Whether you’re a seasoned Vegas visitor, or a Sin City first timer, everyone needs a hand in vacation preparation. I’ve been, and through trial and error can tell you everything you need to pack for Las Vegas.
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Viva Las Vegas baby! If you’ve got a trip to Sin City coming up and don’t know what to pack for Las Vegas, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! There are a few things that every trip to Vegas needs, and you don’t want to leave home without them.
Las Vegas is expensive and you don’t want to have to waste precious vacation time trying to replace forgotten items. Read on for my guide of what to pack for Las Vegas.
First Check The Weather
Although Las Vegas is in the desert, the temperature actually fluctuates quite a bit throughout the course of the year. You definitely want to take temperature into consideration when packing for your trip.
In the summer, high temps can reach over 100°F, but in the winter, high temps are only in the 50’s, with lows going to just about freezing.
Here is a handy chart depicting the average high and low temperatures in Las Vegas throughout the year.
As you can see, you want to pay attention to the temperature during your trip. You wouldn’t want to bring light, breezy summer clothes in November, and you’re not going to need a heavy jacket in July. Keep temperature in mind as you read through this list deciding what to pack for Las Vegas.
What To Pack For Las Vegas – Outfits
Casual Outfits
Most people in Vegas keep it casual, especially during the day. You’ll spot folks rocking everything from jeans, shorts, and dresses to sports jerseys, tank tops, sweaters, and good old t-shirts.
Some seem like they just had a rough night (well, it is Vegas, so chances are they did!) while others strut around like it’s their personal fashion show.
My advice? Slip into whatever makes you feel comfortable during the day. Consider your planned activities—whether it’s a visit to the Welcome to Vegas Sign or a Hoover Dam tour.
There are also tons of free activities and shows all throughout the day that you should be sure to check out!
Dressy Outfits
Night time is when the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas is put on display! You’re going to want to bring a nicer outfit for every night for dinners, spectacular Las Vegas shows, (like Cirque du Soleil, for example), the clubs, or gambling in the casinos.
This can be as simple as jeans and a nice top, or a dress for the ladies, or slacks/nice jeans and a button down for the guys. Many places have dress codes and won’t let you in if you’re not presentable. Women get away with a much wider variety of ensemble choices than men, but you still need to look nice.
What To Pack For Las Vegas – Footwear
When figuring out what to pack for Las Vegas, you need to keep in mind the variety of shoes you may need. You want casual shoes for daytime, dressy shoes for nighttime, and sandals for lounging by the pool.
Dress Shoes
When packing for your Las Vegas trip, make sure you bring dressy shoes to go with your dressy outfits! Men typically will want a pair of leather shoes, because many places will not let you in with sneakers or sandals.
Ladies, you can wear a nicer pair of sandals, flats, boots, or high heels. Just remember that you’re going to be on your feet all night, so whatever you bring, make sure you can wear it for hours on end.
Walking Shoes
Along with shoes for nighttime, you definitely need to bring comfortable shoes for walking around during the day. Everything is WAY further away than you think it is.
The flatness of the strip creates this crazy optical illusion that makes it seem like everything is just down the road. It’s not. Trust me on this one and bring comfy shoes!
Not only that, but if you plan on doing any special activities, like taking a Las Vegas helicopter tour or riding ATVs into the desert, you need the proper footwear. Always be sure to have a good pair of sneakers with you on vacation, no matter where you go.
Flip Flops
Any time you’re in a bathing suit you’re going to want to have flip flops nearby. No one wants to go into a bathroom in bare feet! Gross! Do not forget to throw a pair of flip flops in your bag.
What To Pack For Las Vegas – Other Clothing Items
Aside from day time and night time outfits, there are a few other clothing items you need to pack for Las Vegas.
Bathing Suit and Coverup
Vegas is known for having the greatest pools and day clubs AKA pool parties, so make sure to pack a suit and a coverup. I always recommend packing your swimsuit in your carry-on as opposed to your checked bag, for any vacation, in case your luggage gets delayed.
This obviously is going to depend on what season you are visiting, since pool parties generally do not happen in winter.
Sweater or Jacket
If you’re going to Las Vegas during the cooler months, you definitely need a sweater or a jacket. What you may not realize however, is that even in the summer months it’s a good idea to bring one.
The AC’s are cranking when it’s hot out, and you might find yourself wishing you had one more layer while you’re indoors.
What To Pack For Las Vegas – Accessories And Extras
Of course, there are plenty of extras and accessories you should bring with you when packing for Las Vegas. These are my must-have items.
Earplugs and Sleep Mask
Between the hustle and bustle of the strip and neighbors (or roommates) being loud, if you want to get a good night’s sleep you should bring some ear plugs.
