Best time to visit New Orleans

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New Orleans

Best time of year to visit New Orleans

February and March with the massive Mardi Gras celebrations are considered to be the best time to visit New Orleans. Notice though, such events draw huge crowds and prices rise dramatically. Apart from the hot weather, summer brings hot deals as well, so you can enjoy COOLinary New Orleans, a month of special offers in city's restaurants. A mild period from October through November is another lovely time to explore New Orleans and to taste a wide variety of local seafood. December and January are perfect for savvy tourists as the hotel rates are low and the city substantially cools off.

7 THINGS TO DO IN NEW ORLEANS (JULY 01 - JULY 10)

New Orleans 4th of July Fireworks & Events

New Orleans 4th of July Fireworks & Events

July 3–July 4 • event

The Big Easy City is great at celebrating! Summers here are hot, and so are the festivities

Shrimps

Shrimps

April–February • food

Although available year-round frozen shrimps are nothing like fresh white and brown ones!

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds

late February–early October • nature

Your backyard could become the "first port in the storm" for these tiny fellows having just flown hundreds of miles above the open waters

Crawfish Season

Crawfish Season

December—July  • food

It's crawfish time! Definitely the most important food season in New Orleans

Swamp Tours

Swamp Tours

May–October (all year round)  • activity

The most exciting and easy way to discover Louisiana's famous swamps and bayous

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge

all year round • activity

The world's longest continious bridge over a body of water

Sno-Ball

Sno-Ball

March–October  • food

Sno-ball, not snow cone, is New Orleans' favourite armour against the long summer heat

47 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

New Orleans Red Dress Run

New Orleans Red Dress Run

out of rangeAugust 12, 2023 • event

A flamboyant run in red dresses accompanied by great music and plenty of beer

World Naked Bike Ride

World Naked Bike Ride

unconfirmedJune 10, 2023 • event

New Orleans has been taking part in the World Naked Bike Ride since 2009

Louisiana Crawfish Festival

Louisiana Crawfish Festival

out of rangeMarch 21–24, 2024 • event

A delicious showcase of Cajun cuisine and seafood

French Quarter Festival

French Quarter Festival

out of rangeApril 11-14, 2024 • event

Grounded in the most famous Quarter, the festival is full of food and free of charge

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience

on holdOctober 2023 • event

The loudest of Halloween events in New Orleans

Comic Con New Orleans

Comic Con New Orleans

out of rangeJanuary 5–7, 2024 • event

The largest popular culture event in Louisiana

Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade

Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade

out of rangeOctober 19, 2024 • event

New Orleans would never miss a chance to dress up and party

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras

out of rangeFebruary 13, 2024 • event

The festival that has made New Orleans famous!

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

out of rangeMarch 16–17, 2024 • event

New Orleans changes the perceptions of St. Patrick's Day celebration

White Linen Night

White Linen Night

out of rangeAugust 5, 2023 • event

The SoHo of the South, the Warehouse district organizes a party of art and style

Easter Parades

Easter Parades

out of rangeMarch 31, 2024 • event

For New Orleanians, Easter is a special time with more parades!

New Orleans Oyster Festival

New Orleans Oyster Festival

out of rangeMay 17–19, 2023 • event

American capital of oysters presents lots of delicious ways to enjoy your favorite seafood at the annual oyster celebration

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

out of rangeApril 25-May 5, 2024 • event

One of a kind celebration of the unique culture and heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana with a true jazz spirit

Louisiana Renaissance Festival

Louisiana Renaissance Festival

out of rangeNovember 2–December 8, 2024 (weekends only) • event

One great adventure with a theater, a theme park, and an educational experience

NOLA ChristmasFest

NOLA ChristmasFest

out of rangeDecember 21 - December 30 • event

Get into Christmas spirit, meet Santa and celebrate winter in New Orleans

Krewe of Jingle Parade

Krewe of Jingle Parade

on holdDecember 7, 2019 • event

The official New Orleans holiday parade delights locals and visitors

New Year in New Orleans

New Year in New Orleans

out of rangeDecember 31–January 1 • event

Fleur De Lis drop and a fireworks display over the Mississippi on New Year's Eve and college football on New Year's Day—New Orleans knows how to celebrate in style

Bayou Boogaloo Music Festival

Bayou Boogaloo Music Festival

unconfirmedMay 17-19, 2024 • event

A joyful celebration of Louisiana food and music traditions

Tennessee Williams Literary Festival

Tennessee Williams Literary Festival

out of rangeMarch 20-24, 2024 • event

Even if you are not a fan of literature, nothing in New Orleans is ever boring!

