Packing for Las Vegas in 2025: Exactly What You’ll Regret Forgetting
- Sergio Barbasso
- Oct 15
- 9 min read
The Real Local Packing Guide No Instagram Post Will Ever Tell You About
It’s all fun and glitter on Instagram…
until reality hits somewhere between your first nosebleed, a freezing restaurant, and your third $12 bottle of water.
When most people think of Las Vegas, they picture neon lights, casinos, and world-class shows. And yes—visually, Vegas is jaw-dropping.
But if you think about your past trips, you’ll realize something: is you saw really what made or broke the experience?
The truth? What you packed—or forgot to pack—matters more than you think.
Sure, the Bellagio fountains will look amazing on your phone.
But they won’t feel nearly as magical if you’re fighting a sore throat from the air conditioning, shivering in a restaurant that feels like the Arctic, or dragging yourself to the ER with heat exhaustion because you didn’t pack right.
Most people imagine Vegas as “hot because it’s in the desert.”
True—but only half true.
In July, you can literally fry an egg on your car hood. But walk into a restaurant, and in five seconds flat, you’re in Alaska.
That’s Vegas: the land of temperature extremes, where you can sunburn and freeze on the same day.
And because Vegas is also the launchpad for so many epic day trips—to the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Zion, and beyond—many travelers treat it as just a “two-day stopover between the parks” and come here totally unprepared.
Big mistake.
Those two or three “buffer days” can ruin your entire vacation if you don’t plan them smartly—or if you overpack with the wrong things and forget the essentials.
Anna and I have seen it all, as locals, travel guides, or simply first-time visitors.
We’ve helped travelers who spent more on extra luggage than on actual experiences in town.
Why? Because where they booked their trip no one told them what to expect here!
They arrived overloaded, miserable, and exhausted before their real adventure even started.
Others—usually the majority—did the opposite: they arrived light, confident, and totally unprepared for what desert weather really feels like.
I can’t count how many times Anna or I had to stop at the only Walmart in Page, Arizona, so our guests could buy jackets—in August. People just don’t expect to get cold in the desert. But it happens all the time.
If you’re reading this blog, I'm confident you’re already different—you want to travel smarter, not just “show up and hope for the best.”
So trust me: don’t be the tourist who says, “It’s winter, I don’t need sunscreen.”
You’ll need it just as much as you’ll need earplugs and an eye mask if you plan to sleep anywhere near the Strip.
There Are Things Only Locals Know
When we locals think about Vegas, we see an entire spectrum of colors most visitors completely miss—and that’s normal. I know almost nothing about the place I intend to visit until I do my due diligence and look for locals who can help me land prepared, not just inspired.
For us locals, “Vegas” means lip balm, eye drops, comfortable shoes, and a refillable water bottle.
After years of working as tour guides across the city and the entire Southwest, Anna and I have heard the same words from hundreds of travelers:
“If only I’d known this before…”
It’s crazy—standing here in 2025, with all the free info the internet offers, millions of travelers still arrive unprepared for what’s right in front of them.
So here’s your moment to know before you go.
Here’s our Las Vegas Packing List for 2025 — covering seasonal must-haves, casino dress codes, day trip gear, and the rookie mistakes we see visitors make every single week.
Also, we wrote our FREE Las Vegas Packing Essentials Guide (available for a limited time through the FREE GUIDE banner below) to help you travel light but smart—to pack what truly matters, skip what doesn’t, and buy the rest right here once you land.
And yes, you can even shop the exact products we recommend directly from the guide.
The Essentials
What to Pack for Las Vegas in 2025:
Photo ID and Credit Card: Required everywhere (casinos, clubs, bars).
Reusable Water Bottle: Vegas is dry, and you’ll dehydrate quickly.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: The Strip is longer than it looks—expect miles of walking.
Eye Drops and Lip Balm: You'll thank us later!
Eye Mask and Earplugs: Strip and Downtown hotels are loud and bright 24/7.
Casual Outfits: Daytime on the Strip is relaxed (shorts, jeans, sundresses).
Evening Wear: Dress codes matter—especially for fine dining and nightclubs.
Swimwear: Pools are a major part of the Vegas experience.
Portable Phone Charger: You’ll be using maps, tickets, and photos nonstop.
Light Jacket or Wrap: Casinos and theaters blast the A/C.
Cash for Tips: Valets, bartenders, and dealers rely on gratuities.
Medication & Toiletries: Essentials like aspirin, allergy meds, and moisturizer are pricier on the Strip.
💡 Insider Tip: having a reusable water bottle will save you from one of the biggest tourist traps in Las Vegas. Read HERE to find out why.
Seasonal Packing for Las Vegas
Summer (June–August)
Temps often hit 100–110°F (38–43°C).
