Best time to visit Hoover Dam
For most visitors, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Summer is very hot, with average highs of 99 to 105 °F (37 to 40 °C) from June to August. Winter days are cool, and the nights are cold. Rain is rare in every month.
There is no single best week, and the weather on the day can differ from the averages. What you can control is the time of day. The dam grounds are open from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., so in summer an early start or an evening visit avoids the worst heat. The Visitor Center and tours run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See opening hours for the full times, or book Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas that handle the timing for you.
Hoover Dam weather by month
Average daily high and low and monthly rain, 1991 to 2020, measured at Las Vegas airport. These are averages, not a forecast for 2026.
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58 °F (14.7 °C) | 40 °F (4.7 °C) | 0.56 in (14.2 mm) |
| February | 63 °F (17.2 °C) | 44 °F (6.7 °C) | 0.80 in (20.3 mm) |
| March | 71 °F (21.7 °C) | 51 °F (10.3 °C) | 0.42 in (10.7 mm) |
| April | 78 °F (25.8 °C) | 57 °F (13.8 °C) | 0.20 in (5.1 mm) |
| May | 89 °F (31.4 °C) | 66 °F (18.9 °C) | 0.07 in (1.8 mm) |
| June | 99 °F (37.4 °C) | 76 °F (24.3 °C) | 0.04 in (1.0 mm) |
| July | 105 °F (40.3 °C) | 82 °F (27.8 °C) | 0.38 in (9.7 mm) |
| August | 103 °F (39.3 °C) | 81 °F (27.0 °C) | 0.32 in (8.1 mm) |
| September | 95 °F (34.9 °C) | 72 °F (22.4 °C) | 0.32 in (8.1 mm) |
| October | 81 °F (27.3 °C) | 60 °F (15.3 °C) | 0.32 in (8.1 mm) |
| November | 67 °F (19.5 °C) | 47 °F (8.5 °C) | 0.30 in (7.6 mm) |
| December | 57 °F (13.8 °C) | 40 °F (4.2 °C) | 0.45 in (11.4 mm) |
For most visitors, March to May and October to November are the easiest months for walking the crown and the bridge. If you can only come in summer, plan the outdoor parts for the early morning.
Our pick: a cruise in the cooler months
Out of the summer heat, the 90-minute cruise is a relaxed way to see the lake and the canyon walls.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Hoover Dam tours for every season
Day trips from Las Vegas, helicopter flights and Grand Canyon combinations, with live prices and availability.
Season by season
Spring: March to May
Highs rise from the low 70s °F (about 22 °C) to the high 80s °F (31 °C). It is a good time for the bridge walk and the Historic Railroad Trail. By late May the heat builds, so start early.
Summer: June to August
Average highs are 99 to 105 °F (37 to 40 °C), and the lows stay between 76 and 82 °F (24 to 28 °C). Carry water, wear a hat and plan outdoor stops for the morning. The hot springs trailheads are closed from 15 May to 30 September.
Autumn: September to November
September is still hot at 95 °F (35 °C), but October and November cool to 81 and 67 °F (27 and 20 °C). These months suit a full day with the dam, Boulder City and Lake Mead.
Winter: December to February
Highs of 57 to 63 °F (14 to 17 °C) are pleasant for walking, but lows fall to about 40 to 44 °F (4 to 7 °C). Bring a jacket for the exposed crown and the bridge.
Heat and weather safety
- Heat: in summer, hike only early in the day and carry water. Water is allowed through the security checkpoint.
- Storms: thunderstorms can cause flash floods, and wind can build on the lake. Check the forecast before a hike or a paddle.
- Hot springs: a further closure can apply at Willow Beach when the forecast is 95 °F (35 °C) or higher.
- Kayaking: there is no blanket summer closure of the Black Canyon Water Trail, but heat and wind still matter. See the kayak guide.
Holidays and clocks
The Visitor Center and tours close on Thanksgiving (26 November 2026) and on Christmas Day (25 December 2026). The Lake Mead sightseeing cruise is listed for 4 February to 21 December 2026, on Wednesday to Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and is closed on Thanksgiving. Read more in the Lake Mead guide.
Nevada uses Pacific time with daylight saving, which runs from 8 March to 1 November 2026. Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7) all year, so in winter Arizona is one hour ahead. If your plans cross the bridge, check which clock a time is quoted in. For a longer trip, the best time to visit Arizona compares the seasons across the state.
Best time to visit Hoover Dam: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Hoover Dam?
March to May and October to November have the mildest average temperatures. June to August is the hottest period, with average highs of 99 to 105 °F (37 to 40 °C).
How hot does it get in summer?
The average July high is 105 °F (40.3 °C), with average lows of 82 °F (27.8 °C). Start early and carry water.
Is Hoover Dam open in winter?
Yes. The dam grounds are open daily, and the Visitor Center and tours are closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Bring a jacket, since January lows average about 40 °F (4.7 °C).
Does it rain much?
No. Monthly averages stay below 1 inch (25 mm), with February the wettest at 0.80 inch (20.3 mm).
What time of day is best?
In summer, early morning or evening. The dam grounds are open from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., while the Visitor Center and tours run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Is this the official Hoover Dam website?
No. This is an independent guide and is not connected to the Bureau of Reclamation, the National Park Service or any tour operator.