NOLA Holiday Lights

NOLA Holiday Lights

out of rangelate November–early January • event

Yet another reason to celebrate in New Orleans

Southern Decadance

Southern Decadance

out of rangeAugust 31–September 4, 2023 • event

Known as Gay Mardi Gras, the festival is extravagant and joyful

Plantation Pilgrimage

Plantation Pilgrimage

out of rangeSeptember–November | March–May • activity

If you are in New Orleans or Baton Rouge, you just can't miss seeing the old plantations!

Oak Street Po-Boy Festival

Oak Street Po-Boy Festival

out of rangeNovember 5, 2023 • event

The favourite sandwich with a unique history is a pride of New Orleans and thus gets its own festival!

Dirty Linen Night

Dirty Linen Night

out of rangeAugust 12, 2023 • event

A counterpart of White Linen Night, Dirty Linen Night is more quirky

New Orleans Labor Day Weekend

New Orleans Labor Day Weekend

out of rangeAugust 31–September 5, 2023 • event

Party hard in the French Quarter or look for a retreat at the local parks

Celebration in the Oaks

Celebration in the Oaks

out of rangeNovember 23–December 30 • event

A beautiful scene scattered around the City Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens

New Orleans Film Festival

New Orleans Film Festival

out of rangeNovember 2–12, 2023 • event

No one can celebrate cinema the way New Orleans does

Lundi Gras

Lundi Gras

out of rangeFebruary 12, 2024 • event

The day before the Mardi Gras begins!

Oysters

Oysters

out of rangeNovember–April • food

Although Louisiana oysters are available year round, best time are the cooler months

COOLinary New Orleans

COOLinary New Orleans

out of rangeAugust • food

Treat yourself to a fancy lunch or dinner in one of the city's famous restaurants offering money-saving specials for one month

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo

out of rangeMay 5 • event

A great excuse to party and indulge in delicious Mexican foods

Paddlewheeler Cruises

Paddlewheeler Cruises

out of rangeyear round (best: April–June 15 | November–December)  • activity

How about relishing authentic Louisiana meals and live jazz music with the best city views

Jazz in the Park

Jazz in the Park

overApril 26–June 7, 2018 • event

Signature New Orleans jazz in Armstrong Park every spring

Satchmo SummerFest

Satchmo SummerFest

out of rangeAugust 5–6, 2023 • event

A birthday party of a founding father of jazz—Louis Satchmo Armstrong

Whooping Cranes

Whooping Cranes

out of rangeOctober 1–February 28 • nature

The tallest and one of the rarest birds in North America

Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow

Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow

out of rangeOctober 21–22, 2023 • event

A memorable getaway for the whole family!

Azaleas

Azaleas

out of rangeMarch–April • nature

Enjoy the beautiful pinkish flowers blooming during this period

Rubber Duck Derby

Rubber Duck Derby

out of rangeMay 13, 2023 • event

Thousands of rubber ducks race for the grand prize of $5000

Mardi Gras King Cake

Mardi Gras King Cake

out of rangeJanuary 6–Ash Wednesday • food

The tasty and extraordinary colourful King cake to sooth your party

Wild Alligator

Wild Alligator

out of rangeSeptember • food

Farm raised alligator is available all year, but it is also more expensive than the wild alligator, available only during this period

Hiking

Hiking

out of rangeSeptember–May • activity

Marshes, forests and bayous—there's a lot to explore around New Orleans

Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill Cranes

out of rangeFebruary 1, 2023 • nature

Mississippi sandhill cranes are critically endangered

Louisiana Iris

Louisiana Iris

out of rangeApril • nature

A symbol of beauty, this flower even has a Krewe named after it

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

out of rangeMarch 4–5, 2023 • event

What can be better than running accompanied by live bands and plenty of other entertainment?

