Stay Hydrated: Las Vegas is located in the Mojave Desert and is known for its extremely hot and dry climate. With average summer temperatures over 100°F (38°C), heat exhaustion and dehydration are real concerns for travelers spending time outdoors in Vegas. Staying properly hydrated is key to having an enjoyable visit.
Here are 10 tips to help you stay hydrated on your Vegas vacation:
Drink Plenty of Water
This may seem obvious, but drinking enough water is truly essential when visiting Vegas. The hot and arid climate causes your body to lose fluids and electrolytes rapidly through sweating.
Aim to drink at least 64 ounces (2 liters) of water per day, or more if you’ll be exerting yourself by walking long distances outdoors. Sometimes you don’t realize how much fluid you’re losing to perspiration. Get in the habit of drinking water frequently throughout the day.
Pack a refillable water bottle and keep it with you rather than relying on buying bottled water. Fill up your bottle for free at water fountains, hotel sinks, etc. Many Vegas resorts now have bottle-filling stations too.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeinated drinks act as diuretics, causing you to urinate more frequently and become dehydrated faster. It’s best to avoid these types of beverages in the Vegas heat.
Of course, part of the Vegas allure is enjoying a poolside cocktail or a coffee to help you rally at night. Just be sure to counterbalance each alcoholic or caffeinated drink with a glass of water.
And know your limits – overdoing it under the hot Vegas sun may leave you feeling quite ill.
Eat Fruit and Veggies
Eating raw fruits and vegetables that have a naturally high water content is an easy way to hydrate your body.
Fill up on watermelon, grapes, celery, strawberries, cucumbers, oranges, apples, lettuce, etc. You can find fresh fruit stands and salad bars conveniently located throughout Vegas strip resorts and casinos.
Greasy fast food tends to have the opposite effect when it comes to hydration. Go light if snacking between meals.
Choose Electrolyte Drinks
When spending long hours walking outdoors along the Strip, consider carrying electrolyte beverages like Gatorade or Powerade rather than just plain water. These drinks help replenish the essential electrolytes and nutrients you lose through heavy sweating.
Coconut water also makes for a refreshing natural electrolyte drink option.
Wear Light, Breathable Clothing
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabric like cotton or linen. This type of clothing helps keep your body cooler by allowing maximum air circulation.
Moisture-wicking athletic wear is also a good option if you’ll be active and walking a lot outdoors.
Avoid dark colors which absorb and trap heat more. Skip rubberized, non-breathable rain ponchos too – you want airflow on a hot Vegas day, even if caught in a passing storm.
Take Frequent Rests in the Shade
Don’t push yourself to keep going and going all day long. With Vegas daytime summer temperatures hovering at 100°F (38°C) or hotter, take regular breaks to get out of the sun and rehydrate in the shade.
Pop into a hotel, restaurant, attraction venue, or shop for 15-30 minutes to cool down in the A/C. Sit and drink some water while giving your body a breather. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and stop to rest if you start to feel faint, dizzy, or nauseous.
Check the Forecast
Stay updated on the Las Vegas weather forecast to best plan your days. If extreme heat warnings are in effect or temperatures climb to over 110°F (43°C), consider spending more time visiting museums and casinos where venues are well-air-conditioned.
Swap hiking or golfing for indoor activities on excessively hot days. And escape the midday sun when UV rays and temperatures peak; then venture back out later once the worst heat subsides. Apps like WeatherBug offer hourly Vegas forecasts.
Ask Locals
Don’t hesitate to talk to Las Vegas residents for their insider tips on staying hydrated. Locals are very accustomed to the arid desert climate and happy to offer advice.
Ask hotel staff, tour guides, rideshare/taxi drivers, and people around town where they fill up water bottles for free, grab electrolyte drinks en route, or take breaks to cool off mid-day.
Book Accommodations With Fridge
When booking your Vegas hotel, consider reserving a room with a refrigerator so that you have cold water and beverages at your fingertips whenever staying in. Fridges allow you to stock up on bottled water, fruit, hydrating drinks, sandwich fixings, etc. to enjoy in your room.
Ordering room service tends to get pricey fast. Having snack supplies available curbs the urge to eat out excessively or drink alcohol from the mini bar.
Staying hydrated is key to surviving – and thriving – during any Vegas vacation, especially in the sweltering summer season. Follow these tips to stay refreshed. But most importantly, listen to your body. Stop to hydrate and cool down anytime you feel overheated. Have a fun and safe visit!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of dehydration I should watch for?
Symptoms include dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, feeling overheated, dark yellow or lack of urination, dry mouth/cracked lips, rapid heart rate/breathing, weakness, or feeling faint. Take these warning signs seriously and rehydrate immediately.
How can I determine if I’m drinking enough water?
Check that your urine is light yellow to clear in color rather than dark yellow or amber, which indicates concentration and dehydration. You should also need to urinate every 2 to 4 hours. Infrequent, concentrated urine signals you need to drink more fluids.
Is tap water safe to drink in Vegas hotels?
Yes, Las Vegas tap water meets all federal drinking water standards and is filtered of contaminants. However, coming from the hot pipes, it tends to be quite warm. Request a glass of ice to chill it. In-room filters also help improve taste.
Can kids get dehydrated more easily in Vegas?
Yes, children are at increased risk for dehydration and heat-related illness. Make sure kids take breaks and drink plenty of water. Watch for early signs of overheating like fatigue, headache, and dizziness. Move to the shade and rehydrate immediately at first signs.
Conclusion
Vegas’ excessively hot and dry desert climate can quickly lead to dehydration if you’re not diligent about fluid intake. Be sensible, listen to warning signs from your body, and take proactive measures like those outlined above to stay properly hydrated. Follow these tips to keep your health in check so that you can fully enjoy all the excitement and wonder that Las Vegas has to offer.
Humayun Islam is a passionate medical writer and health enthusiast. His goal is to take complex medical information and present it in a way that is accessible and engaging to a broad audience.
When he is not writing, Humayun enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, and reading nonfiction books. He is constantly learning about new medical advancements and public health initiatives so he can provide readers with the most up-to-date information. Humayun joined the Quick Medico team in 2023 and is excited to share his medical knowledge and writing expertise. He hopes his articles will educate readers on a wide range of health topics and empower them to make informed decisions about their well-being.
