if you feel rather warm after you peel off all your layers, you can roll your sleeves up or down as much as needed to remain comfortable.
Dress Like Day And Night
Comfort should be your number one priority on your trip, especially if you’re spending a lot of time hiking, walking, and exploring. Vegas is full of people from all different walks of life, which means you can blend in by wearing anything you want, whether it’s shorts and sandals or a snow jacket and earmuffs.
💡 But keep in mind that while you can stay comfortable and casual during the day, pack your very best outfits for your nights out in Las Vegas.
Keep Your Evenings Fashionable, Even in the Cold
- Batwing Sleeve V Neck Pencil Bodycon Backless Long Dresses for Women, Elegant and Casual Style, Supper Flattering.
- Material:velvet,stretchy and soft fabric,perfect for form fitting style and very comfortable when wearing.
If you get cold easily or are used to warm weather, you will want to bundle up as much as you can in your evening attire.
Ladies, if you’re having trouble deciding what to wear to your trip to the nightclub or evening show in Las Vegas, consider a classic cocktail dress. Any little black dress will work as long as you pair it with the right accessories.
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To protect yourself from the cold, consider wearing some shimmery stockings or a stylish coat with your dress.
Our best advice is to show your style in your jewelry and shoe choices to elevate your outfits. For example, if you decide to wear smart trousers and a sweater for warmth, set the outfit apart with sparkling earrings or colorful boots.
Tip: If you plan to wear high heels in the evening, try to avoid open-toed shoes as this will keep your feet warm. If you plan on wearing open-toed shoes, bring a thick pair of socks in your bag.
Since you likely won’t have an opportunity to switch shoes if your feet begin to hurt, this will help and keep you from walking around the Vegas streets or casinos barefoot.
Do I Need to Worry About the Legendary Desert Sunshine?
Winter in Las Vegas is a wonderful time to explore the city, especially compared to the baking summer months. One particular perk that winter visitors experience is that you will not need to take such extreme measures to protect your skin from the extreme UV rays.
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Winter means a much lower UV index than you would typically see in the spring or summer seasons. This means that while you should always wear sunscreen, you can opt for a lower SPF or reapply less.
The weakened UV rays also mean that you do not need to worry about heat-related illnesses or the dehydration that is a great risk to tourists during the warmer part of the year.
Tip: Even if you plan on covering up more with a sweater or some layers, it’s a good idea to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for your face and neck area.
Protecting Your Feet is a Must!
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Make sure to pack a pair of shoes you know you could be comfortable walking around in for an extended period of time, especially if you have hiking and walking-intensive excursions planned.
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Las Vegas is home to all kinds of people with all kinds of styles, which means that wearing walking sneakers will not make you stand out as a tourist, especially if you are spending time on the Strip or downtown.
Essential Clothing Items
Jackets
- SOFT FABRIC: This Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full Zip fleece is crafted of soft 100% polyester MTR filament...
- ATTENTION PLEASE: We update the size(add size XXL, and sized up for other sizes), choose the size your usually...
Whether or not you do well with tolerating cold weather, we recommend bringing one jacket you can wear with every outfit. Whether it’s a medium or a slightly thicker one will depend on how used to the cold you are and how warm you want to be.
💡 In our experience, we need at least two layers when going out and about in the early mornings or late evenings.
My jacket tips:
- REGULAR FIT: Close but comfortable fit through chest, waist, and hips.
- CLASSIC FIT: Close-but-comfortable fit with easy movement
Tip: Even though I am from a very warm state and don’t have much experience with very cold climates, I love feeling the chilly air in the winter. While I don’t want to be shaking with cold, I want to be able to feel some of the cold and the sharp wind.
I find that the best combination in the winter is a T-shirt layered under a thick sweatshirt or medium jacket!
T-Shirts
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- Size:XS(US 0-2),S(US 4-6),M(US 8-10),L(US 12-14),XL(US 16-18),XXL(US 20)
Bringing a few T-shirts is a good idea as they are a great base for layering with a jacket or sweatshirt.
Long-sleeved shirts
- BASICS THAT ARE FAR FROM BASIC - A stylish collection of cool, modern essentials designed for comfort, made for...
