Averaging more than 300 sunny days per year in the Nevada desert, Vegas and surrounding areas experience a warmer, drier climate than other parts of the United States. Winters are extremely mild, with temperatures ranging from the high 30ºs F to high 60ºs F during the coldest months of December through February (though these are not the popular tourist months); and the summers are hot, with average monthly high temperatures exceeding 100º F from June through August. Pack light clothes, according to the season, and don't forget your sunglasses.
While shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops are fine for poolside time, Las Vegas is a cosmopolitan city, and visitors should have fun while dressing accordingly. Restaurants and nightclubs are crawling with fashionistas and pin-striped men, so sneakers and jeans aren't going to fit in or feel comfortable. For nights out, pack dressier clothes and nice shoes --- a versatile dress and high heels for women, and a collared shirt and slacks for men. Many visitors find an opportunity in creating a flashier style than usual, as part of the typical "go-big" Vegas experience. Big hair, big jewelry, bright colors and shine heavily populate Vegas card tables and sidewalks.
Most Las Vegas hotels have a pool, and the pool areas are also often entertainment centers, with musical performances, dancing, water games, cocktails and a lot of social interaction. Bring your bathing suit, sandals and some optional throw-over articles. Pack your beach bag with a beach towel, sunglasses, sunscreen (this item is important --- the Vegas sun is strong!) and cash and identification should you order a drink from one of the many cocktail servers squeezing between lounge chairs.
Although the Las Vegas dining scene is famous for its inexpensive buffets and two-for-one menus, dining in Sin City can be quite expensive, and can heftily add up, even sticking to special deals. Also, since the Las Vegas dining scene has improved with many prestigious restaurants and well-known chefs, exploring the tasty delights is a must. But just as the general dining tab will accumulate, so will other food and drink expenses, such as pricey cocktails (free if you're gambling, expensive otherwise) and bottled water, something for which hotel shops charge astronomical prices, along with everything else they sell. If you're driving to Vegas, pack a cooler with bottled water, snacks and/or sandwich components, and other munchies to save money as well as convenience. If flying, carry at least the bottled water, and then, if possible, take a trip to a grocery store on the outskirts of the Strip. A trip to the liquor store could also save money on nightclub cocktails, and get the pre-party started.
It's not likely you'd forget your toothbrush and cosmetics; however, a facial moisturizer with a strong SPF, nail-care materials and razors are commonly forgotten items. Also, throw some aspirin in that bag; you'll most likely need it, and, as mentioned earlier, you don't want to pay five times the normal price at the hotel shop.
Although Las Vegas, like any other modern city, accepts credit cards just about everywhere, it is much easier to use cash for multiple reasons. At the bars and nightclubs, entertainment venues and, obviously, in the casinos, having cash will quicken transactions as well as help keep your budget in check.
