What to Wear in Las Vegas in May
May in Las Vegas averages 67–88°F — the desert heats up quickly, pool season is in full swing, and only about 2 rainy days break the reliably dry stretch. Light summer clothing, sun protection, and hydration are the priorities for the Strip and the Red Rock Canyon trails; the 21°F daily swing from the 67°F evenings to the 88°F afternoons means a light layer for evenings is still useful on the outdoor restaurant patios.
What to wear
top / Tank & Cami
tank top
breathable — lets heat escape in warm weather
bottom / Shorts
denim shorts
breathable fabric for high-heat days
lightweight linen pants for more coverage
footwear / Sandals
flat sandals
let feet breathe in the heat
white sneakers if you walk a lot
Based on typical May conditions in Las Vegas. Weather varies year to year — check the live forecast when you're within two weeks of your trip.
Las Vegas's May is the opening of the serious outdoor pool and entertainment season — 88°F afternoons, crystal-clear desert skies, and the city's resort pools filling with guests who've arrived specifically for this combination of warmth and sun. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area's Spring Mountains trail system is still hikeable in May before the summer heat makes higher-exertion outdoor activity impractical, and the Strip's fountain shows at the Bellagio and the outdoor entertainment along the LINQ Promenade are fully operational in the warm evenings. Only about 2 days bring any rain. Las Vegas's resort-glam, no-half-measures style fully enters summer mode in May — pool outfits and resort wear, bold sundresses and strappy sandals for evening shows, and the unapologetically fashion-forward aesthetic that the Strip's entertainment and nightlife demands. The 21°F gap between afternoon highs and cool evenings means a light wrap or jacket is useful for the outdoor Strip walk after dark, when the desert radiates its heat and the temperature drops noticeably from the afternoon peak.
Curated Looks
No outfits found for this style. Try a different filter.
Packing List
What to Pack for Las Vegas in May →
Other Months in Las Vegas
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in Las Vegas in May?+
Light summer clothing handles the 88°F May afternoons — sundresses, light jeans, or shorts for the Strip's daytime and the Red Rock Canyon trailheads. A light wrap or jacket is useful for the Strip's evening outdoor areas, where the 67°F evening temperature is noticeably cooler after the afternoon's heat. Resort wear and pool-adjacent looks are fully appropriate at the casino-hotel pool areas. Sun protection — hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen — is essential.
Is May a good time to visit Las Vegas?+
May is one of Las Vegas's best months — warm enough for the pool culture but not yet at the punishing 105°F+ July peak. Red Rock Canyon hiking is still practical in the early morning hours before 10 a.m. The pool scene is fully operational and the outdoor entertainment along the Strip is at its best in the warm evenings. Memorial Day weekend brings the year's first major party atmosphere and significantly higher hotel rates.
What shoes are best for Las Vegas in May?+
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are the priority — the Strip covers 4–5 miles of walking and casino floors add significant additional distance. Sandals work for pool and casual Strip walking; ankle boots or wedge sandals bridge comfort and the Strip's fashion-forward evening dress code for shows and nightlife. Red Rock Canyon's trail system requires a proper trail shoe or hiking boot for the rocky desert terrain.
How hot does it get in Las Vegas in May?+
Afternoon highs average 88°F in the dry desert air — hot but not yet the extreme summer temperatures. The low humidity makes 88°F more tolerable than similar temperatures in humid Southeast cities, but UV intensity at the desert latitude and altitude is extremely high. Evenings cool to 67°F quickly after sunset. Only about 2 days bring precipitation; May is one of the driest months of the year.
What should I pack for Las Vegas in May?+
Pack light summer clothing, resort wear for pool use, sandals or comfortable walking shoes, a light wrap or jacket for evenings, high-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat. Hydration is critical — the dry desert air and high UV index deplete fluids quickly even when the heat feels manageable. Red Rock Canyon hikers should carry 3+ liters of water for any trail over 3 miles in May.