Sunset over the Las Vegas skyline, with the replica Eiffel Tower in the foreground

Las Vegas in November

November sees a marked change in the Nevada climate as winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop rapidly, but you can still expect pleasantly mild days, particularly at the beginning of the month. Read on for our guide to visiting Las Vegas in November.

Visiting Las Vegas in November

Las Vegas in November

Visiting Las Vegas in November

Average Temperature: 55°F • Average Rainfall: 5 days/month • Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day

Let’s not beat about the bush: as the seasons turn from fall to winter, it becomes increasingly difficult to know how to pack for your Las Vegas vacation. At the beginning of the month days remain mild, with highs reaching the mid 60s and – if you’re lucky – evenings that are just about warm enough to for dining al fresco at Lago with ringside seats for the Bellagio’s famous fountain shows. But by the close of the month, you’re very much at the sharp end of autumn, with a distinct winter chill lending a holiday feel to Vegas as Thanksgiving approaches. Our advice? Take jeans and light jumpers for the daytime, and layer up with thicker woolens – jumpers, hats and socks – if you’re planning to be out and about on The Strip in the evenings.

Those lower temperatures mean there are some relative bargains to be had on flights and hotels too, but watch out for spikes in prices during the busy SEMA automotive show and around Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

 

Things to do in November

Las Vegas in November

Things to do in November

The season for lounging poolside at Mandalay Bay with a pina colada may be over, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of fun outdoor pursuits to keep you occupied during these mild November days. In case you hadn’t noticed, Las Vegas is surrounded by desert and mountain trails that are ideal for hiking enthusiasts. Then there’s that great big geological masterpiece they call the Grand Canyon, its South Rim accessible on day trips from Las Vegas by coach or ‘copter. There are dozens of variations of Canyon tours on offer. Private or in a group. With or without champagne. Even posh picnics complete with linen tablecloths and polished silver cutlery. But it's the views you came for rather than the vol au vents, right? And there’s little to beat soaring up across the South Rim in a helicopter and seeing the Canyon open out beneath you, before landing and enjoying a hike among the red rock and wildflowers.

Vegas helicopter tours are a mini industry all of their own, and you can also take trips out over the Hoover Dam and along the Strip at night. And, of course, there are tours that combine all three of these experiences.

Las Vegas in November

Did you know there’s another canyon that’s much closer to Vegas and therefore doesn’t require a flight or 12-hour return road trip? Well, now you do: Red Rock Canyon sprawls across nearly 200,000 acres of Mojave Desert just a few miles west of Sin City. Close enough, in fact, to rent a car and drive out there yourself with the top down and Viva Las Vegas blasting on the stereo.

As the name suggests, Red Rock Canyon is notable for its vivid rust-colored cliffs and crevices, which have been part of the landscape here since dinosaurs roamed the earth. There are plenty of hiking opportunities, from easy kid-friendly adventures to strenuous mountain hikes best left to the experts. November is a great time to visit as the mild temperatures are less likely to turn you into a sweaty mess than they might have done in late summer and early fall. Check out all the marked hikes and trails here.

Prefer high-powered machinery to put in the effort so you don’t have to? We’ve got you covered. Desert tours in all-terrain self-drive vehicles including quad bikes, three-wheeled motorcycles and specially pimped-up buggies are a great way to get out into the wide open spaces of the Mojave and really experience the vastness of it all.

 

Las Vegas in November

Or, y’know, you could just stay in town and play the slots, dine yourself silly on some of the best gourmet food on the planet, and take in a few of those famously flamboyant Las Vegas shows. Vegas really is the city that never sleeps, where entertainment is available 24/7 and performances from the likes of Cirque du Soleil and the Blue Man Group are as much a part of the local landscape as the Bellagio fountains, the erupting volcano at the Mirage and the soaring observation tower at the Strat. For the best live music concerts in Las Vegas in November, check listings for the T-Mobile Arena, the MGM Grand Garden Arena and the legendary Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Between them they’ve hosted some of the biggest names in rock and pop, from Stevie Nicks to Sinatra and Black Sabbath to Britney.

