What Is the Best Time of Year To Visit the Hoover Dam?
The Hoover Dam is not just one of the most popular dams in the US, it's one of the country's most popular attractions overall!
Located just outside Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam welcomes more than 7 million visitors per year. Naturally, you'll probably wonder when the best time to go is to beat the crowds while enjoying the beauty of the dam.
Our knowledgeable tour guides go to the Hoover Dam every day on the best Hoover Dam tours, so we asked them: "What is the best time of year to visit the Hoover Dam?".
Short answer: The best time to visit the Hoover Dam is in October.
Long answer: Fall, particularly late September through mid-November, is arguably the best time to visit, but it's not the only good time.
Best Season to Visit Hoover Dam
Each season has its pros and cons, so here we'll break down what you can expect from each one as a group or individual looking to visit the Hoover Dam.
Spring
Spring is considered one of the better seasons to visit the Hoover Dam due to less crowds and great weather.
The crowds won’t be as small as in the winter, but they will be considerably smaller than the summer or fall crowds.
While some other areas in the United States often have to worry about rain in the spring, this is a rare problem in the desert of Las Vegas.
Summer
Summer is one of the busiest seasons for attractions worldwide (landmarks, theme parks, etc.), and it is no different for the Hoover Dam. Visiting the Hoover Dam in the summer is less than ideal because of the crowds and the weather. If you can avoid summer and visit during a different season, that would be best.
The location is in Nevada after all, where the dry heat has been known to sneak up on people who end up overexerting themselves. If you visit the Hoover Dam in the summer, go early. The dam's concrete makes the midday sun very hot, which can be risky. It's easier on your body to go in the morning.
Fall
Once the heat dies down and the kids go back to school, you will find the most favorable conditions for visiting the Hoover Dam. Late September to mid-November is our favorite time at the Hoover Dam and Las Vegas.
Related Reading: Is the Hoover Dam Tour Worth It?
Winter
Winter is one of the best, if not the best season to visit the Hoover Dam. The crowds are very minimal during this time, so you can fully enjoy the marvel that is the Hoover Dam without dealing with giant crowds.
In addition, this is great for those who are looking to get excellent photographs of the landmark. You will not have to fight for the perfect spot to snap that pic or have to deal with other people in the side view or background of your photographs.
Winter is also considered the best time because the weather is lovely in the area, Las Vegas gets over 300 days of sunshine a year. Still, wear layers because it can get chilly.
Best Month To Visit the Hoover Dam
Beyond the season, pinpointing the right month to visit the Hoover Dam can also greatly improve your overall experience. Here are some of the highlights for each month to help you choose the best one for you.
January
January is considered one of the best months to visit the Hoover Dam. Attendance is lower during this time, and the weather is quite favorable. Winter is not as cold in Nevada as in states further north, so you'll be able to enjoy the weather and the small crowds.
February
Along with January, February is considered the best time to visit the Hoover Dam. Similarly, February is a great month to visit because the weather is fair and crowds are far smaller. That means no waiting in line or dealing with a large group getting in the way of your perfect photographs.
March
March is considered a nice time to visit the Hoover Dam, though not as great as January or February. It is good in terms of the weather, as this time of year in Nevada/Arizona has an excellent climate that will not tire you out like the heat of the summer.
April
Visiting in April will be slightly less ideal than the earlier months of the year. Because crowds start to grow at this point, you may have to deal with more people than you would like.
Related Reading: How Far Is Hoover Dam from Las Vegas
May
In May, some schools and colleges have already let out for the summer, which means additional crowds. You may not suffer from super long waits or sweltering heat the way you might in June or July but expect to have to wait in some lines or take turns snapping photos.
June
June officially marks the start of summer, and you can feel it. This is one of the worst months to visit the Hoover Dam if you are not a fan of large crowds and hot weather.
July
Along with June, July is one of the least ideal months to visit the Hoover Dam. This is because this is prime summer trip time, and you will be facing some crowds. In addition, July is often the hottest month here. In recent years, the temperature has shot up to 114 degrees Fahrenheit in July for this area.
August
August is a better month to visit than June or July, especially later in the month as kids make their way back to school and the visitor numbers go down a bit. However, the heat is still enough to understandably put you off from visiting.
September
For visiting the Hoover Dam, September will come with better weather and fewer crowds compared to August, but you still may have to fight some crowds. Schools are back in full swing, but field trips are common.
October
October is when crowds begin to die down, and is our favorite month here in Las Vegas. Gorgeous weather and low crowds make for a perfect combination. The word may be getting out on this though, we at MaxTour have been quite busy the last 3 Octobers.
November
Once you hit November and start making your way into the winter season, it becomes a better time to visit. The November weather in Las Vegas is pretty ideal, and the crowds are low outside of Thanksgiving week.
December
December marks a very mild winter in Las Vegas, especially compared to other areas in the United States. For those living in the northern and midwestern United States, you will be perfectly comfortable at historic temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the high 60s (in Fahrenheit). Try to visit in the afternoon for the best weather in December, it can be chilly in the morning.
Southerners will be familiar with the warm winters that Las Vegas, Nevada, often has. After January and February, December is most likely your best option for visiting the Hoover Dam.
Conclusion
The best time of year to visit the Hoover Dam is in the winter season in January and February. These times are when crowds are the smallest and, due to Nevada’s warm climate, you won't have to deal with any real cold.
However, no matter when you decide to visit, the Hoover Dam is 100% worth seeing!