BUKU Music + Art Project

BUKU Music + Art Project

on holdMarch 29–30, 2023 • event

A vibrant mix of electronic, hip-hop, indie rock music, and large scale art

Louisiana Marathon

Louisiana Marathon

out of rangeJanuary 18-19, 2025 • event

A fast and flat race followed by a vibrant Louisiana-style celebration

New Orleans Memorial Day Weekend Events

New Orleans Memorial Day Weekend Events

out of rangeMay 24–27, 2024 • event

Welcome summer in The Crescent City with an array of fun-filled activities

Last updated:
Jan
8
Feb
8.2
Mar
8.3
Apr
8
May
6.8
Jun
5.3
Jul
5.1
Aug
5
Sep
5.7
Oct
7.1
Nov
8.4
Dec
8.1

New Orleans weather in January

8/10 score
Excellent
12° average
average temperatures
21 mm
precipitation
10h 26m
daylight duration
January is a great month to visit New Orleans for those looking for a break from cold winter weather. Even though it’s the coldest month in New Orleans, you can walk around the city all day with seven hours of sunshine and comfortable temperatures around 10-15 °C (50-60s °F). You don’t need to pack a heavy winter coat, just a light jacket will do. January is also a quite wet month in New Orleans. Rain is possible for 10 days so you might want to pack an umbrella. Most days will be a mixture of sun and cloudy skies. This weather is perfect for sightseeing in the French Quarter, St. Charles Avenue, or the Arts/Warehouse District.

New Orleans weather in February

8.2/10 score
Excellent
15° average
average temperatures
22 mm
precipitation
11h 05m
daylight duration
February can be rather dreadful in many parts of the world, but not in New Orleans where it’s quite warm and sunny. Seven hours of sunshine and moderate temperatures that rise up to 18 °C (65 °F) during sunny afternoons provide many opportunities for sightseeing, boating, and hiking. You won’t feel cold when you’ll party outdoors during Mardi Gras or if you decide to escape the city and explore picturesque Mississippi river banks. February is a bit dryer than January. Even though it might rain for 12 days, the rains are short and not too heavy. Anyway, you might want to pack a light waterproof jacket for colder weather and some t-shorts for warmer days.

New Orleans weather in March

8.3/10 score
Excellent
18° average
average temperatures
21 mm
precipitation
11h 59m
daylight duration
Spring is a beautiful time in New Orleans. March brings warmer temperatures, more sunshine and lots of blooms to the city. With eight hours of sunshine, you can plan lots of outdoor activities: from sightseeing to kayaking. On some days the temperature can reach 20s Celsius (seventies Fahrenheit). These first balmy sunny afternoons are especially enjoyable. While skies are mostly sunny in March, rain is also possible, but not as frequently as in February or January. There are 9 rainy days in March. You’ll probably need a light waterproof jacket for the rain and late evening, but also make sure to pack t-shirts and shorts for sunny afternoons.

New Orleans weather in April

8/10 score
Excellent
21° average
average temperatures
22 mm
precipitation
12h 53m
daylight duration
April weather is gorgeous in New Orleans, which makes this month one of the best times to visit the city. Temperatures rise to the mid-20s Celsius or mid-70s. It really feels like summer. April is a great time to sit in outdoor cafes and go sightseeing in The French Quartier or boating in Louisiana’s famous bayous. With 10 hours of sunshine, you can plan lots of outdoor activities in your day. April is also one of the dryest months in New Orleans. Rain is possible for seven days. Water temperature is reaching 21°C (70°F) which makes kayaking especially enjoyable.

New Orleans weather in May

6.8/10 score
Good
25° average
average temperatures
21 mm
precipitation
13h 39m
daylight duration
May is one of the most popular times to visit New Orleans. The weather during this month is perfectly summer-like. With temperatures reaching high 20s or mid-80s, it’s very comfortable to be outside sightseeing, sitting in numerous cafes and exploring parks and bayous. Since it gets rather hot during the day, bring some shorts and light breathable clothes. And don’t forget your sunscreen. There are 10 hours of sunshine per day. New Orleans is not too rainy in May with just 8 rainy days per month. The water temperature gets as warm as air by mid-May. You might want to drive a few hours to get to the beach on the Gulf Coast. In the evenings the air may cool down a bit which feels quite good after hot sunny days.

