I’ve lived in Las Vegas for the better part of five years, and if there’s one thing I get asked by friends and family the most, it is “what do I pack?”

Las Vegas, for the most part, is pretty consistent with weather. We have summer and winter. There’s a brief spring, where we can turn off the air-conditioner or heat and open the windows.

And, there’s a brief fall, mostly in the mountains. But, too quickly we go from hot to cold, which can cause havoc on the packing situation for visitors.

We’ve gotten past the hot, dry summers and are now into the chilly November and headed into the cold winter months. However, our cold is not cold like the rest of America.

For the most part, we stick above 30 degrees. We don’t get much precipitation in the Valley, except the occasional light dusting of snow. But, for those who don’t live here, preparing for the weather can be confusing.

So, you’ve taken advantage of the winter season and cheap flights to Las Vegas. Now you need to figure out what to bring with you. Here’s a quick packing guide to make sure you don’t freeze.

Daytime: Pack clothing you can layer. Ladies – that means thin shirts with cardigans and sweaters.


Guys, T-shirts, button downs, sweaters. Of course, bring a winter coat. You don’t need a parka, but something that will keep you warm when you are walking The Strip at night.


Nighttime: If you want to swank it up while in town at one of the top rated restaurants, go see shows and then head to a club, this requires a little strategic planning. Obviously, the clothing you wear out to eat and clubbing is not conducive to the cold nighttime temps.

For females, a great and easy option is the LBD. Yes, the Little Black Dress, paired with some thick tights and closed-to heels works great. To dress it up for dinner, bring a nice pashmina or wool coat. After, when dancing, shed those tights, pop your scarf in your purse and take advantage of the coat check.

Men, it’s a lot easier for you. Dress nice and check your coat at the club.

Accessories: A lot can keep you cozy and warm while in Vegas that doesn’t take up heaps of room in your suitcase. Be sure to pack warm hats, gloves, scarves and thick socks to pull you through the coldest moments of your visit.

Flickr photo credit: Brian Struble