Does it snow in Las Vegas? The answer is YES.
However, Las Vegas is not renowned for its heavy snowfalls.
The truth is that Las Vegas is usually hot, with more than 300 days of sunshine per year.
It is situated in Nevada’s Mojave Desert, with an arid subtropical environment.
The result is that Las Vegas is one of the hottest summer cities in the United States, with daytime temperatures reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Something unusual happened recently.
A snowy day in 2021 introduced something new to the Las Vegas Valley that hadn’t been seen in a few years.
A substantial amount of snow fell, covering roads with enough snow to make some of them dangerous to drive, particularly in the mountains surrounding Vegas.
Snow is unusual in Las Vegas, with the National Weather Service noting an annual average of 0.3 inches in the mountain valley.
Of course, the majority of the snowfall falls higher up in the surrounding mountains that border Las Vegas, rather than in the city itself.
In this post, I’ll answer in detail the question “Does it Snow in Las Vegas?”
Does it Snow in Las Vegas?
Does it snow in Las Vegas? YES, it does snow in Las Vegas though in the high-altitude areas and surrounding places.
Does it Snow in Vegas? Overview of Las Vegas
Las Vegas, also referred to as The Entertainment Capital of the World, is a world-famous resort city noted for its gambling and mega-casino hotels.
Las Vegas is located at a height of 2,001 feet (610 meters) above sea level and spans 141.78 square miles (367.33 square kilometers).
It is the most populous metropolis in Nevada and the 25th most populated metropolis in the United States. However, does it snow in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas has a subtropical hot desert climate, characteristic of the surrounding Mojave Desert.
The climate is defined by hot summers and brief winters with mild days and cold nights.
Snow, while not common in Las Vegas, can be witnessed every winter regardless of temperatures rarely dropping below freezing point.
How Often Does It Snow in Las Vegas? History of Snow in Las Vegas
Significant snow accumulations are uncommon in Vegas.
Henderson received 3.6 inches of snow on a December day in 2008.
It wasn’t enough to justify bringing out the snowboard, but shovels were certainly in demand that day.
A much larger snowfall happened in 1979, when 7.4 inches of snow fell in one day on January 31, closing Clark County Schools throughout the Valley.
In an unusual weather occurrence, more than 4 inches of rain fell on several days in 1974.
Several other occasions in the 1930s and 1940s saw at least 4 inches of rain fall in a single day.
In 2021, the airport recorded snowfall between 2 and 7 a.m. on a single day, putting them on high alert while maintaining a close eye on the present situation.
The airport is the official measuring site for the region, which includes downtown Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Strip, the nearby suburbs, and the mountains, according to the National Weather Service.
The airport reported sheets of ice covering the roads in 1974, causing hazardous conditions.
While your upcoming flight to Las Vegas in the winter is unlikely to be canceled, it’s always an excellent idea to remain vigilant on the weather, particularly if you’re traveling in December or January.
When Does it Snow in Las Vegas?
Because of its desert-like conditions, Las Vegas experiences a very brief winter period.
Winter begins in December and lasts until February.
The weather is pleasant, and the evenings are frequently cooler than the days.
Here’s a glimpse at the snowy months in Las Vegas.
December
In Las Vegas, the month of December marks the beginning of winter.
It is also the coldest month, with highs of 560F (13.70C) and lows of 38.70F (3.70C).
Throughout the month, Las Vegas receives 0.2 snowfall days, with snow accumulations of 0.04 inches (1.01 millimeters).
January
Temperatures in January are slightly higher than those in December.
The mean temperature for the month is 580F (14.40C), with lows of 39.40F (4.10C).
In January, Las Vegas receives 0.2 precipitation days, with snow accumulations of 0.04 inches (1.01 millimeters).
February
In Las Vegas, February marks the end of the winter season in Las Vegas.
Average monthly temperatures vary from 62.50F(16.90C) to 43.40F (6.30C).
Snow happens for 0.3 snowfall days and accumulates to a depth of 0.16 inches (4.06 millimeters).
Does Las Vegas Get Snow? Coldest Months in Las Vegas
Winter is the coldest season in any metropolis.
The winter in Vegas, on the other hand, is quite distinct from that of the north, and it will snow only infrequently.
Rain, rather than snow, is the norm down here.
There are cold evenings and cooler days than in the summer and spring, but they are not considered freezing.
Where Does it Snow in Las Vegas?
Because of their high altitudes, the mountain ranges around Las Vegas experience snow every winter.
Substantial accumulation of snow around the city, on the other hand, is uncommon, with only 0.3 inches (7.62 millimeters) of snow recorded for the entire winter time.
The last time Las Vegas received significant snowfall was in 2021.
Ski Resorts in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an ideal starting place for a ski vacation.
However, there are no resorts within its borders, but there are a number of fantastic skiing resorts nearby, with well-connected highways and airlines linking the city to the resorts.
Lee Canyon Ski Resort
Lee Canyon is the nearest ski resort to Las Vegas, located less than an hour away.
Beginners can take advantage of free lessons, while experienced skiers can enjoy deep powder bowls and steep ski slopes.
Lee Canyon has 59 acres of skiable terrain, 27 skiing paths, and three lifts.
Brian Head Ski Resort
Brian Head Resort, about three hours from Las Vegas, is well-known for its low-cost lift passes and ski rentals nestled in the mountains.
On its 650 acres of skiable terrain, the resort gets a whopping 360 inches (9,144 millimeters) of snow per year.
There are also 71 trails that are served by eight chair lifts and two surface lifts.
Bear Mountain Ski Resort
Bear Mountain is approximately two hours from Las Vegas.
Its excellent topography makes it appealing to freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
The resort has 198 acres of skiable terrain with designated runs for beginners, intermediates, advanced skiers, and expert ones.
Bear Mountain ski resort features 15 slopes served by 12 lifts.
Bear Mountain is approximately two hours from Las Vegas.
Its excellent topography makes it appealing to freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
The resort has 198 acres of skiable terrain with designated runs for beginners, intermediates, advanced skiers, and expert ones.
Bear Mountain ski resort features 15 slopes served by 12 lifts.
Snow Summit Mountain Resort
Snow Summit is a family-friendly ski resort with stunning blue lines and even night skiing.
It is a half-hour drive from Las Vegas and is situated on a 250-acre skiable area three.
The resort accommodates all skiing ability levels, with distinct tracks for beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert skiers.
Snow Summit gets an abundance of snowfall each year, with a total accumulation of 100 inches (2,540 millimeters) on its ski area.
Final Thoughts on the Question: Does it Snow in Las Vegas?
Does it snow in Las Vegas? The answer is YES, it indeed does snow in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas has a subtropical hot desert climate, characteristic of the surrounding Mojave Desert.
When it comes to a little wintery snowfall, Las Vegas isn’t completely off the hook, but it’s not an everyday occurrence.
If you would love to take part in winter activities, there are many ski resorts nearby.