Okay, in addition to the Fairmount Princess in Scottsdale, I'm considering Las Vegas for my August vacation b/c I found a really good deal on a suite at the Venetian.

Am I crazy? I know it's really hot, but everyone says it's a "dry heat" which I think is prob much better than the humidity here on the East coast.

Plus there would obviously be a lot more options for things to do in Vegas than in Scottsdale...although the resort in AZ does look beautiful and really relaxing. Hmmm.

To answer your question: No, you're not crazy. However, it is VERY hot in August (I know, my SigO and I went there last year for our birthday celebrations). Dry heat, yes; it's much more bearable than the oppressive humidity of, say, Miami Beach in August (another place we've gone to celebrate birthdays, most recently my 40th). But it's still hot enough that you will curtail day-time outdoor activities. Bring lots of sunscreen and hats, drink lots of water, etc.

Lots to do in Vegas, absolutely. The expenses start adding up quickly, FYI. Good thing you'll save on the room.

It doesn't cool down too much at night, but it does get a bit cooler. The club scene is improving nicely in Vegas, so plan on at least one Pub Crawl.

That's what I figured...although most of the action in Vegas takes place indoors, and they have that new monorail now right? I figure we won't have to be outside too much besides walking from casino to casino...lol

Good point on the money though. We'd def end up spending less in AZ, since we wouldn't be gambling and out clubbing all the time.

Don't count on the monorail to save you much walking. It's generally in the back of the casinos, so you have a bit of a hike from the station to the casino.

Vegas in August is HOT, HOT, HOT. I live in AZ and it's the same as here, 106-115 daytime. You do not walk around outdoors in that weather

Yes, it's a dry heat .. but believe me 110 is horrible no matter what you call it. There is actually more humidity in Vegas (than AZ) because there are so many more golf courses, "lakes", fountains, etc. that consume constant water (recycled, but it is still "wet").

The Monorail is totally useless for most hotels I think (and we go to Vegas about 4 times a year). It is set way behind the Strip hotels and you need to walk about 1/2 mile to get to it in some places. Don't count on using it be be inside. There are buses that run on the Strip (called "Duece" as they are double deckers and brand new as well) but you have to stand outside in the blazing heat to wait for them. They do stop in front of most of the major hotels tho.

There are alot of things to do in Vegas but in Aug. they will generally be inside things. The shopping is great, and of course gambling !!

Thanks! I read some previous threads advising against going to Scottsdale in August (guess that's why the $99/night rate exists!). So my question is....would the heat be worse in Scottsdale or Vegas? Or about the same?

My take on the situation is most of the activities in AZ seem to be outdoor-based (swimming, golf, hiking, etc) while in Vegas at least we can stay inside in the A/C most of the day. Opinions?

Lori you must have read my mind Lol!! Thanks

Well, AZ is pretty much totally a/c too, but you do need a car to get around to places and it's like leaving the car parked in hell because it is so hot when you get back in it Vegas is just as bad, but if you are not renting a car and going off Strip you don't need to worry about that.

Frankly it is so hot that swimming pools hold little allure - you do need to get out of the water eventually and when you do it's blazing hot. People get really bad burns out this way because they don't realize just how hot it is.

There are mountains in AZ that one can go to where it is cooler, likewise if you are in Vegas you can ride up to Mt. Charleston where it is about 20 degrees cooler, but overall my suggestion is go to Vegas and stay indoors. Gamble/shop/eat/go to shows.

We've been to Vegas, Phx & Tucson in August - I found Tucson to be by far the hottest, with the other two a bit better. (Sabino Canyon in the summer is positively sweltering.)

Yes, it's dry. And here's a quote from a comedian we heard in Vegas - "So is fire"!

Hi,I was wondering if while on this subject anyone could tell me when Hot August Nights in Vegas is? My hubby wants to go this year and I am trying to find out any Vegas info I can. Thanks, Kim

I haven't heard of Hot August Nights in LV. There is a HAN in Reno-lots of outdoor entertainment, old cars, food booths, etc. If such a celebration exists in LV, someone else will have to tell you about it.

For complete information on what's happening in Vegas I'd go to www.visitlasvegas.com, the official site of the Vegas Visitors Authority. They have links to the convention/business site where you can check on what conventions, weddings, and family reunions are going on while you are there! Other good information is available at www.reviewjournal.com, the web site for the Vegas daily paper. As for the weather, we've been there in August (and just about every other month). Be prepared to drink lots of water! Have eyedrops with you if you eyes tend to dry out. Stay inside during the highest heat of the day - lots to see inside at Bellagio, Caesars, Venetian, MGM, etc... Don't miss the conservatory at Bellagio - it's off the hotel lobby and fabulous. View the Bellagio fountains and Treasure Island show outdoors at night. Sign up for every players club and take whatever perks and comps you can get. Caesars Entertainment (old Park Place/Caesars + Harrahs) has the most casinos and a decent players club, although the comps and cashback are not as generous as they used to be before Harrahs took over. Don't take Vegas seriously and you will have a blast!

Braunsky, Wow! Thanks for the tips! Good info to know!, Kim

Kim - you are most welcome. Have a great time!

Braunsky

As a west coast person, I try to avoid both Las Vegas and Phoenix area in July and August. If I had to pick one, I'd probaly pick LV because it would be easier to stay inside for longer periods of times.
FYI, Reno/ Tahoe would be a great spot in August.

The very best time to go to Vegas is Sept-the crowds have thinned-school is back in=and the wetather is not too bad. We stayed at the Mirage across from the Venetian. Plan on doing lots of WALKING. Try to go out in the morning if possible or at night. We would get up and walk the Strip around 10 before it got too crazy. Have Fun, i love Vegas!

I decided on Vegas over Scottsdale. Wish I could go in Sept or Oct, but due to work schedules this was the only time I could go this year!

I have been in LV in August before, and will be there again this year. I stayed at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale a few years ago in August and thought I was in hell it was so hot! It was too hot for the pool, too hot for anything but laying around the room.

We went to LV a few days later and I didn't think it was nearly as hot as Scottsdale, but that's just me. I never go to LV without renting a car because they're so cheap (4 days for $85 including all taxes), so that keeps me from being out in the worst of the heat. But there's no way I'd be sitting out at a pool.

Don't worry. We were in Vegas last August and will be there again this August. Honestly, the dry heat does make a difference. It still can feel like a blast furnace mid-afternoon, but it's not the 'change a shirt three times a day' kind of heat. Some Vegas hotels have misters set up outside during the hottest days and a few even hand out cold water to visitors.

We find that mid-afternoon (when it's the hottest) is the perfect time for a quick dip in the pool, then a nap and some downtime.

Maybe we'll see you at the Venetian--that's where we're staying, too

Being inside a wood burniong oven is also a "dry heat". It's still hellishly hot.