Las Vegas May Outfits | Tips

May in Las Vegas is the time when the city is bracing for another brutal summer. While the mornings and early afternoons will be comfortable to walk around in shorts and a shirt, the sun will be showing its strength as the hours and days wear on.

However, preparing for a trip in May requires more:

💡 Should you pack jeans? What clothing items are essential? What should you wear in the mornings and evenings?

Visiting earlier? Read our guides for

• Las Vegas Outfits/Packing March
• Las Vegas Outfits/Packing in April

We are here to help with our complete guide:

• May Weather Overview
• May Outfits | Packing Guide
• Essential Clothing Items
• More Personal Experiences and Packing Lists
• Outfits for Shows, Restaurants, Casinos

Tip: Best Vegas Guidebooks

Prepare to pack on your deodorant and bring a hat and sunglasses with you everywhere you go, as things will be getting toasty. Your non-negotiable items in your suitcase should include sunscreen and very comfortable walking shoes.

 

Weather Overview

This month brings sunny conditions and pleasant days with usually no rain. The weather truly begins to heat up, with temperatures up to 94°F on average. However, be prepared for chilly evenings once the sun goes down and the temperatures begin to drop.

Average high temperature progression during the month:

• Early May: 85°F (29°C)
• Mid-May: 89°F (32°C)
• Late May: 94°F (34°C)

The weather during May in Las Vegas is pleasant and sunny. The daily maximum ranges from 85°F to 94°F. While it is unlikely that the temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit on most days, it’s possible towards the end of the month.

Local opinion: The May weather In Las Vegas starts out warm and pleasant, in the 80s, but by the end of the month, the 100°F weather often begins.

Temperature progression on a typical day in May:

• Early (7:30 AM): 74°F
• Noon (12:15 PM): 88°F
• Evening (9:00 PM): 85°F

Coldest Temperature

Las Vegas is not cold in May. The lowest average temperate is 61°F (16°C) in the early morning at the beginning of the month. Cooler temperatures below 60°F (15°C) are quite rare, occasionally occurring during the night in early May.

Humidity

Because it is located in the desert, Las Vegas is extremely dry all year. In May, the city’s relative humidity normally ranges from 11 percent (which is extremely dry) to 34 percent (pleasant). The likelihood of a muggy and unpleasant day is basically zero.

Rainfall

During May the average precipitation in Las Vegas is 0.1 inches throughout the month. There is only one rainy day on average. That means rain is unlikely during your May visit. Even if it rains, it’s typically short and often drizzles for about 10-20 minutes only.

Basically, you probably won’t see many rain clouds during May. Thus, you will be able to enjoy the Vegas sun uninterrupted by any surprise downpours.

Wind

During a typical day in May, wind speeds range from almost no wind to a fresh breeze in Vegas. The winds can increase to about 20 mph, especially around lunchtime, on a few days. That means it can get a bit breezy on some days and light layers are a good idea after checking the forecast.

However, the average hourly wind speed remains quite low and stable during this month:

• May 1: 9.1 mph
• May 11: 9.0 mph
• May 21: 8.8 mph
• May 31: 8.8 mph

Sun/Daylight

The length of the day in Las Vegas is increasing throughout the month. The length of the day increases by 46 minutes from the beginning to the end of the month. May 1 is the shortest day, with 13 hours, 41 minutes of daylight, and May 31 is the longest day, with 14 hours, 27 minutes of daylight.

Outfit Tips and Packing Guide

Sunny days are to be expected in May, so pack your sunscreen and sunglasses, because you’re going to need them. Chances are you won’t need to pack sweaters. However, if you wake up early or get chilled easily, packing a light sweater is not a bad idea.

The majority of the clothes you wear in Las Vegas during May should be lightweight which allows your body to stay cool. Pack shorts, short-sleeve t-shirts, breathable leggings (women), jeans for cooler mornings or evenings, comfortable shoes, and swimwear.

Do You Need a Jacket in May?

May is the month that many locals call the calm before the storm. Temperatures are climbing, and while the weather is not quite as miserable as it gets in July, you will be able to feel summer right around the corner, especially near the end of the month.

💡 You will not need to waste space in your suitcase with a jacket.

At most, you should consider packing a very thin sweater or cardigan to protect yourself from the icy air conditioning of the casinos and other establishments along the Strip. This is especially important if you go from sweating for hours while you walk around to sitting down in a Strip restaurant for lunch — you will find yourself shivering under the air vents. Shop for Light Sweaters on Amazon

Local tip: The weather during May in Vegas is great for most outdoor activities. I mostly get cold indoors when traveling during May in Vegas, as the air conditions always seem to be on full blast. I recommend light layers that you don’t mind carrying along.