Essentials: Lightweight, breathable clothing, hats, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen.
Pool gear: Flip-flops, swimsuits, cover-ups, stylish poolside outfit (pool parties are a scene).
Evening: Light jacket or shawl for blasting A/C indoors.
Footwear: Comfortable sandals or sneakers for daytime, dressier shoes for evening.
Hydration helpers: Electrolyte tablets or powder packs.
👉 Mistake to Avoid: Wearing heels or stiff dress shoes to walk the Strip during the day. The sidewalks are long, hot, and unforgiving.
Fall (Sept–Nov)
Warm days (70s–80s°F / 20s°C), cooler nights.
Pack layers: T-shirts, blouses, plus a sweater or light jacket.
Great time for day trips—bring hiking shoes.
Evening: Perfect weather for rooftop bars, so pack something chic.
Extras: Scarf or pashmina for breezy nights.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Daytime: 50s–60s°F (10–20°C).
Nights: Can drop to freezing.
Pack jeans, sweaters, a warm jacket, a scarf, and gloves if you’re outdoors at night.
Pools close, but spas are open—pack loungewear.
Good season for desert hikes, so bring activewear.
Don’t forget lip balm and moisturizer—cold desert air is harsh.
👉 Mistake to Avoid: Assuming Vegas is always hot—it snows here occasionally!
Spring (March–May)
Perfect weather: 70s–80s°F (20–27°C) during the day, cooler evenings.
Great season for both Strip walks and day trips.
Bring layers for mornings/evenings.
Sandals + sneakers are both useful.
Pool season begins in March—bring swimwear.
Allergy sufferers: Bring meds—spring blooms can trigger reactions.
💡 Local Tip: Spring and fall are the most popular wedding seasons in Vegas—if you’re attending, remember semi-formal or cocktail attire. Unless you’re heading to one of the many themed weddings in town — think Elvis, Star Wars, or anything wildly over the top — then the only dress code is “anything but boring.”
Casino Dress Codes: What You Need to Know
Unlike movies, Vegas casinos don’t have strict dress codes for gambling. But:
Daytime on the Strip: Shorts, tees, sundresses, sandals—totally fine.
Evenings: Upscale restaurants, shows, and clubs expect smart casual or formal.
Nightclubs: Men need collared shirts, nice shoes, no athletic wear. Women—cocktail dresses, heels, or stylish flats.
Pool Parties: Designer swimwear, cover-ups, and trendy sunglasses are common. Flip-flops are fine poolside but not in clubs afterward.
💡 Smart Tip: Remember that most essentials can be delivered straight to your hotel via Amazon.com within hours, so you spend less time shopping and more time enjoying your trip.
Pack smart and travel lighter!
Packing for Vegas Day Trips
Many visitors use Vegas as a base for epic day trips.
That’s exactly why in our FREE Packing Guide, we also included the most Epic Day Trips from Las Vegas, like Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Death Valley, the Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park.
If that’s you, add:
Grand Canyon (West Rim or South Rim)
Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers.
Backpack with snacks + water.
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
Layered clothing (temps swing fast).
Hiking boots or trail shoes.
Trekking poles (for The Narrows).
Quick-dry clothing.
Water shoes for river hikes.
Red Rock Canyon (20 min from Strip)
Workout gear or casual hiking clothes.
Water bottle, camera.
Light jacket (windy at higher points).
Lightweight, breathable clothing.
Wide-brimmed hat.
Electrolyte packets for hydration.
Sunglasses with strong UV protection.
Casual summer wear.
Swimsuit for boating or kayaking.
Water sandals.
👉 Book day tours easily through GetYourGuide or rent a car on RentalCars like we did for years for our own adventures:
And if you’re not sure where to go or what to do first, check out our guides on “16 Free Things to Do in Vegas in 2025” and “Best Day Trips from Las Vegas” for even more insider tips.
Family and Couple-Specific Packing Tips
For Families
Kids’ swimsuits and water toys.
Snacks—cheaper than buying inside hotels.
Strollers (yes, the Strip is stroller-friendly).
Layers for kids—casinos are cold.
Kid-safe headphones or tablets for downtime.
For Couples
Matching outfits for fun photo ops.
Semi-formal clothes for date nights.
Portable speaker for hotel room or poolside vibe.
Surprise outfit or accessory for a special night out
Special Occasion Packing: Weddings, Conferences & Festivals
Vegas Weddings: Cocktail dress, suit, or formal wear depending on venue. (Or even a T. rex costume, if the couple doesn’t mind…)
Conferences/Trade Shows: Business casual plus comfortable shoes—you’ll walk expo halls.
Music Festivals (EDC): Festival wear, hydration pack, comfortable sneakers, earplugs.
