Nevada weather and outdoor projects
Nevada is the driest state. Las Vegas has extremely hot summers, often above 105°F, and mild winters, so most outdoor projects there are best from October to April, with early starts in hot weather. Reno and northern Nevada are cooler, with cold winter nights and big swings between day and night.
Low humidity means fast drying, which can cause lap marks in stain and paint and cracking in concrete. Wind is common, especially in spring. Rain is rare, but summer monsoon storms in the south can bring sudden downpours and dust.
Frost dates in Nevada
In Las Vegas, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around January 20 and the median first fall freeze is around December 15, a frost-free season of about 333 days.
In Reno, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around April 20 and the median first fall freeze is around October 23, a frost-free season of about 184 days.
How Nevada compares with other states
Las Vegas has the fewest rainy days of the 50 state main stations (11 a year with 0.1 in or more). Las Vegas has the least humid summer afternoons of the 47 state main stations (12% humidity at 3 PM, June–August). Las Vegas has the 2nd-most days at 90°F or hotter of the 50 state main stations (137 a year).
| Measure (Las Vegas) | Value | Rank, highest first |
|---|---|---|
| Deck staining season | 3 good months | 38th of 50 |
| Frost-free season | 333 days | 5th of 50 |
| Freezing nights | 10 a year | 44th of 50 |
| Rainy days | 11 a year with 0.1 in or more | 50th of 50 |
| Days at 90°F or hotter | 137 a year | 2nd of 50 |
| Summer afternoons | 12% humidity at 3 PM, June–August | 47th of 47 |
Best time to stain a deck in Nevada
In Las Vegas, the most reliable months are March–April and October. May and November–February can also work on the right days. June–September is hot, with average highs near 100°F and about 28 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. December–January is cool, with highs around 58°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In February and November, nights average about 46°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. May is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Reno, the most reliable months are June and September. April–May and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 65°F, May 74°F, Oct 70°F). December–February is too cold, with average highs around 49°F. In March and November, nights average about 33°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. July–August is hot, with average highs near 93°F and about 23 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In April–May and October, nights average about 42°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
Best time to paint outside in Nevada
In Las Vegas, the most reliable months are March–April and October–November. May and December–February can also work on the right days. June–September is hot, with average highs near 100°F and about 28 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In January–February, nights average about 42°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. May is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun. December is cool, with highs around 57°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
In Reno, the most reliable months are May–June and September. March–April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 59°F, Apr 65°F, Oct 70°F). December–January is too cold, with average highs around 47°F. In February and November, nights average about 30°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. July–August is hot, with average highs near 93°F and about 23 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In March–April and October, nights average about 37°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
Best time to pour concrete in Nevada
In Las Vegas, the most reliable months are February–May and September–November. June–August and December–January can also work on the right days. December–January brings about 4 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand. June–August is hot, with highs near 102°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Reno, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 65°F, Oct 70°F). November–March averages about 22 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. April and October bring about 6 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
Best time to seal a driveway in Nevada
In Las Vegas, the most reliable months are April–May and September–October. February–March, June–August and November can also work on the right days. December–January is too cold, with average highs around 58°F. February and November are cool, with highs around 65°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In March, nights average about 51°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–August is hot, with highs near 102°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Reno, the most reliable months are June–August. May and September can also work on the right days (average highs May 74°F, Sep 84°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 52°F. In April and October, nights average about 39°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In May and September, nights average about 48°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
Best time to fertilize or treat a lawn in Nevada
In Las Vegas, the most reliable months are February–April and October–November. May and December–January can also work on the right days (average highs Jan 59°F, May 89°F, Dec 57°F). June–September is hot, with average highs near 100°F and about 28 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. December–January is cool, with highs around 58°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. May is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Reno, the most reliable months are April–June and September–October. February–March and November can also work on the right days (average highs Feb 52°F, Mar 59°F, Nov 57°F). December–January is too cold, with average highs around 47°F. July–August is hot, with average highs near 93°F and about 23 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. February–March and November are cool, with highs around 56°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
How the weather differs across Nevada
| Place | Hottest month avg high | Coldest month avg low | Rain per year | Last spring freeze | First fall freeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | 105°F | 40°F | 4 in | January 20 | December 15 |
| Reno | 94°F | 26°F | 7 in | April 20 | October 23 |
Of the places above, Las Vegas has the most good months for staining, painting and concrete combined (14 job-months), and Reno has the fewest (10).
Monthly weather in Las Vegas
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 59°F | 41°F | 2 | 0.6 in | 27% | 3 |
| February | 63°F | 44°F | 2 | 0.8 in | 24% | 1 |
| March | 71°F | 51°F | 1 | 0.4 in | 18% | 0 |
| April | 79°F | 57°F | 1 | 0.2 in | 14% | 0 |
| May | 89°F | 66°F | 0 | 0.1 in | 12% | 0 |
| June | 99°F | 76°F | 0 | 0.0 in | 9% | 0 |
| July | 105°F | 82°F | 1 | 0.4 in | 13% | 0 |
| August | 103°F | 81°F | 1 | 0.3 in | 14% | 0 |
| September | 95°F | 72°F | 1 | 0.3 in | 14% | 0 |
| October | 81°F | 60°F | 1 | 0.3 in | 16% | 0 |
| November | 67°F | 47°F | 1 | 0.3 in | 21% | 1 |
| December | 57°F | 40°F | 1 | 0.5 in | 27% | 5 |
*Days with 0.1 inch of rain or more; column notes.
Monthly weather in Reno
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 48°F | 26°F | 3 | 1.3 in | 42% | 26 |
| February | 52°F | 29°F | 3 | 1.0 in | 34% | 22 |
| March | 59°F | 34°F | 2 | 0.8 in | 26% | 15 |
| April | 65°F | 39°F | 2 | 0.4 in | 22% | 7 |
| May | 74°F | 47°F | 2 | 0.6 in | 20% | 1 |
| June | 85°F | 54°F | 1 | 0.4 in | 16% | 0 |
| July | 94°F | 60°F | 1 | 0.2 in | 14% | 0 |
| August | 92°F | 58°F | 1 | 0.2 in | 14% | 0 |
| September | 84°F | 50°F | 1 | 0.2 in | 16% | 0 |
| October | 70°F | 40°F | 1 | 0.5 in | 21% | 5 |
| November | 57°F | 31°F | 2 | 0.6 in | 32% | 19 |
| December | 47°F | 26°F | 2 | 1.1 in | 43% | 27 |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 for LAS VEGAS MCCARRAN AP, RENO TAHOE INTL AP. See how the ratings work and how late in fall you can stain, paint or seal.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stain a deck in Nevada?
In Las Vegas, March–April and October. In Reno, June and September.
When is the last frost in Nevada?
Las Vegas: around January 20; Reno: around April 20.
Can you pour concrete in winter in Nevada?
Often, with care. Las Vegas averages about 9 freezing nights from December to February, so pick a mild spell, cover the slab on cold nights and keep it from freezing for the first 48 hours.
What months are best for sealing a driveway in Nevada?
In Las Vegas, April–May and September–October. In Reno, June–August.