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Vegas in Winter -- Got Any Tips?

Discussion in 'Getting There & Getting Around' started by spdandpwr, Dec 27, 2016.

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  1. spdandpwr

    spdandpwr VIP Whale

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    Going on my first winter Vegas trip in less than weeks and, looking at the current 10-day forecast, it seems that it might be cold (50s in the day, 30s at night). That's right about the temperature we're getting here in the northeast so the wardrobe shouldn't be an issue. However, are there any pointers I should be aware of before heading off? Is walking the strip not as much of a thing in January? Should I have a set plan of what I want to do versus wandering around? I'm staying at the Venetian, but if it's too cold to really go out at night, I'd rather move to a center strip room and brave some cold versus walking much further by staying at the Venetian. Any advice is appreciated!
     
  2. iamsomedude

    iamsomedude High-Roller

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    Depends on how far you want to go on the strip. With the right clothes, it's not unbearable, but I found myself walking at a brisker pace due to the cold and not taking in the sights as much as I did during t-shirt and shorts weather. I would say you should plan on spending several hours at specific casinos along the strip.
     
  3. BlueBellThunder

    BlueBellThunder VIP Whale

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    The winter weather can be tricky. I've gone in January and left my jacket in the rental car the entire trip. Once in December I wished I had a heavy coat. Then on a New Year's Eve trip 15 years ago it was in the 70's the whole week.
     
  4. nickle

    nickle Low-Roller

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    Last January we were given a convertible as a rental. Two (out of seven) days the top was down for most of the day. The other days ranged from cool with a breeze to cold with strong wind (one day). Several years ago (we were staying either at New Frontier or Stardust!) there was ice rain on the day we were leaving. Be prepared for the whole gamut!
     
  5. vegasbound

    vegasbound VIP Whale

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    The wind is the most brutal part of Vegas winters. Limit exposed skin, & if you have a jacket that breaks the wind you'll stay significantly warmer. I recommend dressing in layers. Daytime sunshine is often quite nice, but it gets chilly as soon as the sun dips behind the mountains. Plus, it can be warm or cool in the casinos depending if they are blaring heat or A/C. There is little rhyme or reason.
     
  6. Chuck2009x

    Chuck2009x VIP Whale

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    Daytime, it's like spring.

    Night time, yeah it can be 30's but you're moving. I always do 2 - 3 of walks of about a mile at night during my January trips, to shows or restaurants. I've never had or wished I had more than a sports jacket. I don't even remember wind, so it must not have ever been bad while I've been there. A nice pair of thin leather gloves won't hurt.

    If you happen to be having a really mild winter wherever you are, it might affect you a little more; otherwise, it's nothing.
     
  7. crimhead

    crimhead Tourist

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    Compared to Minneapolis in January, Vegas in January is positively balmy...
     
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  8. Multifarious5

    Multifarious5 VIP Whale

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    Agree with Chuck...if you're from the NE, you'll do fine. I only had ONE super cold winter in Vegas, and even than was mild compared to the NE. (I lived in Ithaca NY and stow MA as a kid.)

    Like others said, the wind is what can get a bit nippy, but I don't think it's anything so bad you'll avoid going outside if you bring some cooler weather clothing. Have a great trip!
     
  9. smerrian

    smerrian View from Bally's

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    I'm from the Northeast, also. At home I wear a warm coat in the winter but when I go to LV I bring layers...like a sweatshirt and light winter coat and that suits me fine. This way you can handle the 20+ degree swings between day and night.
     
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  10. leo21

    leo21 VIP Whale

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    At night, if its blustery, there is a significant wind chill, so, no, wandering aimlessly on the strip isn't a good idea after dark. But during the day, it's actual decent walking weather. The trick is that the casinos are going to be nice and toasty so you want to layer and you also want to make sure you keep your hands on your coat if you take it off so no one walks off with it. You can probably check your coat at the bell desk if you feel the need for that.
     
  11. Jejas

    Jejas VIP Whale

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    I consider Vegas night time in winter freezing cold, damn too cold.
    As mentioned above, usually with significant wind chill.
     
  12. spdandpwr

    spdandpwr VIP Whale

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    I'll be sure to stay at homebase at night and during the day do my wandering. I need to hit up all the CET casinos on this trip to take advantage of that bonus. Thanks for the advice, all!
     
  13. in4mation808

    in4mation808 VMB VIP Expert Picture Taker

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    Not sure if my input matters, as I'm from Hawaii, where we think 70's is considered "cold."
    Just came back from a 7 day stay in mid December and found that it was very doable. I had a Old Navy jacked on the inside and a North Face on the outside (both fleece) as well as thermals for the bottoms with slacks over that. Found it to be just fine. I guess it would be the same issue in the summer and hot months as well.....you'll just dip in to a hotel/casino and the temperature would be just fine. Just walking through Cosmo without a jacket or sweater was fine.
     
  14. wishman35

    wishman35 VIP Whale

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    One thing to keep in mind about winter Vegas trips is that while that sun definitely feels good during the day (a 55 degree forecast will feel warmer, the sun still packs a nice punch when it is hitting you directly) ... the day is still short. If you get your day started in the late morning after breakfast etc.. you really only have until 430 with the sun before it starts to go away. Once the sun is gone, it definitely feels cool...but I have never felt the need for more than a fleece, then again I am from Chicago
     
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  15. fischer

    fischer High-Roller

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    Be tough, because you will still see gangs of young girls walking the strip in less material than a hanky.
     
  16. ant1433

    ant1433 Low-Roller

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    Double Down on eleven:beer:
     
  17. ffejry

    ffejry #1 Bears Fan

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    I went on Jan. 1 with a buddy of mine a few years ago. Maybe 3 or 4. Maybe longer. I've been to Vegas so many times that all of the dates or events seem to overlap!! Either that, or I drink too much...

    Anyway, I recall us wearing jeans and t-shirts for the majority of the trip. Once it was closer to evening, we wore hoodies. I don't remember the wind being an issue. So I am prepared this time. I purchased an Under Armour long sleeve hoodie that is extremely light, but appears to keep me warm (for now).

    I really don't want to bring a jacket to Vegas, especially with so much sitting and playing. I like to feel loose and relaxed.

    Currently, the forecast for the next 4 days are: 45 (night time Sunday which is when I arrive), 56/39, 54/38, 55/43, then I depart.

    Coming from Chicago and now being experienced with Polar Vortexes to the point I wear ski goggles to stay warm, I consider it to be perfect weather for Vegas in the winter time.

    Low winds the majority of time helps as well.

    Be prepared, but always check the weather. If it's in the 50's, you won't need anything more than a hoodie. 40's and under, well, I suggest a heavy hoodie.
     
  18. ffejry

    ffejry #1 Bears Fan

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    Oh, and use AccuWeather. They have "RealFeel" temperatures, so it'll give you a good idea of what to expect.
     
  19. C0usineddie

    C0usineddie VIP Whale

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    You will be fine. Its pleasant enough to wak around. if you get cold there are loads of places to turn right into that will welcome you.
     
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  20. Jon E Coyote

    Jon E Coyote Low-Roller

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    I go every January, never needed anything more than a light jacket. Those walk beers stay cooler longer, that's for sure!
     
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