Sweater Recommendations for May:

Additionally, it can be windy sometimes in May so the layers can be helpful to outside as well. However, most years during my May visits, layers come off when outdoors and go on while inside. As far as pants go, I almost always wear capris.

A Typical Day

Mornings

Las Vegas mornings in May are usually comfortable with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, which is perfect for sitting outside for brunch or getting on the green to play a round of golf.

Our Sweater Tips for Vegas in May | AMAZON

You will want to bring your thin sweater or cardigan with you when leaving your hotel for the morning, especially if you get chilly easily. However, make sure you’re okay with carrying it or stowing it away in your bag, because you will not be needing it once the sun is rising in the sky.

Jeans, capris, or shorts should be fine, but we recommend opting for capris or shorts if you do not plan on returning to your hotel until much later in the day.

Afternoons

May afternoons range from warm to hot, but luckily you won’t feel like you’re being baked alive like you might in June, July, or August. You will be happy to be wearing shorts with a tank top or T-shirt under the cardigan you brought.

Your comfortable walking sneakers should be coming in handy by now if you planned on spending your day walking the Strip or exploring other parts of Las Vegas.

Trendy Sneakers on Amazon | Essential for Vegas

Make the most of these temps by bringing your swimsuit and sandals to lounge poolside. If warm weather and pools aren’t your thing, there are hundreds of air-conditioned activities available to you!

3 or 4 PM see the warmest temperatures of the day, so you should be happy ducking into an indoor establishment for some refreshments or a break from the Las Vegas sun. In case the air conditioning is running on high, have your sweater handy.

Evenings

For your late evening activities, you may want the chance to return to your hotel room to freshen up and put on a more “glam” outfit, especially if you plan on going out and enjoying the Strip’s nightlife. A nice dress for women and smart trousers and a nice button up for men would work nicely.

💡 Remember that many nightclubs will be expecting people to be dressed to the nines, so bring at least one very nice outfit.

Nighttime temperatures in May are perfect. It’s still warm from the day, but without the sun beating down on you. It’s a great time to walk the strip, take a ride on the Highroller at the Linq, see a world-renowned show, go dancing at a club, or all of the above.

Tip: Definitely bring a couple of swimsuits and a pair of sandals. Wearing a hat while lounging poolside is highly recommended. The desert sun is extremely powerful.

Excursion Outfits

Las Vegas gives tourists and locals alike the perfect blend of enjoying one-of-a-kind nightlife and entertainment while also providing beautiful natural sights. Check out the hiking trails in Red Rock Canyon or Mount Charleston or take a picnic to Lake Mead!

If you’re planning an outdoor adventure, it’s extremely important to consider your attire and supplies, especially because it may be a bit of a drive back to your hotel if you forget anything important, like sunglasses or a sweater.

Regardless of your planned activities, make sure you are wearing comfortable walking shoes and sweat-wicking clothes you can move freely in.

Women should wear leggings or stretchy pants for freedom of movement, a comfortable sports bra, and a tank top or shirt.

Women’s Athletic Shirt Tips | AMAZON

Men should plan to wear joggers and short-sleeved shirt. Everyone should come prepared with thick, comfortable socks and supportive walking or hiking shoes.

While you might be more comfortable walking in shorts, we recommend covering as much of your skin as possible while hiking, especially your legs and ankles, to protect yourself from bugs, plants, and other flora and fauna you may come into contact with in the wild desert.

Note: Mount Charleston will be about 10 degrees cooler than Red Rock thanks to its high altitude. If taking your hike to Mount Charleston, it’s a good idea to bring a jacket in case you find it especially chilly, but make sure you’re comfortable with carrying it or keeping it in a bag if you warm up during your hike.

Another important thing to consider is wearing a hat and sunglasses — regardless of the time of year you visit, you will find the sunshine to be a very strong companion on your time outdoors.

WOMEN’S CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS

Mornings:

• A light sweater (optional)
• Short sleeve T-shirts/blouses
• Breathable leggings or loose-fitting trousers (think linen)
• Shorts or skirts
• Comfortable flat shoes for walking

Afternoons:

• Tank tops or short sleeve t-shirts/blouses
• Shorts or skirts
• Your favorite swimsuit, sandals, and a hat

Evenings:

• A dress or pantsuit with flats/heels
• Jewelry that elevates your look

MEN’S CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS

Mornings:

• Short sleeve T-shirts
• Jeans or shorts
• Athletic shoes

Afternoons:

• Muscle Tee or short sleeve t-shirts
• Jeans or shorts
• Athletic shoes or sandals
• Your favorite swim trunks and flip flops

Evenings:

• Dark jeans/slacks and a button-down shirt
• Fitted suit (optional)
• Dress shoes or minimalist sneakers

Depending on the time of day it can be too hot for some activities, even in May. Find our suggestions from Las Vegas experts for every time of the day below.

