While dedicated aficionados would say that there’s never a wrong time to visit Las Vegas, the true answer depends on you and your goals for visiting the Southwestern city that never sleeps. While Las Vegas has a reputation as a desert oasis, the truth is that the weather can vary dramatically throughout the year, as can the crowds and room rates.

Read on to determine your “Vegas Personality” and discover the best time of year for you to visit this stunning and unique Nevada outpost.

Are you a Casino Connoisseur?

If your intention when visiting Las Vegas is to make lasting friendships with the one-armed bandit or to spend hours fingering the green felt of blackjack or poker tables, any time is a fine time to visit Las Vegas. If you plan on spending your stay indoors you can take advantage of bargain rates and reduced congestion during the midsummer months, when temperatures reach the triple digits. Sports fanatics love to travel to Vegas for the Super Bowl or March Madness. Since these events fall in off-peak times – after New Year’s and before or after Valentine’s Day – rate jumps may not be exorbitant. Check online for package deals, book in advance or plan on attending during the first week of March Madness to cut costs. Watching the big game – or games – in a casino with hundreds of other fans is an experience not to be missed.

If you feel like a Vacation Maven…

Maybe you’re looking to conjure a tropical vacation by soaking up the sun at the Hard Rock pool during the day and dancing the night away at one of the many popular nightclubs on the Strip.

Possibly you want to bring the kids and check out the family friendly attractions or take excursions to nearby points of interest like Hoover Dam or Red Rock Canyon. If one of these scenarios sounds like your desert dream, the best time to travel weather-wise is early spring or fall. The bad news: This is also the peak season and you’ll have to contend with crowds and higher room rates.

Since thousands of tourists from Southern California descend on the city during the weekends, you may get better rates by choosing a mid-week stay. Keep in mind, however, that many nightclubs and shows are dark on one or more nights during the week.

And for the Bargain Hunter Inside you:

If you want to increase your stake at the tables by paying as little as possible for your stay, there are better times than others to visit Las Vegas. In addition to avoiding the peak season you’ll want to sidestep the major Vegas holidays.

The period between Christmas and New Year’s sees an influx of tourists, especially on New Year’s Eve. Valentine’s Day was made for lovers, and hundreds of couples arrive in the city to be married on that date.

The Fourth of July and the Memorial and Labor Day 3-day weekends find many visitors taking advantage of weekday rates to enjoy their holidays in the sun. The long Thanksgiving weekend is another big draw, and the many business conferences Las Vegas hosts during the year can make room rates skyrocket to triple their original rates.

Check a conference schedule before planning your trip. Loyalty can save you money. Many hotels have rewards programs that offer specials including room upgrades, tickets to shows or free meals.

 

This was a guest post by John who is currently working on a new Las Vegas travel guide and considers himself a bargain hunter Vegas visitor!