Crowds

• As of March 2011, special events in Las Vegas include the Men's Apparel Guide of CA (MAGIC), a gathering of menswear professionals and buyers who enjoy golf, dinners, networking and viewing the latest designs for menswear as well as the celebrities who attend the event. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau, approximately 75,000 to 80,000 people attend the MAGIC show annually. The World Archery Festival starts its competitive season each February in Las Vegas. Not only does the event measure performance of archers, but participants can view the latest products for archery. Besides encountering crowds at hotels and casinos, booking tee times at local golf courses assures visitors of a round of golf while visiting Las Vegas in February.
  
  

Prices

• People who want to get married in Las Vegas pay a premium during February. The room rates in Las Vegas are seasonal and can double during Valentine's Day, especially if the holiday falls from Friday through Monday. President's Day is another occasion when hotels charge a premium. The winter months are the high season in Las Vegas, and hotel, food or gaming incentives may be difficult to find as well as reduced airfares and car rental discounts.
  
  

Traffic

• The traffic in Las Vegas can be heavy on the freeways, the Strip and the downtown casinos. Besides traffic created by the hospitality industry, Las Vegas has morning and evening rush hours, both on the freeways and the major roads. Some car rental companies provide GPS units that broadcast traffic conditions, helping drivers avoid bottlenecks and delays. Hoover Dam and Lake Meade also attract tourists, and only one road services this massive recreational and educational area. Checking on road conditions may help you avoid the worst traffic congestion. Interstate 15 connects Las Vegas with Southern California, and traffic coming to and leaving Las Vegas on weekends and holidays is heavy. Leaving early in the morning or late at night helps travelers avoid freeway congestion.
  
  

Weather

• Depending on where the visitors come from, the weather may seem warm and balmy. However, storms moving down from the Pacific Northwest can bring cold, rainy weather with strong winds and even snowfall. Bringing a coat or checking the weather before your visit helps you anticipate the kind of clothing you may need when visiting in February.
  
  

Outdoor Activities

• Besides conventions and entertainment, winter sports enthusiasts can visit Las Vegas in February to enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the nearby Humbolt Toiyabe National Forest, known to locals as Mount Charleston. The Las Vegas Ski and Snowboarding Resort lies just 30 minutes northwest of the Las Vegas Strip and offers rental equipment. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is the southern end of the Humbolt Toiyabe National Forest and has many miles of hiking, bicycling, backpacking and horseback riding trails. February is a good time to visit the Red Rock area because temperatures are mild. Both Mount Charleston and Red Rock Canyon can serve as backdrops for scenic photography.