A sleep mask is always a good idea to bring on vacation in case the curtains don’t block out as much light as you would like them to. You’re never going to get as much sleep in Las Vegas as you would at home, so anything you can do to improve the quality of sleep you get is going to be helpful. The mask is also excellent for catching some Z’s on the plane!
Toiletries and Makeup
Of course when you’re going on vacation you need to bring your essential personal items. The Vegas air is really dry, so make sure to pack some lotion. And you will want a really good cleanser to get all the grime off your face at the end of the day.
Throw in a razor, dental hygiene products, deodorant, perfume/cologne, and makeup for day/night. Makeup removal wipes are also a good idea!
Sunglasses and Hat
That Vegas sun is no joke. You absolutely do not want to forget your sunglasses. Not to mention wearing sunglasses while hungover is pretty much essential.
I strongly recommend a hat as well for day time wear to keep the sun off your head and face.
My husband and I both love having these Bose sunglasses on vacations. They allow you to discreetly listen to music while protecting your eyes from the sun, and no one around you can even tell!
Sunscreen and Lip Balm
No matter your skin tone you should bring sunscreen with you to Las Vegas. The sun is strong all year long and you will burn if you’re outside for any length of time. It doesn’t matter if you’re lounging by a pool or walking the strip, you will need it!
A good lip balm is also essential to keep your lips hydrated and protected from the sun. You especially want sunscreen and lip balm if you’re doing any of the incredible extreme activities in Las Vegas.
Refillable Water Bottle
This one is a no-brainer. You’re in the desert, you’re likely drinking alcohol – stay hydrated by bringing a refillable water bottle. If you are so inclined, bring a couple packs of electrolyte packets to add to your bottle to stave off the hangovers!
Backpack/Day Bag
During the day it’s likely that you’re going to be out exploring, whether you’re taking a helicopter tour or wandering the city on your own. Bring some sort of bag with you to carry your essentials, and as a place to put any souvenirs you might pick up along the way. This small crossbody backpack is perfect for wandering and exploring.
Small Purse
Ladies, you know the drill. If you’re going out at night, which you most likely will be, you need a small purse for your phone, lipstick, etc. Don’t forget to throw one in your luggage before you leave home!
Money and ID
Vegas is expensive. I think what surprised us most about Las Vegas was the cost of food. Of course most places will take a card, but you need plenty of cash on hand for tips.
And the last thing you want to forget is your ID in a city focused on mainly adult activities. So check and double-check that you have that with you!
First Aid Essentials
You definitely want to have a few essential first-aid supplies on hand. Bring bandaids for scrapes or blisters, ibuprofen, eye drops, cold and allergy medications, and any prescriptions you have. This first aid kit has most of what you need already for various situations.
I usually throw in a couple safety pins for wardrobe malfunctions. You want to be prepared just in case! I’m also extremely prone to sprained ankles, so I always have a couple ace bandages with me too.
Electronics
It’s highly unlikely anyone forgets their phone and charger nowadays, but it’s always good to see a reminder here in black and white. If you have any other chargers you might need, like for your smartwatch, portable battery, camera, etc, make sure you grab all those too.
Add a pair of headphones for your flight, your e-reader if you’re so inclined, and you’re good to go! These Beats Headphones are our top choice, every time we travel.
Expert Tip: Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs!
Door Lock
Any time I travel anywhere, both in the US and abroad, there are a couple safety items we always bring with me. That is not to say any particular location is inherently dangerous. It’s just that I always want to exercise caution, no matter where I am.
Las Vegas is no exception to this rule.
One such item I always bring with me is an extra door lock for my room. This set of two is what I purchased, and bring with us on every single trip, no matter where we go, including Las Vegas.
These just give me a little added peace of mind when we’re away, that our room is secure while we sleep.
With that, you know exactly what to pack for Las Vegas and you’re ready to have the time of your life! Next, read our guide to tipping in Las Vegas, so you don’t get caught unawares.
Additional Helpful Las Vegas Articles
I love Las Vegas! My husband and I have been there what feels like a million times, and there’s always more to experience. Here are some more Las Vegas articles that you might find useful in planning your own epic trip to Sin City.
- Is A Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Really Worth It?
- The 10 Best Mind-Blowing Las Vegas Helicopter Tours
- The 10 Best Las Vegas ATV Tours
- Top 15 Best Shows In Las Vegas
- The Best Extreme Activities In Las Vegas
- The Best Hoover Dam Tours From Las Vegas In 2024
- Las Vegas Tips For First Timers – What You Need To Know
- The Complete Review of Cirque du Soleil Mystere in Las Vegas
- The 15 Biggest Mistakes In Las Vegas To Avoid
- The 15 Best Free Things To Do In Las Vegas
- Ultimate Guide To Tipping In Las Vegas
- How To Visit The Welcome To Las Vegas Sign
- How To Prepare For Las Vegas Weather in November