New Orleans weather in June

5.3/10 score
Acceptable
28° average
average temperatures
23 mm
precipitation
14h 02m
daylight duration
June is still a good time to visit New Orleans if you don’t mind the heat. Take into consideration that the temperatures during afternoons rise up to 28-30 Celsius or high 80s Fahrenheit, which can be rather exhausting. Don’t forget to bring a sunhat, stay hydrated and apply sunscreen. Light breathable clothing would be very handy for June in New Orleans. June also marks the beginning of the summer thunderstorm season in New Orleans. It also gets a little wetter than in May or April. Expect about 13 days with rainfall this month so don’t forget to pack an umbrella. on an average of 13 days of the month.

New Orleans weather in July

5.1/10 score
Acceptable
29° average
average temperatures
23 mm
precipitation
13h 51m
daylight duration
July is the hottest month of the year in New Orleans. So if you don’t like heat you might want to choose another time to visit the city. During afternoons you would frequently experience temperatures in 30s Celsius or 90s Fahrenheit. Only cool nights bring some relief from the heat. There are 10 hours of sun per day. If you decide to visit the city in July, bring some sun protection, light breathable clothes, and a sunhat. July is also the wettest month of the year in New Orleans. You can expect some thunderstorms, tropical downpours and showers for 15 days.

New Orleans weather in August

5/10 score
Acceptable
29° average
average temperatures
24 mm
precipitation
13h 12m
daylight duration
August is still mercilessly hot. Expect the temperature to rise to 30°C or 89°F every day. Humidity is also quite high, which makes it harder to walk around the city. With 10 hours of sunshine on average, you will need lots of sunscreen lotion, water, and a sunhat. Nights bring some cool air and relief from the heat. July is the perfect time to stay up long dining or partying in an outdoor location. August has all the attributes of a tropical summer: extreme heat, thunderstorms, and downpours. Even though this month is a bit drier than July, there are still 14 rainy days so don’t forget to pack your umbrella.

New Orleans weather in September

5.7/10 score
Acceptable
27° average
average temperatures
22 mm
precipitation
12h 21m
daylight duration
The first month of fall still feels like summer in New Orleans. The temperature drops only insignificantly in comparison with July and August. You can still walk around in shorts and t-shirts so you won’t need any warm clothes, maybe just a waterproof jacket. Even though September is a bit drier than summer months, humidity is still hight and rains are quite frequent. There are 10 rainy days this month. With cooler and drier weather setting in the second half of September brings back hiking, sightseeing and all kinds of outdoor sports in New Orleans. It’s a perfect time to take advantage of everything this city has to offer.

New Orleans weather in October

7.1/10 score
Very good
23° average
average temperatures
19 mm
precipitation
11h 27m
daylight duration
October is one of the best months in New Orleans in terms of weather. The heat is gone and temperatures stay pleasantly warm in 20s Celsius (70s Fahrenheit). Nights start to get cooler in October so bring a sweater or a light jacket to feel comfortable. There are still nine hours of sunshine, and skies are perfectly clear. You can do absolutely anything in New Orleans at this time of the year. Walking, cycling, boating, and kayaking are recommended. October is the driest month of the year. There are just seven rainy days this month. However, thunderstorms still occur from time to time, reminding of the summer. However, there is a fair chance you will see perfectly warm and dry weather at this time of the year.

New Orleans weather in November

8.4/10 score
Excellent
17° average
average temperatures
20 mm
precipitation
10h 40m
daylight duration
November is still a great time to visit New Orleans. Days are perfectly comfortable due to mild temperatures reaching upper 17 Celsius or upper 60s Fahrenheit. Pack a sweater and a light jacket for late evening and early morning chills, but days are mostly dry and warm. You can still walk around in a t-shirt and shorts. With eight hours of sunshine every day, you can still do a lot of sightseeing, swamp tours, and hiking. But the skies in November are not as clear as in October. Cloudy weather is more common. It’s still quite dry, compared with the summer. There are just seven rainy days in November. However, humidity stays rather high.

New Orleans weather in December

8.1/10 score
Excellent
14° average
average temperatures
22 mm
precipitation
10h 15m
daylight duration
New Orleans weather in December is quite moderate and comfortable. Due to the subtropical climate, the temperature doesn’t drop lower than 9°C (48°F). Most days are warm, and during sunny afternoons the temperature rises to 18°C(64°F). It’s perfect weather for outdoor Christmas activities, sightseeing or cycling. There are still about 5 hours of sunshine on average in December, however, the skies often remain cloudy. The rain picks up compared to the previous months. There are 10 rainy days in November so bringing a waterproof jacket will be a good idea.