What Should You Pack for Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is all about extremes! During the day, especially in the summer, it gets scorching hot, so pack light, breathable clothing like short sleeve shirts and tank tops. Evenings can cool down, so having a casual jacket is helpful if you plan to be out late. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking The Strip, but bring dressier options for nights out at restaurants, shows, or the casino. And don’t forget a swimsuit for the hotel pool!
Make sure you’re prepared for: Exploring The Strip, visiting casinos, seeing live shows, dining at gourmet restaurants, and hiking in Red Rock Canyon.
Dress Code
Las Vegas has a mix of casual and glamorous, so be ready to switch it up. During the day, shorts, sundresses, and comfortable shoes are perfect for walking The Strip or exploring nearby attractions. However, nightlife in Vegas is all about glam, so pack a nice dress or jumpsuit if you plan to hit a club or dine at a fancy restaurant. A swimsuit is essential for lounging by the hotel pool, especially during the hot summer months!
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Spring
55 – 80°F
(13 – 27°C
)
Summer
80 – 105°F
(27 – 40°C
)
Fall
60 – 85°F
(16 – 29°C
)
Winter
40 – 60°F
(4 – 16°C
)
Spring: Warm and dry
Summer: Hot and dry with scorching temperatures
Fall: Warm days and cooler evenings
Winter: Cool and dry with sunny skies
Spring
0.5 inches of rain
Summer
0.4 inches of rain
Fall
0.3 inches of rain
Winter
0.5 inches of rain
Tops & Layers
1. Short Sleeve Shirts: Perfect for staying cool while walking The Strip during the day.
2. Tank Tops: Ideal for hot summer days or lounging at the pool.
3. Casual Jacket: Great for cooler evenings, especially if you’re planning a night out or dining outside.
Bottoms & Dresses
1. Pants: Great for cooler nights, especially in winter—I loved having these for dinners out.
2. Shorts: Essential for daytime activities when it’s hot outside.
3. Skirt: Perfect for daytime outings or evening dinners.
4. Dresses: Ideal for both casual daytime wear and dressing up for nights out.
5. Jumpsuit: A stylish option for a night out at one of Vegas’s iconic restaurants or clubs.
Shoes & Accessories
1. Sandals: Comfortable for walking around during the day, especially at places like The Strip or Fremont Street.
2. Flats: Perfect for evenings when you don’t want to wear heels but still want to look stylish.
3. Sunglasses: A must for the sunny Vegas days, especially during outdoor activities.
4. Hat: Ideal for keeping cool and protecting yourself from the sun while walking The Strip or hiking.
5. Swimsuit: A necessity for poolside lounging or day parties at the hotel.
6. Sarong: Great for covering up after the pool.
7. Beach Coverup: Perfect for transitioning from the pool to lunch at the hotel.
Luggage & Packs
1. Carry-On: Ideal for a weekend getaway to Las Vegas, especially for keeping your essentials close.
2. Daypack: Great for carrying sunscreen, water, and snacks while exploring The Strip or hiking in Red Rock Canyon.
3. Tote Bag: Useful for carrying your pool gear or picking up souvenirs on The Strip.
Travel Essentials
- Reusable Water Bottle: A must-have for travel days and while exploring for the day.
- Packing Cubes: Helpful for staying organized rather than ending up with a heap of clothes in your luggage.
- Luggage Tags: Even if you’re not checking luggage, still good to have in case you misplace your bags.
- Luggage Locks: Can be handy even if you’re not checking luggage, making your backpack more pickpocket-proof.
- Sleep Mask: An eye mask is a game changer for helping you get quality sleep each night.
- White Noise Machine: Same as above. White noise machines have helped me get more consistent sleep.
- Ear Plugs: Much better than the generic foam ones that never stay in my ears.
- Jewelry Case: Especially nice for organizing necklaces and not getting them all tangled.
- Dry Bag: An item to bring if you plan to do a lot of water activities or boat trips.
- Water Shoes: Same as above. Great to bring if you plan to do water activities or boat trips.
- Travel Umbrella: Only if you’re going somewhere where it’s going to be wet and rainy (but not too windy).
- Deck of Cards / Fox in the Forest: I love playing card games while traveling. It’s a fun way to pass the time.
- Portable Charger: It’s surprising how often you don’t have an outlet when you need one, and your phone is essential for everything from directions to your mobile boarding pass.
- Universal Travel Adapter: This universal adapter works in 200+ countries. Great for airports too.
- E-sim: I’ve used Airalo in four different countries now, and it’s the best solution for using data abroad.
- Phone: Currently travel with an iPhone 13 Pro, which also works as my camera for most trips.
- Tablet: I use my iPad mainly for watching shows and movies and checking emails while traveling.
- Headphone Splitter: I use this one with my iPad Air so I can watch shows with my husband on long flights.
- GoPro: A great camera for underwater photography or adventure activities.
- Memory Card for GoPro: This is the one I use for my GoPro, high-quality and reliable.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Even with my GoPro, I end up using this all the time since phone quality photos are so good now.