- Material: The basic long sleeve top is made of 82% Polyester 12%Rayon 6%Spandex, It's loose fit and comfortable,...
- Material: AUTOMET V neck loose long sleeve shirts is made of rayon, polyester, and spandex, which is comfortable...
Even if you’re comfortable in the beautiful afternoons with just a T-shirt, it’s a good idea to pack some long sleeves and sweaters for the colder mornings and evenings and for your time in the indoor air conditioning.
Trousers or Jeans
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Jeans are a great way to stay comfortable during the day, whether it’s temperate and breezy or on the chilly side. Nice trousers will be a great option when putting together your outfit for your night out.
Dresses
- Batwing Sleeve V Neck Pencil Bodycon Backless Long Dresses for Women, Elegant and Casual Style, Supper Flattering.
- Material:velvet,stretchy and soft fabric,perfect for form fitting style and very comfortable when wearing.
You can never go wrong with a cocktail dress for your evening attire, and you can style it up with stockings or a wrap to keep warm.
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During the daytime, a sweater dress and tights will be a comfortable and cozy option on chilly days.
Sneakers and Boots
- Life Is Classic: Take the inspiration of being an icon into all you do and be the movement you want to make in the...
- Chunky Platform: Elevate your look with these eye-catching women’s sneakers. Featuring a trendy thick ribbed...
- SUSTAINABLY CRAFTED: Womens slip on fashion sneaker with eco-conscious fabric toe box, linings and topcloth made...
Sneakers aren’t your only option for comfortable footwear if you want some variety. There are plenty of boots that are comfortable and can be used in the day or evening time.
Accessories | Bags
Bring a suitable bag! You will need one for carrying water, your wallet, phone, jacket, and hand sanitizer.
We highly recommend 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 public transportation such as the monorail. Be careful and carry an anti-theft bag.
Christmas and New Year’s
Take note of the strict dress codes for restaurants and clubs if you’re traveling for Christmas and New Year’s. Many special events will have dress standards, so be prepared for this ahead of time.
Personal Experiences
Hats and hair ties will help on windy days: When visiting Las Vegas during a windy weekend in mid-December, my hair was going all over the place and it was getting irritating. If you have long and thick hair like mine, plan to keep it up and out of your face in some way, because otherwise the wind will leave you with tangles.
I ended up keeping my hair in a ponytail for most of my trip until I bought a cute bandana, which helped me let my hair down but still kept it out of my face during strong gusts of wind.
If you’re someone who likes hats, headbands, and bandanas, bring them along in your luggage just in case!
Keep your things close to you: If you plan on spending time in heavily populated tourist areas, like the Strip pedestrian bridges or Fremont Street, be wary of people around you!
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When I visited Las Vegas, I was walking between two big casinos in a part of the Strip that was really packed with tourists. I anticipated there would be a lot of performers and people asking for money, but some got aggressive while asking.
I’m so happy I had my wallet and other belongings in my fanny pack strapped across my chest, so it was easy to put my hand over the zipper as I kept walking to make sure my items were secure.
My biggest piece of advice is to keep your things in a small bag that is easy to hold and keep track of, or if that’s not possible, make sure you keep your wallet and phone in your front pocket. Avoid carrying these valuables in your hand, because someone can easily swipe them and run off.
Stay moisturized: Pack a thick lotion and some good chapstick in your suitcase. Carry them with you during your trip, because the desert air is extremely dry, especially in cold weather.
I have oily skin, but the Vegas air gets so dry that I feel like the skin on my face and hands is going to crack in half unless I’m constantly reapplying moisturizer and lip balm. Whenever I go during the fall and winter, the chilly air only makes it worse.
Even if you think you have really oily or hydrated skin, the arid climate and hard water will dry you out, and you’ll thank yourself later by packing lotion.
If you’re like me and you can’t stand the greasy feel of lotion on your hands all the time, try to invest in a really thick cream to put on your skin at night to let it absorb some moisture. This way your skin can get as much hydration as possible overnight and prevent some of the drying and cracking that comes with a day of exploring Vegas!
Outfits for Casinos | Restaurants | Clubs | Shows
Casino
Las Vegas casinos don’t enforce a specific dress code, but it’s generally expected that guests dress sensibly.
