United States, North America
Las Vegas in May
Pool parties in full swing, and EDC fills hotels one weekend mid month. Hike only in the early morning by late May.
The straight answer
May is a good month to visit Las Vegas. Pool parties in full swing, and EDC fills hotels one weekend mid month. Hike only in the early morning by late May.
- Weather
- Hot, highs near 88F (31C)
- Crowds
- 4 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What May is like in Las Vegas
May turns hot. Highs are near 88F (31C), pool parties are in full swing, and the desert is getting too warm for midday hikes by late in the month. Electric Daisy Carnival fills hotels citywide one weekend in the middle of the month. Crowds and prices stay high, especially on weekends.
It suits pool lovers, festival fans and anyone who wants warm nights out. Hikers should start at sunrise. If you want cooler trail weather, come in March or April, and if EDC is not your thing, check its dates before booking.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Las Vegas this month.
Electric Daisy Carnival
A huge electronic music festival at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, one weekend in May. Hotels book up across the city.
Peak pool season
Warm, dry days make the resort pools the main event, before the extreme heat of summer.
Sunrise hikes
Early mornings at Red Rock are still pleasant, and you can be back at the pool by lunch.
What to pack for May
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- A wide-brim hat and high SPF sunscreen
- A large refillable water bottle
- Light, breathable clothes
Our timing tip
Check the EDC weekend before you book, since hotel rates spike across town that weekend.
Book Las Vegas for May.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Las VegasOpens a hotel search for Las Vegas in May, 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 May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in May
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)
A weekend in May
A huge electronic music festival at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Books out hotels citywide.
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 May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Las Vegas?
May is a good month to visit Las Vegas. Pool parties in full swing, and EDC fills hotels one weekend mid month. Hike only in the early morning by late May.
What is the weather like in Las Vegas in May?
Hot, highs near 88F (31C).
Is Las Vegas crowded in May?
Las Vegas is busy in May, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.
What is happening in Las Vegas in May?
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) (a weekend in may).
Keep planning Las Vegas.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Visit Faye
Travel insurance.
FayeA missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.
- Visit Saily
eSIM data.
SailySet up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.
Our top-rated travel gear
Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.