💡 Insider Tip: If you’re here for a festival like EDC or Life Is Beautiful, pack glow accessories or light-up gear—you’ll blend right in.
Tech & Modern Travel Essentials
Vegas in 2025 is cashless-friendly and tech-driven:
Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) preloaded.
Mobile tickets for shows and attractions.
Travel adapter if visiting internationally.
💡 Local Tip: Many clubs and shows now require digital tickets only—printouts are often not accepted.
Smart Tip: It happens more often than you’d think — your data connection or Wi-Fi stops working right when you need it most.
That’s why we created an entire section of updated Las Vegas maps (covering transportation, hotels and casinos, parks, and venues) you can download and use offline — perfect for smart travelers.
What NOT to Pack for Las Vegas
Expensive Jewelry: Flashy accessories can be a liability.
Too Many Dress Shoes: One pair of comfortable night-out shoes is enough.
Heavy Coats in Summer: Even at night, it’s warm (but do pack layers for A/C).
Massive Suitcases: Hotel rooms are big, but you’ll regret dragging them through their hotel carpets or down the Strip.
Formalwear for Every Night: You’ll probably dress up only 1–2 evenings.
Hardcover Books: Bring a Kindle or tablet to save space.
💡 Local Tip: Bring an extra tote bag or small duffel. Shopping is huge here, and you’ll want space for your finds.
And since it’s almost impossible to leave the city without something branded Las Vegas—whether it’s for you or for the folks waiting back home—don’t forget to leave some room in your suitcase!
Mistakes to Avoid When Packing for Vegas
Forgetting a reusable water bottle (buying water constantly adds up).
Overpacking formalwear (you’ll mostly be casual).
Not bringing walking shoes (the Strip is deceptively long).
Skipping sunscreen (yes, even in winter).
Forgetting cash for tips (valets, bartenders, dealers).
Packing too much black clothing in summer—light colors are cooler.
Assuming desert = hot: winter nights can be freezing.
Ignoring festival gear if attending—locals go all out.
Quick Packing Checklist for Las Vegas 2025
✅ ID + Credit Card
✅ Cash for tips
✅ Eye drops and lip balm
✅ Eye mask and earplugs
✅ Casual daytime outfits
✅ Stylish evening wear
✅ Swimwear + flip-flops
✅ Walking shoes + evening shoes
✅ Light jacket/sweater
✅ Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
✅ Reusable water bottle
✅ Portable phone charger
✅ Hiking gear (if day trips planned)
✅ Makeup and skincare (dry desert air is harsh)
✅ Tote bag for shopping
✅ Layers for winter or spring/fall evenings
✅ Medications + toiletries
✅ Festival gear (if attending)
✅ Tech gear: headphones, cables, adapters
Final Thoughts
Packing for Las Vegas in 2025 is about balancing glamour with practicality. On the Strip, you’ll want stylish outfits for evenings, but during the day—and on desert trips—you’ll need comfort and function.
Don’t underestimate the heat in summer or the chill in winter, and definitely don’t forget sunscreen and walking shoes.
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We’ve packed everything you need to know about Vegas and beyond into a 260-page digital guide that’s a true vacation-saver.
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What to know before your trip
What to do before you leave
Every area of Las Vegas
How to get here and get around
Where to stay
What and where to eat
What to see and do, day and night
The best “Only in Vegas” experiences
…and so much more!
It’s always up to date (unlike traditional printed guides), written by real locals — not A.I., costs less than a cocktail on the Strip, and can literally save your trip (and your FOMO).
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FAQs: Las Vegas Packing List 2025
What should I wear in Las Vegas casinos?
Casual clothes are fine during the day. At night, smart casual is best—men should avoid shorts and athletic wear, and women usually dress up more.
Do I need formal clothes for Vegas?
Only if you’re going to fine dining restaurants, shows, or clubs. A cocktail dress or blazer will cover most situations.
What do I pack for a summer Vegas trip?
Breathable clothes, swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget a light layer for indoor A/C.
What’s the biggest packing mistake for Vegas?
Not bringing walking shoes. You’ll walk miles even if you don’t realize it.
Should I pack hiking gear for Vegas?
If you’re planning day trips to Red Rock, Grand Canyon, or Zion—yes. Otherwise, focus on city wear.
Do hotels provide pool towels?
Yes, most resorts do. No need to pack one unless you’re heading on a day trip.
What skincare should I bring?
Moisturizer and lip balm are crucial—the desert air is very dry.
Should I bring cash or rely on cards?
Bring both. Cards are widely accepted, but cash is essential for tips.
Can I pack light for Vegas?
Yes. Stick to versatile pieces that mix and match, and you’ll save luggage space.
Are Vegas pools open year-round?
No, most close in late fall, though some resorts keep heated pools open in winter.
