Party season may be over but, while Sin City nurses its massive holiday hangover, there are still stacks of fun things to see and do here in the city that quite literally never sleeps. Bonus: it’s less busy than usual, making the Strip and its many attractions much easier to explore. Dive in to our expert guide to discover why you should visit Las Vegas in January.
Visiting Las Vegas in January
Average Temperature: 48°F • Average Rainfall: 6 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 8 hours/day
Being one of the hottest cities in the States doesn’t mean Las Vegas can’t also get chilly, particularly at night when desert temperatures have been known to plummet as dramatically as Celine Dion hitting an unexpected bass note on stage at Caesars Palace. Daytime highs at this time of year are around 57°F which, to be fair, is pretty darn pleasant for January especially when compared to, say, New York. But you might still be left wondering if the locals you see wandering around in shirt sleeves and shorts have been hitting the sauce a little too hard over the holiday season. We recommend layering as a safe bet to cover all bases. Think jeans, top and light jacket during the day with maybe an extra jumper or even a scarf on the chillier evenings, especially if this is when you plan to stroll the Strip to see the Bellagio fountains in action, or the erupting volcano outside the Mirage which, spectacular though it is, is unlikely to warm you up much.
It’s a great time to visit Vegas, for many reasons. Such as the January sales: you could easily spend days losing yourself in the supersize malls here (though your bank manager might not thank you for it). Then there are the casinos, restaurants and shows. As Las Vegas is way less busy this time of year, you’ll likely find it much easier to get that reservation at Robuchon, or the best seats in the house for Cirque du Soleil. Flights into Vegas are also traditionally cheaper at this time of year, with most hotels lowering prices too, though note that you should expect a significant hike during the massive Consumer Electronics Show near the start of the month.
Things to do in January
The holiday party season may be over, and pool season proper won’t start until March, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still find yourself a daybed and chill with cocktails by the pool someplace. Many of the major hotels here have heated pools that remain open throughout winter. These include the main pool at the MGM Grand, the palm-fringed pool deck at ARIA, and Resorts World with its enormous pool deck and infinity pool overlooking the Strip. However, to access others including Mandalay Bay and the Cosmopolitan you’ll need to be a guest, as day passes are unavailable.
From relaxing poolside to screaming your head off on some of the planet’s scariest thrill rides, there’s a January activity here to suit all tastes. Take a ride on Insanity, 900 feet above the Strip atop the Strat’s SkyPod observation tower. Soar through the skies on the Fly LINQ Zipline. Loop the loop on the Big Apple Roller Coaster. Or try the relatively sedate (but no less terrifying) High Roller Observation Wheel – at 550 feet, it’s the second highest on the planet.
After a couple of days spent enjoying Vegas’s non-stop assault of high-octane rides, high stakes casinos, high-priced steaks and endlessly mesmerizing neon lights, you may find yourself hankering for something a bit more... down to earth. Answer the call of the wild with a hiking trip to Red Rock Canyon, just south of the city. This sprawling conservation area is filled with towering sandstone peaks, waterfalls and Native American petroglyphs, and guided tours of its paths are available. Or steel yourself for a ramble up Mount Charleston, Clark County’s highest. The strenuous 16-hour round-trip to the mountain’s (probably snow-capped) summit is rewarded with unbeatable panoramic views of Death Valley, the Sierra Nevada, and Las Vegas itself.
A journey almost as lengthy (but considerably more comfortable) is a coach trip out east of the city to some of the Nevada-Arizona state line’s finest natural and manmade wonders. You can pause at the Hoover Dam for spectacular views of the Colorado River from hundreds of feet up, or drive through the Joshua Tree National Park to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim where further awe-inspiring views await. Heck, why not just combine all three for the ultimate day trip out of Vegas?
What’s on in January?
One of the surprise treats that awaits visitors to Vegas in January is the proliferation of festive attractions that remain open. Soothe your holiday hangover with a trip to the Glittering Lights extravaganza at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Here, a whopping five million lights (give or take) create a dazzling drive-through show packed with Christmas scenes and Vegas icons. There’s even an accompanying festive radio station to tune into in your car.
Meanwhile over at the Bellagio, you still have time (for the first week of January, at least) to view the displays at the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Expect holiday decorations made from flowers and plants, giant polar bears and trees festooned with tinsel and baubles. Head to the Cosmopolitan rooftop for firepits, s’mores and a massive ice-skating rink complete with regular snow flurries. There’s plenty of Christmas spirit left up here and the views of the Paris resort’s neon-lit Eiffel Tower are second to none.
