The Cheapest Month to Visit Las Vegas (and Budgeting Tips)

Summary

• Save big by visiting Las Vegas in January-April or September-November to avoid crowds and high prices.
• Avoid rental cars, use public transportation, and get discounts for an affordable trip.
• Enjoy free attractions like the Fremont Street Experience and the Bellagio Fountain Show in January.

Las Vegas, and more specifically its downtown area, is known for its good times and good memories. Although you may wish Avoid the hottest tourist traps (and explore some alternatives), Vegas remains the ultimate destination to have fun and go wild. Although many think of this city as a place exclusively for gambling, there is still plenty to do in Las Vegas, with plenty of exciting activities available that help you avoid suffering major gambling losses (pro tip ? Set a budget before you go!).

But with so many attractions and things to do, visitors to Las Vegas often end up going over budget. The good news is that there is a cheaper time to visit Las Vegas, so you can save money while still enjoying the many (free) activities offered by Sin City to offer.

UPDATED: 2024/06/23 10:46 AM EST BY KRISTYN MEYER

The Cheapest Month to Visit Vegas and Other Affordable Tips

This feature has been updated with tips on what to see during Las Vegas' cheaper months, how to save money, and insight into what it's like to go.

When is the best time to visit Las Vegas on a budget?

There are two cheap travel periods in Las Vegas during the year

Travelers looking to visit Las Vegas on a budget and saving a lot of their money should aim for a vacation in the area between January and April or between September and November. There are many reasons why this is the cheapest time to visit the city, including fluctuations in airfare prices.

Most people decide to fly to Las Vegas because of its location, but also because driving through the desert may not be the ideal road trip. However, because the city wants tourists to come and visit, plane tickets are usually offered at a cheaper rate to encourage Sin City vacations. Most often, you can get to the city from all over the country on direct flights, which helps reduce costs and travel time.

The cheapest months to visit Las Vegas are also influenced by hotel prices, as these make up a significant portion of a tourist's vacation budget. Visitors to Las Vegas have the option of staying in inexpensive hotels outside or on the outskirts of the city. However, most tourists prefer to book a popular hotel that also includes a casino.

So it is best to visit these hotels at the lowest rates, between January and April or September and November.

Most of the Las Vegas weekend crowds will depart on Sunday, making that day the best time to book travel and hotels in the city.

Beware of hidden costs and fees when visiting Las Vegas, including parking fees. Visitors can also look for accommodations that offer free parking and other perks.

This is the cheapest month to visit Las Vegas

The cheapest time to fly to Las Vegas is outside of peak travel seasons and holiday periods

The cheapest month to visit Las Vegas is January, when flight prices are lowest. This is especially true for people traveling from Chicago, Washington, DC and New York. January is the cheapest time to visit the city as it is considered the coldest month in Las Vegas, with temperatures could drop as low as 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

While there are some people who aren't excited about such low temperatures, some may find it better to visit during the dog days of summer, when travel costs will skyrocket.

Avoid weekends as this is the cheapest time to visit Las Vegas

Weekday accommodations are cheaper than weekends in Las Vegas

Weekends are much more expensive in Las Vegas than weekdays. The weekend is considered Friday and Saturday night, but does not include Sunday night. Fridays and Saturdays are often much more expensive than other days.

To get the best deals, it's imperative to plan ahead and not book flights to Las Vegas before checking that there will also be reasonably priced accommodations.

Another tip is to check out the special packages offered by the different major hotel-casinos. These hotels often have special offers on their web pages (like Palace of the Caesars). Available offers can range from a 5% discount code to a special offer for a birthday or other special occasion.

Accommodation can be expensive and the cost in Vegas seems to be increasing.

Additional Affordable Tips When Visiting Las Vegas

Check flights, opt for public transport and look for discounts

In addition to traveling to Las Vegas in January and selecting suitable flights and accommodations, tourists can also adopt some affordable practices when visiting Sin City.

For example, you can avoid renting a car because it's not essential if you're staying on the Strip or downtown. A cheaper alternative is to use bus passes for transportation, which are much more affordable than renting a car. Additionally, it is more cost-effective to avoid taxis and Choose Uber or Lyft as an alternative, as they are often cheaper than taxis.

As another option, the Deuce or double-decker bus is also an affordable mode of public transportation in the city, along with the monorail and the free tram.

Travelers can also save money by booking discounted shows online. From magicians to Cirque du Soleil to high-end musician residencies, visitors to Las Vegas will have the chance to see the most exciting shows at the best rates available instead of paying full ticket price.

If you don't mind arranging transportation, choose a hotel off the strip might also help you save a few dollars.

Things to do during the cheapest month to visit Vegas

Las Vegas' Most Affordable Month Still Offers Lots of Excitement

Las Vegas, often associated with opulence and high-stakes entertainment, surprisingly appears to be an affordable destination in Nevada, especially if one chooses the cheapest time to visit.

In January, tourists can see the iconic Bellagio Fountain Showa free show of choreographed fountains set to music and lights, as well as the winter decor of the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden.

THE Fremont Street Experience, with its LED-illuminated canopy, offers dazzling music and light shows along a five-block pedestrian mall during this bargain month. Additionally, the High Roller observation wheel, the tallest in the world, offers panoramic views of the city, particularly breathtaking during the “good half hour” just before sunset.

Despite January's low temperatures, nature lovers can explore Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Areahiking trails if it's not freezing. Foodies can visit the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Botanical Garden for free chocolate samples and a walk through three acres of unique cacti.

For those seeking cultural enrichment, the Neon Museum, an outdoor “graveyard” featuring more than 200 neon signs salvaged from old Las Vegas establishments, offers affordable guided tours. History buffs can escape the cold and visit the Historical Mafia Museum in Las Vegas.

Finally, the ice rink of Cosmopolitan guarantees visitors a winter wonderland experience in the middle of the Las Vegas desert oasis this January. Additionally, the ice rink occasionally features real snowfall, creating the ambiance of an enchanting snowfall setting while you enjoy themed cocktails and enjoy the sparkling surroundings.

Ultimately, there is at least one thing for sure. Las Vegas, with its diverse offerings, proves that you can experience the charm of the city without breaking the bank.

Have you ever gone to Las Vegas on a budget? Let us know your tips in the comments!