Essential Items

Cardigan

A thin sweater or cardigan will be all you need just to protect yourself from any strong air conditioning or cool early mornings. Even if you get hot easily and don’t think you will be needing an outer layer, don’t underestimate how cold the casinos can be. Either way, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Check out some recommendations:

• Women’s sweater
• Men’s sweater

T-Shirts and Tanks

T-shirts are a great casual piece to use for all your outfits and will keep you comfortable as the days warm up. If you get hot very easily, you will find that the weather is perfect for a tank top and sandals.

Trousers or Jeans

While you might not be comfortable in long pants or jeans during the day as you walk around in the warm weather, jeans are a great option to keep you comfortable if you are going out in the early morning. Nice trousers or pants are also an essential for a well-put-together evening outfit.

Shorts

A few pairs of shorts will do nicely whether you’re walking the Strip or sitting by the pool.

Bathing Suit

Make sure to pack one or two bathing suits and check out your hotel pool!

Dresses

You can never go wrong with a cocktail dress for your evening attire especially because many places on the Strip enforce some sort of dress code. A sundress would also work beautifully to keep you cool as you go on your day excursions around the city.

Comfortable Shoes

Comfortable walking sneakers are a must for your trip to Las Vegas. You don’t want to end the day with blisters on your feet!

Tip: If you prefer wearing sandals, make sure you pick a comfortable pair with good support since you will likely be doing plenty of walking around.

Tip: If you plan to wear high heels in the evening, bring a thick pair of socks in your bag. Since you likely won’t have a pair of sandals in your clutch for your dinner outfit, this will give your feet a break and keep you from walking around the Vegas streets or casinos barefoot.

Keep Safe in the Sun

Even though it will protect your skin, it might not be comfortable to wear long sleeves in the heat. At the very least, keep a hat and sunglasses on and wear plenty of sunscreen.

Tip: A pair of chic sunglasses can elevate any outfit. For hats, think stylish yet practical—maybe a cute fedora or a wide-brimmed hat for added sun protection. If you want to keep it more casual, a baseball cap can work just fine.

The desert sun will feel very strong, so make sure you’re wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity.

Tip: Applying sunscreen in the morning won’t be enough if you plan on being out all day. Reapply at least every two hours, especially if you are sweating.

Personal Experiences

Lotion, lotion, lotion: Even though you’ll be sweating, the dry air will still suck all the moisture from your skin. Keep lotion in your bag and put on as much as you can, especially after a day of sweating or swimming in your hotel pool.

I don’t have particularly dry skin, but the Vegas weather always dries out my hands no matter what I do, whether it’s summer or winter. If you don’t like the feeling of lotion or don’t want to apply it during the day, invest in a thick cream to put on your skin at night to let it absorb some moisture.

Watch out for chafing: For the ladies who love the pre-summer weather because it means busting out all your cute dresses, bring some baby powder or lotion in your bag, especially if you plan on walking around the city all day!

When I visited Las Vegas during the warmer months, my thighs began to chafe under my dress pretty severely only a few hours into exploring the sights. Some baby powder helped, but it would have been better if I had applied it before the chafing even started.

I would recommend you apply extra baby powder or lotion to your thighs before embarking on your day, or wear shorts that won’t be visible under your dress but are still long enough to protect your thighs from rubbing up against each other.

Stay in the shade: Bring a small portable umbrella with you whether you’re lounging by the pool or walking down the Strip! Even with sunscreen and a hat, you might feel like you’re way too hot, especially near the end of May.

I keep a small, light-colored umbrella with me everywhere during the warm months in Vegas. The light colors reflect the sun’s rays and keep me cooler in the permanent shade, plus it helps protect my skin.

Conclusion

May in Las Vegas is the time when the city is bracing for another brutal summer. While the mornings and early afternoons will be comfortable to walk around in shorts and a shirt, the sun will be showing its strength as the hours and days wear on. Prepare to pack on your deodorant and bring a hat and sunglasses with you everywhere you go, as things will be getting toasty. Your non-negotiable items in your suitcase should include sunscreen and very comfortable walking shoes.

Sunny days are to be expected in May, so pack your sunscreen and sunglasses, because you’re going to need them. Chances are you won’t need to pack sweaters. However, if you wake up early or get chilled easily, packing a light sweater is not a bad idea.

The majority of the clothes you wear in Las Vegas during May should be lightweight which allows your body to stay cool. Pack shorts, short-sleeve t-shirts, breathable leggings (women), jeans for cooler mornings or evenings, comfortable shoes, and swimwear.