What’s on in November?

Las Vegas in November

What’s on in November?

As well as any number of major rock concerts and unmissable acrobatic and burlesque shows, November sees a number of food festivals roll into town. Follow your nose to the Great Las Vegas Taco Festival, which takes place on or around the Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations, and promises live mariachi music, mechanical bull riding, fireworks and fairground rides, as well as – of course – dozens of taco stalls and taco eating contests. Meanwhile, Donut Fest will satisfy the cravings of those with a sweeter tooth.

The Holiday Craft and Gift Festival ramps up the festive spirit ahead of Christmas and you’ll also find plenty of restaurants offering Thanksgiving specials towards the end of the month. Also worth noting is that shopping is practically a national sport in Las Vegas, which would make Black Friday the retail Super Bowl. Good news for incurable shopaholics: there’s plenty of choice here with mega-malls including Las Vegas Premium Outlets North and South and the Fashion Show Mall. Resorts like Caesars Palace and The Venetian also offer major shopping complexes (The Forum Shops and Grand Canal Shoppes, respectively). But a word to the wise: expect long queues both outside the stores and at the tills. Now, elbows at the ready and... go!

Save on attractions in Las Vegas

Save on admission to Las Vegas attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info. So grab a Las Vegas pass and save while you sightsee this November!

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Is Las Vegas Safe to Visit?