- Kindle: I love traveling with my Kindle and being able to read multiple books on a trip without the extra weight.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: These wraparound ones are a must for long plane rides if I want to get any sleep. I also bring Airpods for local bus trips or on-the-go travel when I want to carry something smaller.
- Air Tags: Great if you’re checking luggage in case it gets lost or stolen.
- Chargers: Don’t forget all the chargers you’ll need for the electronics listed above.
- Toiletry Bag: Great for going through security, and they make it easier to find what I want to use.
- Reusable Containers for Toiletries: I use reusable containers so I don’t need to buy expensive travel-sized products.
- Electric Toothbrush: I’ve tried those tiny travel toothbrushes, and they just don’t work for me.
- Toothpaste: These are the perfect travel size that lasts about a month or so for two people.
- Floss: Any floss will do.
- Natural Deodorant: I finally discovered a good natural deodorant. Plus, it’s small, so it’s perfect for travel.
- Shampoo: I get the large size and then just put it in my mini travel containers.
- Conditioner: Same as above. I don’t worry about bringing body wash since I’m okay using whatever’s provided.
- Panty Liners: For when you want some extra protection. Also great for sweaty travel days to keep you more dry.
- Tampons: I like that these are made without plastic, and they’re easy to put into small purses and travel with.
- Tide to Go Pen: Surprisingly handy for getting out those random stains or spills.
- Travel Laundry Detergent: These are useful because you can use them for hand washing or as washer detergent.
- Travel Clothesline: Handy when you need to wash your clothes but realize most of the world doesn’t use dryers.
- Hairbrush: I don’t use a travel-size version because it’s not worth it for me. I’d rather have a full-size brush.
- Hair Ties: Any brand works, but I also make sure to have plenty on hand in my bags.
- After Sun Lotion: Great to have if you’re traveling during the hotter months and expect to get a lot of sun.
- Face Sunscreen: I’ve tried many sunscreen brands, and this is the best face sunscreen I’ve found.
- Body Sunscreen: Reef-safe, easy to spread, and smells good.
- Face Cleanser: I usually get a regular-size bottle and then put it into my refillable travel containers.
- Moisturizer: I’ve tried many fancy moisturizers, and I’ve realized that the simplest ones often work best for me.
- Overnight Face Mask: I use this in daily life as well, but during travel it’s especially good because it’s so hydrating.
- Lip Balm: I’ve been a Burts Bees stan for over a decade, and I don’t think I’ll change anytime soon.
- Makeup: The three essentials I always bring are lip gloss/lipstick, my Clinique CC Cream + makeup brush, and mascara. Everything else is added on depending on the vibes of the trip.
- Travel Razor: I love this size and how easy it is to change the razor heads once a week.
- Razor Replacements: I usually bring enough to replace the razor head once per week while traveling.
- Hydrating Face Sheets: I pack a couple of these to use after long plane rides, great for hydrating your face.
- Travel Mirror: This is a luxury item, but it’s surprising how often I use it when there’s only one bathroom.
- Dry Bar Blow Dryer Brush: Another luxury item. It’s bulky to bring (and I don’t always bring it), but it’s a versatile tool for looking more put together in non-humid destinations.
- Heat Protectant Spray: For the Dry Bar Brush.
- Bug Spray: The most effective spray I’ve found that doesn’t use DEET.
- Tylenol: The best remedy when a headache strikes.
- Motion Sickness Pills: You never know when you might get motion sickness, especially if you’re prone to it like me.
- Tums: Handy for dealing with indigestion or heartburn when eating foods different than you’re used to.
- Pepto Bismol: Another thing to help soothe an upset stomach.
- Other Travel Medications: Make sure to research what else you might need to bring for the destination.
- Electrolyte Powder: Great for staying hydrated, especially after a day in the sun or a long flight.
- Band-Aids: Useful for minor cuts and blisters.
- Anti-Septic Wipes: Keeps wounds clean and prevents infection.
- Unisom SleepMelts: Obviously optional, but these are the only way I’m able to sleep on planes.
- Melatonin: Helps with sleep, especially if you’re adjusting to a new time zone.
- Hand Sanitizer: Essential for keeping your hands clean when soap and water aren’t available.
- Passport
- Travel Visas (if needed)
- Travel Documents, Tickets, Boarding Passes & Booking Confirmations
- Driver’s License / International Driving Permit (if needed)
- Photocopy of Passport (hidden in your pack)
- Emergency Cash – I usually bring US $200 and hide it in 1-2 packs/purses I have with me on travel days in case of an emergency. I make sure it’s separate from my wallet.
- Credit / Debit Cards
- Travel Insurance – Nice to have in case of any medical or travel emergencies.
What to Know Before You Pack
- Light clothing: Vegas gets incredibly hot in the summer, so pack light fabrics like cotton and linen.
- Swimsuit: You’ll need one for the hotel pool or any day clubs.
- Comfortable shoes: Walking The Strip is no joke, so bring shoes that can handle long walks.
- Dress for the night: Pack something a little fancy for dinners or going out at night—Vegas nightlife loves a stylish look!
