Quick Facts
- What: Snow in Las Vegas — how often it happens, where to see it, and what the historical record looks like
- When: Most likely December through February; flurries are possible but not guaranteed in any given year
- Where: Las Vegas Valley floor rarely accumulates; Mount Charleston (elevation 11,918 ft) gets reliable winter snowfall
- Drive time to snow: About 30 minutes from the Strip to Mount Charleston
- Worth knowing: The Las Vegas Valley floor averages 0.3 inches of snow annually; Mount Charleston can receive several feet in a single storm
Vegas Valley Floor in Winter
Las Vegas is in the Mojave Desert at roughly 2,000 feet elevation. The coldest months are December and January, with average temperatures in the 30s and 40s. When flurries do appear on the valley floor, they're usually brief and light — the snow evaporates or melts before accumulating.
In February 2023, Las Vegas got rare winter storm conditions over several days. The valley floor saw minimal accumulation, but Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston got several inches.
The Historical Record
In 2008, Henderson got 3.6 inches in a single day. 1979 brought 7.4 inches to Las Vegas, accumulated over time. 1974 saw over 4 inches. Records from the 1930s and 1940s document a handful of similar events. The trend since the 1970s has been toward less snow, not more.
Measurable accumulation on the Las Vegas Valley floor is documented, but it's the kind of thing that might happen once per decade, not annually.
Mount Charleston
Mount Charleston is 30 minutes from the Strip and sits above 11,000 feet at its peak. The Spring Mountains area sees enough snow for sledding and hiking in winter conditions every year. The drive up State Route 157 (Kyle Canyon Road) or State Route 158 (Deer Creek Highway) takes you from desert floor to pine trees and snow in under an hour. Nevada Department of Transportation posts road condition updates when chains or 4WD are required on those routes, which happens regularly in winter months.
Red Rock Canyon, about 20 minutes from the Strip, occasionally picks up snow during stronger storms but is less reliable for actual accumulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it snow in Las Vegas every year?
Las Vegas averages about 0.3 inches of snow per year, but that figure includes years with zero accumulation. Flurries on the valley floor happen irregularly. Measurable snow that sticks is much rarer.
When was the last significant snowfall in Las Vegas?
February 2023 brought a multi-day winter storm to the Las Vegas area. The valley floor saw minimal accumulation, but elevated areas including Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston received several inches.
Where can I see snow near Las Vegas without waiting for a storm?
Mount Charleston, about 30 minutes northwest of the Strip via US-95 North, gets consistent winter snowfall due to its elevation above 11,000 feet.
Do I need chains or special tires to drive to Mount Charleston in winter?
Conditions vary. Nevada DOT posts road condition alerts for State Routes 157 and 158, and chains or 4WD are sometimes required during or after storms. Check nvroads.com before heading up.
What months are coldest in Las Vegas?
December and January, with average temperatures in the 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit. Snow on the valley floor, when it occurs, almost always happens between December and February.
