Okay, Las Vegas: we know we don’t have THE best climate in the US – but did you know we’ve made top 10? And for good reason. While the rest of the country is shoveling snow, battling storms, or sweating through swamp-like humidity, we’re just… living our best lives, most of the time. We’ll pretend that brutal summer heat doesn’t exist for a moment. But even with that considered – Vegas has one of the most ideal climates in the entire United States.
Las Vegas has the 6th most ideal climate in the US
According to the Camelot Climate Index, a metric developed by meteorologist Jan Null. The ideal climate is described as “relatively mild with few extremes.” We clocked in at #6 on the prestigious list, beating out tropical paradises like Honolulu and Key West, and leaving other desert cities like Phoenix in the dust. Let’s look at why we rank so high.
Why is Vegas so high on the list?
It comes down to our geography and the Mojave Desert. While coastal cities rely on the ocean, we rely on our lack of humidity and cloud cover. We basically get to skip all the gloom. With 85% possible sunshine annually (one of the highest on the list), we are never forced indoors by gray skies or storms.
We also get a massive dose of Vitamin D. Las Vegas boasts abundant sunshine and almost zero rain (though we sometimes miss it). While a city like San Francisco gets doused with over 20 inches of rain annually, and even perfect San Diego (nr. 1 on the list) gets around 10, Las Vegas receives only about 4 inches.
That scarce rainfall means our pool parties, rooftop dinners, and outdoor festivals are rarely rained out. It’s also one of the main reasons our nature escapes are amazing all year long.
And why not higher?
But hey – let’s keep it real. The ‘summer sizzle’ is why we’re not in top 5. We all know July and August can test our patience, but that’s the trade-off for a winter that feels like spring and a spring that feels like paradise. Plus, as every local loves to say: “it’s a dry heat.”
So, the next time you’re enjoying a January hike at Red Rock without a jacket or a November patio bottomless brunch, take a moment to appreciate our incredible privilege.
Who else is on the Camelot Climate Index list?
San Diego took the top spot, followed by San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Eureka. We proudly claim the #6 spot, tying with Fresno.
At the bottom of the list, you’ll find Mt. Washington (famous for the worst weather in the world), followed by the freezing temps of Juneau and Nome, and the rain-soaked Hilo.