Las Vegas Weather in August: Essential Climate Guide
Introduction
August isn’t much better than July in terms of worst months to be in Vegas. It’s only redeeming factors include…summer monsoons that may briefly cool things down and pretty minimal crowds. Otherwise the summer heat marches on and usually residents grow weary of the heat and long for fall. August is the 2nd hottest month. Temperatures do slowly creep down during the month, dropping from 104F/40C to 100F/38C by the end of the month. The monsoon occasionally makes itself known by briefly dumping heavy rain, but not every year. In this post I will detail what to expect when you visit Las Vegas in August.
Be sure to see how I ranked this month for best month to visit at the end!
Lightning behind the Stratosphere Hotel
Quick Stats
2nd warmest month
4th driest (tied with 2 other months)
2 days above 110F (43C).
Normal highs range from 104F-100F (40C-38C)
3 days of rain
Warmest ever 116F (47C) - Coldest ever 54F (12C)
Most rain in a day 2.58”
4th least busy month* (Source: LVCVA Research Center)
Temperatures
Some relief from the brutal heat does happen in August depending on monsoon activity. 100s are still very common with 23 days at 100f or better, but down from July’s 26 days. Highs over 110F/43C occur with less frequency in August usually there are a few. Normal high temperatures drop from 104F/40C to start the month, to100F/38C at the end. Any day with clouds or even monsoon rain can really keep temperatures down. This is one of the few months in Las Vegas where it’s worth mentioning heat index. The combination of heat and humidity sometimes makes it feel hotter than it actually is but residents of the US South would probably laugh at that.
I find the best way to get a feel for the weather is by looking at what happened in a previous year. Here is the latest actual August temperatures (2023).
August 2023 saw some wild fluctuations in highs based on monsoon activity enhanced by tropical storm Hillary. In fact, the 20th tied for second coldest day in August and brought some rain. Once that passed it was back to the heat.
Rainfall
The increased humidity from the monsoon brings occasional rain and thunderstorms to the region. It depends on the current weather pattern when that happens and for how long. Unlike Arizona though, it doesn’t produce the majority of the annual rainfall, nor does it stick around for long periods of time. On average there are 3 days of rain this month but still only totaling 0.38” for the month. It has rained more than 0.50” 18 times in August which is actually one more day than July. In fact, the top 4 greatest one-day rainfalls all occurred in August.
What To Pack
In August it’s still all about keeping cool. Bring light weight, loose fitting clothing.
Be sure to keep sun protection handy at all times. Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen are essential in August - especially if you will be at the pool.
Reusable water bottle
An umbrella isn’t a bad idea this month in case there is a sudden thunderstorm. They can be hard to find on the strip after the rain starts and you may pay inflated prices.
Comfortable shoes are a must. Las Vegas involves a lot of walking, especially along the Strip. Comfortable shoes are essential to prevent getting tired and blisters.
Swimwear is necessary if you plan to take a dip.
Don’t Forget These Other Things:
A portable charger. I know from experience if you forget one it’s gonna cost you an exorbitant amount to replace it if you have to buy it on the Strip.
Remember to pack your necessary medications as well as personal care items like toiletries, hand sanitizer, and lip balm.
Don't forget to bring your ID, credit cards, travel insurance information, and any other essential documents you may need for your trip. Seems obvious but I’ve done it.
Sunrise/Sunset
Days are really beginning to get shorter in August. Sunrise on July 1st starts at 5:48 AM. By the end of the month the sunrise is 6:12 AM. Sunset at the beginning of the month is 7:45 PM and by the end is 7:08 PM. There is about 13 hours of daylight each day. Remember, Las Vegas is in the Pacific Time Zone - same as Los Angeles.
Safety Tips
Stay hydrated: It’s starting to get hot and the desert is very dry! Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, even if it’s a little cool. And remember alcohol adds to dehydration. Frozen alcoholic drinks can sometimes give you stomach cramps.
Lightweight Clothing: During the daytime you’ll need lightweight and breathable clothing. Opt for materials like cotton or linen, which allow air circulation and help you stay cool.
Protect against sun exposure: The sun is intense in August in the desert. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from harmful UV rays, especially if you’re hiking or golfing.
Know Your Limits: Las Vegas offers a wide range of distractions and people seem to forget walking outside from casino to casino can take its toll when it’s hot. Pace yourself, drink responsibly, and take advantage of air conditioning often.
I cannot recommend doing a lengthy outdoor activity like hiking or golfing. If you must, start right at sunrise and be very prepared.
If you encounter monsoon thunderstorms, avoid being hit by lightning by going indoors. Many pools and outdoor attractions close with the threat of lightning anyway. If you’re driving, understand that heavy rain will just run off causing flash flooding. Do not try to drive through a flood road. Many roads outside of Vegas dip down into a normally dry wash which can fill up many feet deep and easily wash away you and your car!
Do not drive through flooded roads.
Planning to visit Death Valley?
Check out my weather guide for Death Valley.
Conclusion
August is just a continuation of the summer heat in Las Vegas with occasional reprieves thanks to the monsoon. In fact, because of the increased humidity it can sometimes feel warmer than it actually is. Monsoon storms do happen occasionally washing out roads and catching tourists off guard. Fortunately, the worst of the summer heat is slowly starting to diminish. It’s not normally a month I would recommend thanks to the heat and storms, but if you don’t mind either one there are probably some good deals.
Find out the best time to visit Death Valley. All the stats on temperatures, rainfall, and extremes including flash floods.