Las Vegas Weather in November: Essential Climate Guide

Introduction

November is a quiet month in Las Vegas - outside of Thanksgiving weekend which is one of the busiest. With schools in session and pools closed, visitor traffic is down. The temperatures this month continues to cool, but you can still find some beautiful days - especially in the first half. It’s not uncommon to see 70s and even a few 80s in early November. Occasionally, Las Vegas is subject to some cold rain from the Pacific Ocean, but overall November is the 3rd driest of the year. In this post I will detail what to expect when you visit Las Vegas in November.

Be sure to see how I ranked this month for best month to visit at the end!

Freemont Steet - downtown Las Vegas

Quick Stats

• 3rd driest

• 5th coldest month

• 12 days above 70F (21C).

• Normal highs range from 74F-60F (23C-16C)

• 2 days of rain

• Warmest ever 87F (31C) - Coldest ever 15F (-9C)

• Most rain in a day 1.09”

• 3rd least busy month* (Source: LVCVA Research Center)

Temperatures

This is the month where your experiences change when visiting Las Vegas. Yes, pools are closed for the season, unless your hotel has a heated one, but it’s also a great time for outdoor activities. I highly recommend this month for hiking Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire, golfing, or biking. Temperatures are still pleasant enough to not get cold, but aren’t hot enough to worry about heat related issues. Usually, there are still 12 days over 70F/21C and even two over 80F/27C. Normally, the last 80F/27C happens very early in the month (2nd). It can get cold at night though and you can expect the first freeze by the 27th.

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 November temperatures (2023).

This is pretty typical. Some very pleasant days in the first part of the month and some chilly days towards the end.

Rainfall

Pacific storms start moving into the area this month. They tend to be rather weak by the time they get to Las Vegas and only drop small amounts of rain. In fact, a quarter of a Novemebrs have see no rain at all. The total normal rainfall is only 0.30” which is 4th driest of the year. The last few years have been on the dry side, but 2019 saw an amazing 1.06” as two strong cold front dropped into the region.

If you’re driving or renting a car in Las Vegas and the forecast calls for rain, know two things:

1. Las Vegas drivers are always caught off guard when the roads are wet.

2. Oil from cars builds up on the roads. When it rains, the roads become very slick from the oil. Slow down and give extra space to the car in front of you.

Snow

By November it’s time to talk about snow again. It has snowed a few times in Las Vegas in November but really not since 1964. I would be shocked if this happened again in November given the warming temperatures. However, for Mt. Charleston, snow becomes much more common with as much as 19 inches having fall in one day in 2004. The Lee Canyon Ski Resort does not usually open in November though, so I’d leave my skis at home. For more information about snow in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas, check out my blog post on that topic below.

What To Pack

• November is the time to prepare for chilly weather. You can probably leave your shorts at home unless you’ll be there early in the month and the forecast is warm. Bring lightweight sweaters, long-sleeves, or jackets for daytime outings.

• You might need a coat or outerwear for cold nights.

• Scarves, hats, and gloves aren’t necessary yet unless you come from a warm climate or plan to visit Mt. Charleston.

• Still lots of sun so bring your sunglasses.

• Reusable water bottle

• Umbrella or rain jacket especially if the forecast calls for rain. Finding an umbrella on the Strip after its already started to rain can be difficult.

• 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 not necessary unless your hotel has a heated pool. Some of the resorts I know that have heat pools include: The Venetian Resort, Caesars Palace, The Mirage, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, Aria Resort & Casino The Cosmopolitan, The Wynn, The Palazzo at The Venetian Resort, MGM Grand. Not all the pools at these locations will be heated.

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

Early in November daylight savings time ends so clocks move back one hour. You’ll find much shorter days, especially in the evening. Sunrise on November 1st starts at 7:04 AM. By the end of the month the sunrise is 6:32 AM. Sunset at the beginning of the month is 5:43 PM and by the end is 4:26 PM. There are about 10 hours of daylight each day. Remember, Las Vegas is in the Pacific Time Zone - same as Los Angeles.

Safety Tips

Most of these tips are for those of you who will venture off the strip to neaby parks for hiking or biking.

1. Stay hydrated: Despite cooler temperatures, the desert can be deceptively dry. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. This is even true if you only plan to stay on the Strip. And remember alcohol adds to dehydration.

2. Dress in layers: Be prepared for temperature fluctuations by wearing layered clothing that can be adjusted accordingly. I find sweatshirts and a t-shirt work best most days if it’s not raining. I can shed the outer layer when indoors.

3. Protect against sun exposure: Even in the winter the sun can be intense in the desert. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses to shield yourself from harmful UV rays, especially if you’re hiking.

4. Exercise caution on the roads: If it rains, exercise caution while driving since road conditions may become slick.

5. Check weather forecasts: Stay informed about current weather conditions and forecasts to plan your activities accordingly and avoid unexpected weather-related surprises, especially if you are driving to Las Vegas.

Planning to visit Death Valley?

Check out my weather guide for Death Valley.

Conclusion

November really isn’t a bad month to visit. Early in the month you may even still get to wear shorts, but that’s short-lived as temperatures drop rapidly. Light rains may occasionally wet the area but the full winter rain hasn’t started yet. It’s a very quiet month in terms of tourists unless you come on Thanksgiving weekend - one of the busiest of the year. It’s an excellent time to do your hiking or other outdoor activities since you don’t have to worry about heat issues. It’s certainly an overlooked month in terms of best times to visit.

My Rank For Best Month To Visit Las Vegas: 5th