Sit back and picture Vegas: we can guess what’s in your head. Neon strips. Roulette wheels spinning like carousels. Pristine casinos, so shiny they look like they were made just for you. Las Vegas is the land of entertainment opportunities - you’ll never be bored here. But if you’re reading this, what you really want to know is, will you be safe?.. Will I be safe in Las Vegas? 6 ways to stay safe at the slots and tables People carrying large amounts of money attract thieves and pickpockets in any city. But the number of slots and tables in the city may pose some unique considerations to tourists who don’t want to draw attention to themselves by flashing their cash. Here are some good ways to keep your money and valuables as safe as possible: 1. Stow your wallet in your front pocket rather than back. Wrap a thick rubber band around it to make it harder for it to be lifted out. 2. Why not invest in some travel-safe wardrobe pieces? Travel blazers contain special zippered inside pockets. Or if they’re too much hassle, a trusty fanny pack is a tourist classic. 3. Won on the slots? Excellent - drinks on you! But before you cash out, make sure you’re done playing to avoid having any of it lifted. If you’ve won really big, ask the casino for a cashier’s check. 4. Keep purses and backpacks on your lap or on a special hook that slides under the armrest of some blackjack tables. Do not leave them on the floor where a bag snatcher can grab it. Better still, stow your bags in your locked hotel room to avoid this scenario entirely. 5. You’re doing really well at the tables. Your chips are piling up. Maybe so high a thief can see them clearly from the other side of the room. Don’t make a totem pole of your winnings - exchange them for a higher denomination to keep things safe and a little humble. 6. Play safe by avoiding all betting games outside the casinos. What about areas around Vegas? 6 ways to stay safe at the slots and tables People carrying large amounts of money attract thieves and pickpockets in any city. But the number of slots and tables in the city may pose some unique considerations to tourists who don’t want to draw attention to themselves by flashing their cash. Here are some good ways to keep your money and valuables as safe as possible: 1. Stow your wallet in your front pocket rather than back. Wrap a thick rubber band around it to make it harder for it to be lifted out. 2. Why not invest in some travel-safe wardrobe pieces? Travel blazers contain special zippered inside pockets. Or if they’re too much hassle, a trusty fanny pack is a tourist classic. 3. Won on the slots? Excellent - drinks on you! But before you cash out, make sure you’re done playing to avoid having any of it lifted. If you’ve won really big, ask the casino for a cashier’s check. 4. Keep purses and backpacks on your lap or on a special hook that slides under the armrest of some blackjack tables. Do not leave them on the floor where a bag snatcher can grab it. Better still, stow your bags in your locked hotel room to avoid this scenario entirely. 5. You’re doing really well at the tables. Your chips are piling up. Maybe so high a thief can see them clearly from the other side of the room. Don’t make a totem pole of your winnings - exchange them for a higher denomination to keep things safe and a little humble. 6. Play safe by avoiding all betting games outside the casinos. What about areas around Vegas? Put a spotlight on the neon city Gangs are very much still a feature of the area outside of the Strip and Fremont Street. Darker neighboring streets are subject to car break-ins, theft and vandalism. One to bear in mind if you’re considering a car rental while you’re there and need a place to park. City officials are doing a good job of cracking down on crime, but like any good tourist in a new city, do your research before setting off to any unfamiliar area. Vegas gangs are often named for the neighborhoods in which they commit their crimes, so check what people are saying about the places you intend to visit before you set off: The ‘Gerson Park Kingsmen’ are named for the Gerson Park public housing complex, for example. There are also gangs named for Donna Street and Vegas Heights. The Las Vegas Valley has reportedly been home to hundreds of street gangs in recent years. If you’re travelling by car, exercise caution north of the Encore resort, near the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and near McCarran International Airport, owing to a slightly greater risk of car break-ins, theft, and vandalism. Getting around While on the subject of a car rental, we know they supply greater autonomy, but why not skip the designated driver part and relax into the Vegas experience? Uber, Lyft and the city’s super-secure monorail and bus transportation system are an excellent alternative to getting behind the wheel yourself. If this is your very first time in Vegas, take the opportunity to see the city by foot. The length of the Strip is around four miles, so there’s no better way of walking off a buffet than by taking a stroll and discovering some incredible hotels along the way. You can wander in and out of these huge entertainment complexes, wiling away the hours in true Vegas style before taking your picture at the ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign, just beyond the Mandalay Bay Hotel Resort and Casino. But if you’re new to Vegas or America in general, stay safe on foot by making sure you don’t jaywalk. Use a suitable crossing point or bridges and don’t cross into traffic as the city is heavily policed. Savvy travel in the city of lights So when it comes to visiting Vegas, you’ll be safe as long as you stay savvy. Remember to search before you explore. Whether you’re looking for an authentic local experience or a parking spot, in this city and any other you visit, check out neighborhoods and areas online first. Read what other tourists are saying before you set out and be mindful of places in Vegas where gangs feature, usually in certain areas off the Strip. Be scam smart by limiting how much you buy or take part in outside of the casino. Street vendors are an unsafe option. Stick to licensed shops and don’t buy water, VIP passes or take part in games, kerbside. And remember, what happens in Vegas may not stay in Vegas if you don’t drink responsibly. Try and have fun while keeping your wits engaged. However you decide to travel, get around like a local. You’d probably avoid unmarked taxis at all cost at home, so do the same in Vegas. If in doubt, speak to casino staff who’ll recommend transport companies affiliated with the casino. If you also have the Uber and Lyft apps, great, but remember to check the profiles, ratings (the higher, the better) and registration against the car you climb into. The monorail is also an excellent mode of transport that maintains strict safety measures - just remember to check its schedule first.
Go City Expert
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Top 5 Buffets in Las Vegas

