Packing List
December Packing List for Las Vegas — What to Wear & Bring
December Las Vegas runs 57°F by day and drops to 38°F at night. New Year's Eve brings 400,000+ people to the Strip in the cold — a proper coat, layers, and comfortable shoes for hours of outdoor standing are essential.
Averages 38–57°F, ~3 days of rain
Las Vegas December lows hit 38°F — New Year's Eve crowds on the Strip stand outdoors for 4–6 hours waiting for midnight fireworks in cold that many visitors from warmer climates are completely unprepared for.
December casino interiors at 68°F contrast with outdoor temperatures as low as 38°F — thermal underlayers keep you warm on the Strip while providing the base for removing layers once inside the Bellagio or Caesars Palace.
New Year's Eve at Las Vegas venues — from Zouk at Resorts World to Drai's at the Cromwell — requires polished party attire; the biggest NYE shows in the city have dress codes that go well beyond smart-casual.
December Las Vegas is quieter between Christmas and New Year's — daytime temperature at 57°F is comfortable for leisurely Strip walking, and jeans with layers cover most daytime activities in a pleasant, uncrowded environment.
Las Vegas December cold evenings at 38°F make the hotel room more appealing than usual — comfortable loungewear for non-event evenings during a multi-day holiday stay is worth packing for a week-long trip.
New Year's Eve on the Las Vegas Strip means standing on hard concrete in 38°F cold for several hours — insulated, cushioned footwear prevents both cold feet and knee pain from extended outdoor standing at the Bellagio and MGM Grand viewing areas.
Las Vegas NYE venue parties at major clubs require dressed-up footwear — dressy ankle or knee boots handle both the 38°F outdoor temperature and the upscale NYE dress code simultaneously.
December daytime at 57°F is pleasant for slow Strip strolling and indoor shopping at the Grand Canal Shoppes — comfortable flats work for the unhurried pace of Las Vegas's quieter mid-December weekdays.
New Year's Eve crowds on the Las Vegas Strip stand in 38°F open-air conditions — Bellagio and MGM Grand fireworks viewing zones have no overhead shelter, making head and neck warmth critical for the midnight countdown.
Las Vegas NYE requires constant phone use for photos and coordination in 38°F temperatures — touchscreen-compatible gloves let you operate your phone without exposing hands to cold desert night air for extended outdoor periods.
Las Vegas December skies are mostly clear and desert UV at 2,001 ft elevation still produces meaningful glare — bright December afternoons on the Strip between Mandalay Bay and the Wynn require eye protection even at the year's lowest UV levels.
New Year's Eve on the Las Vegas Strip packs 400,000+ people into a few blocks — a compact crossbody with a secure zip closure is the safest way to keep essentials accessible in extremely dense, slow-moving crowds.
Local tips for Las Vegas in December
- 1.New Year's Eve on the Las Vegas Strip draws 400,000+ people and blocks most of Las Vegas Boulevard to vehicles — plan to arrive at your viewing or venue location by 9 PM at the latest, as access becomes extremely difficult after 10 PM.
- 2.Las Vegas December hotel rates spike dramatically for New Year's Eve week — rooms that cost $100 on a Tuesday in December can reach $800+ for December 30–31; booking 3–6 months in advance is necessary for any budget-sensitive NYE trip.
- 3.Las Vegas casino air conditioning runs at 68°F throughout December — you'll be shedding your coat repeatedly as you move between the frigid outdoors and overheated casino floors; pack a bag large enough to carry bulky outerwear when inside.