Las Vegas Travel FAQs
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LAS VEGAS?
March to May and September to November are the best times to visit Las Vegas. The weather is warm but not unbearably hot, and the crowds are smaller than in summer. April is also great because outdoor activities like visiting Red Rock Canyon or enjoying poolside lounges are ideal during this time.
WHAT FESTIVALS & EVENTS ARE THERE IN LAS VEGAS?
Electric Daisy Carnival (May): A large tourist attraction with electronic dance music and world-class DJs, great for groups and solo travelers.
Las Vegas Film Festival (June): An exciting event for film enthusiasts and couples looking for a cultural experience.
Life is Beautiful Festival (September): A multi-genre music, art, and food festival, perfect for groups and families alike.
NFR Rodeo (December): A popular event drawing rodeo fans and families from all over the country.
WHERE SHOULD I GO IN LAS VEGAS?
Las Vegas is more than just casinos! One of my favorite spots is Fremont Street, where you can experience old Vegas charm. Of course, The Strip is a must-see with its world-famous casinos, shopping, and entertainment. Take time to visit Red Rock Canyon for a stunning natural contrast to the city’s glitz. Don’t miss the Bellagio Fountains or a Cirque du Soleil show for an unforgettable night. If you want some quiet time, head to the Neon Museum or the Mob Museum for a bit of Vegas history.
HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED TO VISIT LAS VEGAS?
A 4-5 day trip is perfect for seeing The Strip, catching a show, and exploring nearby attractions like Red Rock Canyon.
Suggested Itineraries:
2 Days: On day one, explore The Strip, visit the Bellagio Fountains, and enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show. Spend day two hiking in Red Rock Canyon, and in the evening, explore Fremont Street and its nightlife.
5 Days: Copy the 2-day itinerary and add: On day three, relax by the pool at your hotel or visit a day club. On day four, take a trip to the Neon Museum and the Mob Museum. Spend day five enjoying gourmet dining and trying your luck at one of the city’s famous casinos.
1 Week: Copy the 5-day itinerary and add: On day six, take a day trip to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead for stunning views. On day seven, spend time shopping at the Fashion Show Mall or Caesar’s Palace Forum Shops.
10 Days: Copy the 1-week itinerary and add: On day eight, visit the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. Spend day nine hiking in Valley of Fire State Park. On day ten, enjoy a spa day at one of the luxury resorts.
2 Weeks: Copy the 10-day itinerary and add: On day eleven, take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. Spend day twelve exploring Death Valley National Park. On days thirteen and fourteen, unwind by the pool or take another day trip to Zion National Park.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR 2 DAYS, 5 DAYS, 1 WEEK, 10 DAYS, AND 2 WEEKS IN LAS VEGAS?
2 Days
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Tank Top
- 1 Dress
- 1 Pair of Shorts
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 2 Pairs of Socks
- 2 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Sandals
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
5 Days
- 4 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Tank Tops
- 2 Dresses
- 2 Pairs of Shorts
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 5 Pairs of Socks
- 5 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Sandals
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
1 Week
- 5 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Tank Tops
- 2 Dresses
- 2 Pairs of Shorts
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 6 Pairs of Socks
- 6 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Sandals
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
10 Days
- 6 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Tank Tops
- 3 Dresses
- 3 Pairs of Shorts
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 7 Pairs of Socks
- 7 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Sandals
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
2 Weeks
- 7 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 4 Tank Tops
- 4 Dresses
- 3 Pairs of Shorts
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 9 Pairs of Socks
- 9 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Sandals
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
WHAT SHOULD I NOT PACK FOR LAS VEGAS?
Heavy coats: Las Vegas’ desert climate means you won’t need heavy outerwear even in winter.
High heels: Not practical for walking long distances on The Strip—opt for stylish yet comfortable shoes instead.
WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET FOR A TRIP TO LAS VEGAS ?
Airfare: $150-$400 depending on your starting location and season.
Accommodation: $100-$500 per night depending on proximity to The Strip and the time of year.
Transportation: $40-$100 per day for taxis, rideshares, or car rentals.
Meals: $40-$150 per day depending on whether you’re dining casually or at gourmet restaurants.
Activities: $100-$200 per day for shows, attractions, and nightlife.
IS THERE A TIPPING CULTURE IN LAS VEGAS? WHAT IS APPROPRIATE TO TIP?
Yes, tipping is expected in Las Vegas. Tip 20% at restaurants and $1-3 per drink. Hotel services like housekeeping and bellhops typically receive $1-2 per bag and $2-5 per night.
WHAT ARE SOME LOCAL TIPS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LAS VEGAS BEFORE I VISIT?
- Hydrate: Las Vegas’ dry heat can be dehydrating, so always carry water.
- Use Uber or Lyft: Taxis can be expensive, and rideshare services are generally cheaper and faster.
- Visit during the week: Hotels and shows are less expensive on weekdays.
- Wear sunscreen: The sun can be intense, even in cooler months, so pack sunscreen and sunglasses.