Food, food, and more food. If you didn’t know it already, that’s what Las Vegas is all about (I mean, in addition to the other obvious appeals). I’m talking about the buffets—no Las Vegas vacation is complete without one. Vegas is home to some of the best buffets in the country. People flock from all over to sample the cuisine served up in these celebrated restaurants, which are often located in hotels. At many places, you can try food from all over the world in one meal! And although most buffets have American classics like pizza and ribs, you’ll also find gourmet menus. So whether you’re an adventurous foodie or the burger and fries type, there’s something you’ll love. Choosing the top 5 buffets in Las Vegas is tough, but these 5 represent a variety of styles and are constantly ranked highest among patrons. Just remember, don’t fill up one thing—you’ll want to try small samples of everything...and still save room for dessert! If you're looking to explore Las Vegas a little more in addition to sampling their fine (and not so fine) cuisine, pick up a Los Angeles Explorer Pass® to save up to 55% on gate admission prices. Or, choose two or more attractions and save 20%. The Buffet at Bellagio Who could resist that? Possibly the most well-known buffet in Vegas, The Buffet at the Bellagio Resort & Casino serves top-of-the-line cuisine. Bellagio is best known for its gourmet fare and seafood, but they have other stuff, too. The array of foods ranges from choices like Chinese dim sum to foie gras to crab legs to pizza fresh out of the wood-fired oven. The atmosphere is classy, with opulent chandeliers and elegant artwork adorning the dining area. Of course, Bellagio serves dessert, too, but it’s certainly not the highlight of the buffet (most people agree they look better than they taste). But chances are you’ll be pretty full from dinner. Carnival World Buffet How can you choose just one? The Carnival World Buffet at Rio Las Vegas is especially known for 2 things: a kid-friendly menu and absolutely fabulous desserts. The Carnival is probably the best choice if you’re with children because kids will find all their favorites like mac and cheese, hamburgers, hot dogs, and make-your-own milkshakes. However, adults won’t be disappointed, either! The international selection is endless—you can choose from Thai, Chinese, Brazilian, Mexican, Italian, or Vietnamese dishes, and many of them are cooked up right in front of you. The real treat comes last: the dessert course. The Carnival World Buffet has more than 70 varieties of pies and pastries, cakes, and cookies, and a gelato bar! Le Village Buffet/Paris With such a charming setting, how can you go wrong? For a unique dining experience, head to this little slice of Paris. Instead of international cuisine, Le Village Buffet serves up only French fare, with a Vegas twist. The cooking stations are themed to the regions of France, and the dining room is styled like a French village. You’ll enjoy quaint cobblestone walkways, old-fashioned lamp posts, and soft lighting—a rarity in the buffet world—all under a ceiling painted to resemble a blue sky. The menu features options like fruit-filled crepes, seafood or sausage kabobs, prepared duck, quiche, and of course a huge array of cheeses. The dessert station is fantastic, too. The Bananas Foster is a favorite among patrons, as well as the crème brulee and flan. Spice Market Buffet You'll find a dazzling array of choices at this buffet! This worldly buffet is found inside Planet Hollywood and features a huge selection of high-quality international options. They have an especially notable Mexican station, as well as delicious Middle Eastern specialties (a rarity in Buffetland). Other stations include Asian, Italian and Seafood. Spice Market has a straightforward layout that is easy to navigate through—great for hungry buffet-goers trying to maneuver their way to their favorite stations. You’ll also find large plasma TV’s on the walls for viewing sports games or watching music videos. Another plus is the delicious dessert section. They have apples, strawberries, bananas foster, crepes, ice cream, and even cotton candy! Go to Spice Market for a traditional, yet delicious buffet experience. Garden Court Buffet at Main Street Station Such a grand atmosphere! The Garden Court Buffet is the definite choice for those on a budget, offering a dinner price nearly half the cost of most other Vegas buffets. It’s popular among locals, making for a comfortable environment in a spacious dining room decked out in Victorian décor. Favorites served every day include Mexican, Southwestern, and Asian cuisine, along with pizza and rotisserie chicken. The Garden Court also has specialty days, including T-Bone Tuesday, Seafood Fridays, and a champagne brunch on the weekends. The consensus among patrons is that this place is definitely worth the value—good food, good price, no lines. Remember, if you want to enjoy a few Las Vegas attractions in between delicious meals, the Las Vegas Explorer Pass® can save you up to 55%!
Katie Sagal

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