Even in the most upscale casinos, casual attire is completely acceptable, provided it’s neat and presentable.
Feel free to visit any Las Vegas casino in shirts and trousers without worrying about being judged for your choice of clothing.
Dressing for the Hotel Casino
In Las Vegas casinos, your attire can vary based on the hotel and time of day. During daytime, both men and women can go for a relaxed yet neat look with shorts or jeans, blouses, sport shirts with collars, or tasteful t-shirts.
In the evening, the dress code shifts slightly towards formality. Opt for jeans, slacks, blouses, skirts, dresses, button-down shirts, or jackets. Flip flops are a no-go.
While most casinos don’t enforce a strict dress code, observing what others wear can be a helpful guide.
- Men:
- Daytime: Shorts or jeans
- Collared sport shirts or neat t-shirts
- Evening: Jeans or slacks
- Button-down shirts or jackets
- Women:
- Daytime: Shorts, jeans, or casual dresses
- Blouses or stylish tops
- Evening: Jeans, slacks, or skirts
- Dresses, blouses, or elegant tops
Nightclub
Dressing for the Nightclub
Nightclubs and lounges in Vegas usually have a dress code focused on smart and attractive attire. Avoid shorts, torn clothes, sneakers, flip flops, and plain t-shirts.
A more polished look is preferred – think business casual. This includes pressed jeans or slacks, button-down shirts, suitable dresses, skirts, blouses, and closed-toe leather shoes.
Adding a jacket to a collarless shirt like a t-shirt or pullover can elevate the outfit.
- Men:
- Pressed jeans or slacks
- Button-down shirts (long or short sleeved)
- Jackets (optional but recommended)
- Closed-toe leather shoes
- Women:
- Suitable dresses or skirts
- Blouses or stylish tops
- Pressed jeans or slacks
- Jackets or elegant outerwear
- Closed-toe shoes or dressy sandals
Restaurant
Dressing for Fine Restaurants
Fine dining in Vegas often comes with a dress code. While only a few, like Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand and Picasso at Bellagio, may require jackets, most fine dining establishments lean towards “business casual.”
This includes pressed jeans or slacks, button-down shirts (long or short-sleeved), and closed-toe shoes for both men and women. Ladies might also consider social occasion dresses.
- Men (Fine Dining):
- Jackets (required in select restaurants like Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand and Picasso at Bellagio)
- Pressed jeans or slacks
- Button-down long or short-sleeved shirts
- Closed-toe shoes
- Women (Fine Dining):
- Social occasion dresses
- Blouses with pressed jeans or slacks
- Elegant skirts or dresses
- Closed-toe shoes
Show
Dressing for the Las Vegas Show
The time of day influences your outfit choice for Las Vegas shows. Daytime shows are casual – prioritize comfort. Evening shows, especially upscale celebrity performances, often see guests dressing up more, though strict formal wear isn’t necessary.
Aim for an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and fitting in. For men, this might be dark jeans or slacks with a smart shirt, and for women, a dress or stylish ensemble suitable for an evening out.
In all these settings, the key is to balance comfort with style, keeping in mind the specific atmosphere of the place you’re visiting. Remember, Vegas is a place to impress and enjoy, so dress in a way that enhances your experience and confidence.
- Men:
- Daytime: Casual attire, such as jeans and a comfortable shirt
- Evening: Dark jeans or slacks, smart shirt
- Optional jacket for a more polished look
- Women:
- Daytime: Casual dress or comfortable yet stylish ensemble
- Evening: Dress suitable for a night out, or a stylish top with jeans or slacks
- Elegant accessories to enhance the outfit
Conclusion
December is an incredible month to explore Las Vegas and surrounding areas. The skies are usually clear and the air is cool and crisp. Come prepared with lots of layers and comfortable clothing.
This means to consider whether you are a person who gets warm or cold easily and pack accordingly. If you find yourself always needing a jacket unless it’s the peak of summer, bring lots of long-sleeves, sweaters, a thick jacket, and warm pants. If you’re always sweating and turning your air conditioning down as cold as it can go, feel free to stick with thin long sleeves and jeans, but pack a warm jacket just in case.