Spring in Las Vegas is a great time to visit one of the vacation capitals of the world. The second season of the year brings a long string of sunny days to the desert, but it’s not blazing hot yet. This stretch of time between March and May is one of Las Vegas’ busiest seasons for good reason. Whether you’re planning on spending spring break sampling Las Vegas pool parties or you’re looking for a break in the schedule and want to experience something cool, a spring trip to Las Vegas is sure to delight.

Las Vegas in March

The busy season begins as soon as the calendar flips from February to March. While a few schools have earlier spring breaks, nearly everyone has time off in March or April. Even if your student days are long gone, the tradition of spring break is one worth reviving. Hotel occupancies can reach 94 percent on the weekend. But there are plenty of Las Vegas hotels available, so you won’t have to worry about getting shut out. March still enjoys relatively cool weather, so it’s a good time to get outside and explore. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a fascinating place for a hike or an ATV tour—it looks like something straight out of the Mars. When the days are sunny but not too hot, it’s a great time to visit the Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park, Las Vegas’ only zoo. The animals, which represent some 150 species, are more active in the spring.

The Las Vegas calender of events is also active in March. Downtown Las Vegas hosts a St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the week after brings the crowning event of the monster truck world—the Monster Jam World Finals. One Friday and Saturday in March, the Monster Jam brings two days of races, exhibits and fun at Sam Boyd Stadium on the campus on UNLV during spring in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Strip Map

Las Vegas in April

Spring break season continues in April and the average temperature rises to a pleasant 78 degrees. It’s also one of the busiest months on the calendar. In April, the World Series of Poker returns to Caesars Palace. Over the course of two weeks, the event includes several events that drawn the attention of professional players and amateurs who want to rise in the ranks with Lady Luck along for the ride.

Moving away from the casinos - and Las Vegas proper - April is a great month for festivals. Summerlin hosts the Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz and R&B Festival, a two-day celebration of music held at the Clark County Government Amphitheater. Spring in Las Vegas also brings the annual Henderson Heritage Parade and Festival, an annual tradition for more than 50 years. Movie professionals look to Las Vegas in April for the CinemaCon convention, which brings thousands of theater owners, movie fans, and Hollywood stars to Caesars Palace.

Las Vegas in May

One of the biggest party days on the schedule arrives five short days after May begins. Cinco de Mayo started as a minor holiday toremember a Mexican victory over the French, but it’s grown into one of the best party days of the year. It’s no surprise that Las Vegas does the day better than anyone else. It’s not hard to find a party at one of the nightclubs or restaurants both on and off the Strip. An outdoor festival takes place every year at Freedom Park with plenty of great food and music.

Later in the month, music fans looking for things to do beyond the traditional big-name concerts will enjoy the Jazz in the Park, which signals that spring in Las Vegas has arrived. This series of outdoor concerts takes place from the middle of May until the middle of June at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater.