Las Vegas
United States of America
- Las Vegas Strip
- Fremont Street
- Fountains of Bellagio
- Hoover Dam
- Red Rock Canyon
About Las Vegas
Las Vegas lies in a valley in the Mojave Desert in the US state of Nevada. Founded in the early 20th century as a railroad stop, it became an entertainment hub after gambling was legalized.
Giant casino resorts lining the Strip, shows and neon lights are its symbols, while the surrounding desert and canyons offer outdoor trips.
How many days do you need?
Three days suit most visitors. Spend a day on the Strip resorts and the fountain show, an evening on Fremont Street, and a day at Red Rock Canyon or the Hoover Dam. The Grand Canyon needs an extra day.
Where to stay
- The Strip (central) — In the middle of the big resorts and shows; walking distances can still be long.
- Downtown — Around Fremont Street; older, smaller hotels.
- Off-Strip — Quieter stays in non-gaming hotels.
From the airport to the city
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) sits just southeast of the Strip, about 5 miles from Downtown. Taxis and ride-hailing are the most common options; RTC buses also link the airport with the Strip and Downtown.
Getting around
RTC buses run around the clock between the Strip and Downtown, and the Las Vegas Monorail serves the east side of the Strip. Canyon and dam trips need a rental car or a tour.
Good to know
- Summer temperatures often exceed 104 °F; drink plenty of water and avoid desert hikes at midday.
- Resorts that look close on the map can be a long walk apart; wear comfortable shoes.
- You must be 21 to gamble. The currency is the US dollar.
Useful links
- Visit Las Vegas visitlasvegas.com
- RTC (buses) rtcsnv.com
- Harry Reid International Airport harryreidairport.com
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: March–April and October–November. The warmest month is July (average high 106 °F); the wettest is January (0.8 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58.5 | 0.79 | Cool or rainy |
| February | 63.0 | 0.71 | Good |
| March | 70.5 | 0.50 | Ideal |
| April | 79.7 | 0.24 | Ideal |
| May | 89.1 | 0.14 | Good |
| June | 101.5 | 0.06 | Very hot |
| July | 105.8 | 0.64 | Very hot |
| August | 103.1 | 0.68 | Very hot |
| September | 95.9 | 0.41 | Very hot |
| October | 82.2 | 0.41 | Ideal |
| November | 68.9 | 0.37 | Ideal |
| December | 57.9 | 0.66 | Cool or rainy |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- Martin Luther King Jr. DayJanuary 18
- Washington's BirthdayFebruary 15
- Memorial DayMay 31
- JuneteenthJune 19
- Independence DayJuly 4
- Labour DaySeptember 6
- Columbus DayOctober 11
- Veterans DayNovember 11
- Thanksgiving DayNovember 25
- Christmas DayDecember 25
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
- Dialling code+1
- Plugs & voltageType A, B · 120 V · 60 Hz
- Emergency911
- DrivingOn the right
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.