United States, North America
Las Vegas in December
The National Finals Rodeo fills town in early December. Mid December is quiet; New Year's Eve is among the priciest nights of the year.
The straight answer
December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Las Vegas. The National Finals Rodeo fills town in early December. Mid December is quiet; New Year's Eve is among the priciest nights of the year.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 57F (14C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What December is like in Las Vegas
December is cool, with highs near 57F (14C) and chilly nights. The National Finals Rodeo fills town for about ten days in early to mid December. After that, the middle of the month is quiet and good value. New Year's Eve is among the priciest nights of the year.
It suits rodeo fans, couples and budget travelers who want shows, holiday displays and dining. Pools are closed or quiet. For warm weather, choose April or October. If you want a deal, aim for the quiet weeks between the rodeo and the holidays.
Make the most of December
What is especially good about Las Vegas this month.
National Finals Rodeo
Rodeo's biggest event, with cowboy-themed shows and markets across town in early to mid December.
Bellagio Conservatory
The seasonal garden display is a free stop that works well with kids.
Quiet mid-month deals
Once the rodeo ends and before the holidays, hotel rates drop.
What to pack for December
- A warm coat for cold nights
- Layers for mild afternoons
- A nice outfit for shows or New Year's Eve
- Lotion and lip balm for dry air
Our timing tip
Book New Year's Eve rooms very early, or come mid-month for the best value.
Book Las Vegas for December.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for December
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Las VegasOpens a hotel search for Las Vegas in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Las VegasWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Las VegasTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Las Vegas for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in December
National Finals Rodeo
Early to mid December, about ten days
Rodeo's biggest event plus cowboy-themed shows and markets across town.
Things to do in Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
The 13-mile scenic drive and trails like Calico Tanks. A timed-entry reservation is required for the scenic drive in the busy season, so book ahead.
Valley of Fire State Park
Red sandstone, petroglyphs, and the Fire Wave trail. Go early; trails can close in extreme summer heat.
Hoover Dam
About 45 minutes away. The dam tour and the bypass bridge walkway are the highlights.
The Neon Museum
The boneyard of classic Vegas signs. Evening tours when the restored signs are lit are the best.
The Mob Museum
In a former federal courthouse downtown. Strong history, a working speakeasy in the basement.
Sphere
The giant LED venue near the Strip. Even if you skip a show, the exterior is worth seeing at night.
Beat the crowds
- Search the convention calendar before booking. A quiet midweek can cost a fraction of a trade-show week at the same resort.
- Arrive Sunday, leave Thursday. Weekend rates, especially Friday and Saturday, can be double or triple.
- Book Red Rock timed entry early and hike at sunrise. In spring the lots fill by mid morning on weekends.
- Resort fees and parking fees add up. Compare total cost, not headline room rates.
Know before you go
- Casinos, restaurants, and shows run all year. Big resident shows take breaks on some weeknights and for a few weeks a year, so check before you plan around one.
- Pools at many resorts close or reduce hours from roughly late fall to early spring. Heated pools stay open at some, but pool parties are a spring and summer thing.
- Desert parks restrict hiking in extreme heat. Valley of Fire has closed some trails in summer; never hike midday from June through September.
- The F1 race in November closes stretches of the Strip and adds traffic for days around race weekend.
Las Vegas in December, quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Las Vegas?
December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Las Vegas. The National Finals Rodeo fills town in early December. Mid December is quiet; New Year's Eve is among the priciest nights of the year.
What is the weather like in Las Vegas in December?
Cool, highs near 57F (14C).
Is Las Vegas crowded in December?
Crowds in Las Vegas are moderate in December; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Las Vegas in December?
National Finals Rodeo (early to mid december, about ten days).
Keep planning Las Vegas.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
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Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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