Las Vegas Weather in July: Essential Climate Guide
Introduction
If I had to pick a month to avoid visiting Vegas, this would be it. Oddly enough though, July is actually one of the busiest months of the year! There are two main reasons for this - 4th of July and summer vacations. It is easily the hottest month of the year with normal highs ranging from 103F/39C to 105F/41C. What’s worse is there are normally 6 days above 110F/43C. On the bright side, July is usually the start of the monsoon season bringing occasional thunderstorms and heavy rain. In this post I will detail what to expect when you visit Las Vegas in July.
Be sure to see how I ranked this month for best month to visit at the end!
Quick Stats
Warmest month
5th wettest month
6 days above 110F (43C).
Normal highs range from 103F-105F (39C-41C)
3 days of rain
Warmest ever 117F (47C) - Coldest ever 56F (13C)
Most rain in a day 1.36”
3rd busiest month* (Source: LVCVA Research Center)
Temperatures
July temperatures are downright dangerous if you aren’t prepared. Last year (2023) every day was over 100F and more than half of which were over 110F. Brutal! Three times it has hit Vegas’ all-time high of 117F, most recently in 2021. Even after sunset temperatures can remain in the 100s, only reaching the minimum at daybreak. Low temperatures normally don’t drop much below 80F. Before the year 2000, low temperatures that never dropped below 90F were very rare. Only three times had it occurred between 1937 and 2000. Since the build-up of the city and the effect of the urban heat island, it has happened 54 times since 2000! In fact, just last year (2023) it happened an amazing 8 times in July. It is becoming normal. More hours of heat means more health related issues for tourists and even for workers in the city who spend significant time outdoors, even at night.
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 July temperatures (2023).
July 2023 was a terrible year for heat. In fact, it was easily the warmest month ever recorded in Las Vegas. The monsoon never kicked in and there were 10 days in a row over 110F/43C.
Rainfall
Las Vegas is somewhat affected by a summer monsoon season. This just means there is an increase in moisture in the air which results in occasional thunderstorms. Unlike Arizona where the monsoon is the bulk of the average annual rainfall, Las Vegas receives more rain in the winter months. The Las Vegas monsoon can be characterized by fits and starts because it doesn’t occur with any regularity. Certain weather patterns lead to several days of thunderstorms, but even those are hit and miss and occur more over the mountains. The average rain for the month is still only 0.38” and only 17 times in history has Vegas had great than 0.50” in July. By contrast, Phoenix, Arizona had 42 times in the same number of years and receives near 1.00” of rain during July.
Las Vegas weather in July. Video summary.
What To Pack
In July it’s 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 July - 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
Sunrise on July 1st starts at 5:27 AM. By the end of the month the sunrise is 5:47 AM. Sunset at the beginning of the month is 7:57 PM and by the end is 7:46 PM. There is about 14 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 even 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 July 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!
Avoid flooded roads during summer thunderstorms.
Even in downtown Las Vegas, flash flooding can be dangerous. Not only is this water swift but who knows what nastiness is lurking in that brown water.
Planning to visit Death Valley?
Check out my weather guide for Death Valley.
Conclusion
July is a brutal month. The heat is literally a killer if you are not prepared for it. If last year’s record breaking temperatures are any indication of things to come, it will only get more dangerous. If you do visit in July, stay indoors as much as possible. If you insist on doing outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or golf, try to do it right at sunrise. Be prepared for the dry weather and sunshine by having lots of water on hand as well as sun protection.
Find out the best time to visit Death Valley. All the stats on temperatures, rainfall, and extremes including flash floods.