Las Vegas in November has a dramatic day-to-night temperature swing. Afternoons reach 18–22°C in sunshine, but the race starts at 10:00 PM when it is typically 5–10°C, and desert wind chill in open grandstands makes it feel colder. Most first-timers underdress. The neon Strip looks warm — the air is not.
| Time | Typical temp | What to have on |
|---|---|---|
| Afternoon (practice) | 18–22°C | Light top or shirt, no jacket needed |
| Evening (qualifying) | 12–16°C | Mid-layer over shirt; outer jacket ready |
| Race start (10pm) | 8–12°C | Full layers: base + fleece + wind jacket |
| Race finish (midnight+) | 5–10°C | Everything on; beanie and gloves if you run cold |
The key is removability. You need to be comfortable at 20°C in the afternoon and at 5°C at midnight. Pack layers that can be tied around your waist or fit in your clear bag during the warmer sessions.
1. Thermal base layer
A lightweight thermal top under your outfit. This is the layer that most people skip and regret by race time.
2. Mid-layer — fleece or insulated jacket
The main warmth layer for the race. Something packable that fits in or clips to your clear bag during the afternoon.
3. Wind-blocking outer jacket
Desert wind on the Strip after midnight. A wind-resistant shell that stops the cold cutting through your mid-layer.
4. Beanie and gloves
Optional for those who run warm; essential for anyone who gets cold in their hands or head.
Comfortable trainers. The circuit perimeter is large and you'll walk significant distances to reach your zone entrance, move through the venue, and get back to your hotel after the race. Anything that isn't comfortable for extended walking will be a problem.
There is no dress code for grandstand tickets. Heeled shoes look good in the hotel — they're a misery by gate 3.
Team caps, replica shirts, and branded jackets are common and entirely appropriate. A team hoodie doubles as your mid-layer if it's thick enough. Don't buy merch on-site that you're counting on for warmth — prices are high and sizing often limited on race night.
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