Essential information for Las Vegas

When to go

Las Vegas is located in the Mojave Desert in Nevada, so it has a very dry climate with very little rain, however temperatures can vary widely throughout the year. Spring and autumn temperatures range from 17°C to around 34°C, and are the most popular times for Las Vegas holidays for those looking to avoid the most extreme heat.

Summer is when you’ll experience the hottest days. Average temperatures can range from a toasty 34°C to a blisteringly hot 40°C at this time of year. Luckily, hotels and other venues in Las Vegas are well equipped with air-conditioning.

Come winter there’s a significant drop in temperatures, with lows around 4°C in December and highs at a reasonably warm 17°C.

Health and safety

Health and safety standards are high in Las Vegas, so it is safe to drink water straight from the taps. There are also no special vaccinations needed prior to travel. Do ensure that you have all vaccinations generally required for living in the UK though. If you are unsure whether you have these you can ask your local GP.

As with any holiday, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself and family on your trip. Some hospitals in the US may ask for a deposit on admittance. If this is the case contact your travel insurance provider in the first instance for advice. Only pay the hospital if your travel insurance company advises you to do so.

If you’re visiting Las Vegas specifically to take part in sports or watersports, including hiking, you should make sure your insurance covers this. See our holiday extras page for more information and for the latest health and safety information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/health.

Passports and visas

British citizens need to obtain prior authorisation to enter the United States using a British passport. This can be done through a visa, Permanent Resident Card or the Visa Waiver Programme – VWP.

The majority of holiday travellers will be able to apply for the VWP, which allows most British Citizen passport holders to visit the US for up to 90 days. For more information on how to apply under the VWP visithttps://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-waiver-program/

In addition you will need authorisation from the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) at least 72 hours before you travel. This provides the airline with information about you such as passport details and address of your first night’s stay in the United States. For more information and to find out how to apply visit US Customs and Border Protection.

For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements.

Getting around

Las Vegas McCarran International Airport is only eight kilometres away from the centre of Las Vegas city, so your transfer journey will only take a few minutes. Some tour operators include transfers as part of a holiday package so either way, getting to your hotel is easy.

Once you’re in Las Vegas there are taxis, including glitzy limousines for hire, so you can travel around in style if you want to. You’ll also find excellent bus services as well as the space-age style Las Vegas Monorail.

If you’re planning cheap Las Vegas holidays without extravagant limousines there’s a public bike share system in downtown Las Vegas you can use. For a small fee you can simply grab a push bike and go, and if you want to walk the central area is small enough to do so – just remember to take plenty of water when it’s hot.

Advice for travellers with children

Las Vegas has lots of activities suitable for all ages. This makes it an ideal destination for exciting family holidays. There are funfairs, waterparks and a range of live children’s shows, as well as several play areas where younger kids can explore and run around.

Many of the hotels in Las Vegas have excellent child-friendly facilities, including offering registered childcare services. Cheap package holidays to Las Vegas include a host of family-friendly dining options too, taking some of the stress out of travelling with little ones.

Electricity

Connector type: Flat two- and three-pin plugs, type A or B.

Voltage Info: 120 volts

Emergency information

The telephone number for all emergency services is 911

British Consulate

If you’re a victim of crime or affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner contact the British Consulate in Los Angeles. The British Consulate in Los Angeles provides UK government representation in the Las Vegas area.

British Consulate General Los Angeles

Address: 2029 Century Park East, Suite 1350, Los Angeles CA 90067, USA Phone: +1 310 789 0031

Hospitals

The Las Vegas city area has several hospitals that provide extremely high standards of medical care. Two of the biggest are Sunrise and MountainView.

Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center Address: 3186 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA Phone: +1 702 731 8000

MountainView Hospital Address: 3100 N Tenaya Way, Las Vegas, NV 89128, USA Phone: +1 702 962 5000