gold butte, summer in nevada, nevada summertime

Seasons in Nevada

Nevada’s reputation is a wild one, but so is its weather. It’s also one of the country’s largest states, with elevations that range from under 500 feet above sea level to snow-capped peaks cracking 13,000 feet, with 100,000-ish square miles of high and low desert, forested basins, and plenty of other climate zones in between. Basically, it ain’t all hot Vegas nights and rattlesnakes slithering over sand dunes. Let us show you how to navigate the weather around here—one season at a time.

Gold Butte National Monument

Highlights

Seasons in Nevada
What to Pack
Beat the (Weather) System

The road up Mount Charleston (one of Nevada’s tallest) climbs through seven distinct climate zones over the course of just 17 miles—the same amount you cover on your way from Mexico to Canada.

Nevada Weather: Here’s What to Pack

Pack Your Parkas AND Your Trunks

Although Nevada is one of the driest states, the sky dumps plenty of rain and snow into our many wild rivers, alpine lakes, and powder-packed mountain slopes—and that’s not just Nevada in winter. Nevada summers can dazzle you with some of the clearest, darkest, star-studded skies or surprise you with a refreshing shower. Our weather gods always deliver.

child runs through a spring wildflower bloom in nevada — Spring Wildflower Bloom in Nevada
BLM Nevada

What to Pack? Here’s What We’d Suggest:

Base Layers—tanks, t-shirt, shorts, and leggings or thermals
Jeans or pants, rain jacket, down jacket, gloves and a hat
Hiking boot or tennis shoe—whether you’re strolling the Strip or getting into the backcountry, something comfy enough to support your daylong endeavors while protecting your feet
Some kind of shoe that can get wet and protect your toes (think hot springs or muddy roads circumstances) is key. Chacos, Tevas or Crocs always seem to get the job done.
Sunscreen, chapstick, a billed hat and bandanna
Swimsuit

Lucky for you, traveler, what that means is there’s really no such thing as a best season to visit Nevada. Any time you visit is sure to be extraordinary. Even in our deserts, there are four seasons in Nevada. Sure, there are some hot, dry desertscapes—and they’re stunning. But depending where else you wander, Nevada in spring means you may wind up face to face with a stunning wildflower bloom and fall in Nevada promises an explosion of fall foliage that would leave a New Englander stupefied.

Bring water, water and more water. Pack more than you think you’ll need—it’s dry in Nevada, and when you run low, a chance to restock may be hours away.

So… What is the Weather in Nevada?

Tips and Tricks for Mastering High and Low Desert Climates

You know all those places that think “their” local saying is “You don’t like the weather? Wait 15 minutes!” Yep, we’re one of those. So what is the climate in Nevada, exactly? In a state spanning more than 100,000 square miles, weather conditions in Nevada change as often as the terrain surrounding you does. Making sure you’ve got the right gear is one thing, being aware of weather hazards and how they may shape your time in Nevada is another.

Tips and Tricks

Get your packing list dialed in, and make sure some basic safety tools are on it—like a paper map or an atlas, extra water supply, tire patch kit, and understanding of cell coverage—in case an unpredictable weather pattern moves your way. After all, one of the reasons we love Nevada so much is because it’s still so wild; it’s just good to know how to navigate inclement weather like a pro. Also, if you’re headed into rural Nevada, it’s always a good idea to let someone know where you’re headed, and when you plan to return, too. (Basically, just call your mom.)

Look ahead at forecast or even doppler radars, and make sure you know before you go by mapping out where you’re headed, how to navigate within each city, and how to connect from point A to B—especially during crazy Nevada weather.