Also worth looking out for in January is the parade in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The biggest in the state, it draws tens of thousands of participants annually, all eager to see its colorful floats and live performances.
Hot enough to melt the snow that blankets Mount Charleston’s highest peaks, the AVN Adult Entertainment expo also rolls into town at this time of the year, raising temperatures and offering fan meet and greets with some of the industry’s hottest stars. And if there’s an event more ‘Sin City’ than a porn convention, we’ve yet to hear of it...
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Las Vegas in January: FAQs
What's the weather like in Las Vegas in January?
January is cool, dry and usually sunny. Daytime highs are around 57–58°F (14°C) and nights drop to about 39°F (4°C). It rarely rains (only around four days in the month), and you'll get plenty of sunshine. The sun sets early, at about 4:40–5:10PM, so the neon kicks in before dinner.
Is it cold in Las Vegas in January?
It's chilly rather than freezing. January is Vegas's coolest month, and after dark the desert can feel colder than the numbers suggest, especially when it's windy. Days are often mild enough for a light jacket, which is a big win if you're escaping snow back home.
Does it snow in Las Vegas in January?
It's very rare on the Strip. Snow falls there only once every few years, and it usually melts almost immediately. If you want a snowy day out, head to Mount Charleston, less than an hour away. It's often snow-capped in January and has skiing and sledding at Lee Canyon.
What should I wear in Las Vegas in January?
Wear layers. Jeans, a sweater and a light-to-medium jacket will cover most days, with a warmer coat, scarf and closed shoes for evenings on the Strip. Inside, the casinos are toasty, so layers you can take off are handy. For shows and dinners, dress in smart-casual.
Are Las Vegas pools open in January?
Some are. Official pool season doesn't start until around March, but several resorts keep one heated pool open through winter, including Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, ARIA and Mandalay Bay. Hours are shorter, and some pools are for hotel guests only. For a year-round pool party, Circa's Stadium Swim is heated and open every day.
Is January a good time to visit Las Vegas?
Yes, especially if you prefer shows, food and sightseeing to pool parties. After New Year the crowds thin out, flights and hotels often get cheaper, and the cool, clear weather is perfect for day trips to Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. The big exception is CES week, when prices spike.
Is Las Vegas busy or expensive in January?
Most of January is one of the quieter, better-value times to visit. The two busy stretches are New Year's Eve and CES, the huge tech show that runs January 6–9 in 2027. Hotel rates can double or triple that week. For the best deals, aim for mid-to-late January and stay midweek.
What events are on in Las Vegas in January 2027?
The month starts with New Year's Eve fireworks over the Strip. It's followed by CES (January 6–9), and the city's Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade takes place around MLK Day on January 18. You can also catch Vegas Golden Knights home games, and some holiday displays linger into early January. Check event listings closer to your dates, since schedules change.
What shows are on in Las Vegas in January?
The big-name shows keep running year-round, so January is a great month to see one, and it's often easier to get good seats. Options include Cirque du Soleil productions like KA, O and Mystère, headliner residencies, magic shows and cabaret.
What is there to do in Las Vegas in January?
There's plenty. Ride the High Roller at sunset, scream your way up the STRAT's thrill rides, or zip-line over Fremont Street and the LINQ. You can also explore the Mob Museum or hike Red Rock Canyon in comfortable temperatures. Indoors, there are world-class shows, restaurants and the January sales at the Strip's giant malls.
Can you visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas in January?
Yes, and it's a great time to go. The West Rim, home of the Skywalk and about 2.5 hours' drive away, is open all year. The South Rim is open too and is sometimes dusted with snow. The North Rim closes in winter. Dress warmly, because the canyon rims are much colder than Vegas.
How can I save money on attractions in Las Vegas in January?
Go City can help. One digital pass covers 40+ top attractions, including the High Roller, KA by Cirque du Soleil, the Mob Museum, the Big Apple Coaster and a Hoover Dam tour. You save up to 50% compared with buying tickets separately. The Essentials Pass covers three highlights, the Explorer Pass lets you pick your must-sees, and the All-Inclusive Pass lets you see as much as you like. Unactivated passes can be refunded within 90 days of purchase.
