TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION
New Orleans has a lot to offer with its rich history and architecture. It's a must-see destination. But what are the best times to visit? The answer depends on your interests.
If you're looking for a great time to explore the city, then spring is the best time to visit. This is when the weather is warm enough for most people but not too hot. It also makes for a good time to take advantage of all that New Orleans has to offer—from music festivals and art galleries to cultural events and festivals.
However, if you're interested in visiting during a festival or event that only happens once a year or every couple of years, then fall or winter might be better options for you. Fall can offer some beautiful foliage and winter brings cold temperatures, which can help keep ice from forming on streets and sidewalks, making them safer for visitors without skates or boots on their feet.
Hence, in this article, we will share with you different times of the year you can visit New Orleans based on their festive periods and weather conditions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should I visit New Orleans?
New Orleans is a great place for all seasons. Summer is hot, but not too hot, and there's always something to do! There are festivals and parades year-round in New Orleans, and the city has been voted "America's Most Livable City" three years in a row.
What time of year is the best weather in New Orleans?
New Orleans has beautiful weather all year round. It can be mild during the winter months, but temperatures reach the 80s during the summertime. However, spring is the best time to visit New Orleans for good weather (early spring) paired with plenty of events and festivals.
How many days would you need in New Orleans?
It depends on what you want to see! We recommend 4-5 days or more if you want to see everything this city has to offer.
What months is hurricane season in New Orleans?
The hurricane season in New Orleans runs from early June through late November each year, with peak hurricane activity occurring in late August and early September.
New Orleans In January
In New Orleans, January is the coldest month of the year, but the days are still warm and the evenings are mild. The average high temperature is around 62 ℃, and the average low temperature is 42 ℃.However, the city of New Orleans enters a special transition period in January as the carnival season begins. New Orleans residents start making and buying king cakes and planning for the upcoming festivities.
New Orleans In February
February can be a miserable month in many parts of the world, but not in New Orleans, which is one of the best months that is warm and sunny. There is a minimum of Seven hours of sunshine per day and moderate temperatures that can reach 18 °C (65 °F). Hence, the afternoons provide plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, boating, and hiking. You won't be cold if you choose to party outside during Mardi Gras or if you choose to escape the city and explore the scenic Mississippi river banks. February has drier weather than January. Even though it may rain for 12 days, the rains will be brief and light. In any case, you should bring a light waterproof jacket for colder weather and some t-shirts for warmer days.
New Orleans In March
In New Orleans, spring is a beautiful season. Warmer temperatures, more sunshine, and a plethora of blooms greet the city in March. You can plan a variety of outdoor activities, from sightseeing to kayaking, with eight hours of sunshine. Temperatures can reach the 20s ℃ on some days (seventies Fahrenheit). These first warm, sunny afternoons are particularly pleasant.
Rain is possible in March, but not as frequently as it is in February or January. March has nine rainy days. You'll probably need a light waterproof jacket for the rain and late evenings, but bring t-shirts and shorts for sunny afternoons as well.
New Orleans In April
The weather in New Orleans is beautiful in April, making it one of the best months to visit the city. Temperatures reach the mid-20s ℃ or the mid-70s ° f. It definitely feels like summer. April is an excellent month for sitting in outdoor cafes and sightseeing in The French Quarter, as well as boating in Louisiana's famous bayous. With 10 hours of daylight, you can plan a full day of outdoor activities. You can also attend the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, also known as Jazz Fest. Only Mardi Gras can rival this festival in terms of attracting large crowds from all over the world. Over the course of two weekends, you can listen to live music on 14 stages and sample signature Jazz Fest foods.
New Orleans In May
May is one of the busiest months for visitors to visit New Orleans. This month's weather is perfectly summer-like. With temperatures reaching the high 20s or mid-80s, being outside sightseeing, sitting in numerous cafes, and exploring parks and bayous is very comfortable. Ensure to bring some shorts and light breathable clothing because it gets hot during the day. Also, don't forget to bring your sunscreen. Every day, there are 10 hours of sunlight. With only 8 rainy days in May, New Orleans is not too wet. By mid-May, the water temperature has reached that of the air. You might want to drive a few hours to get to the Gulf Coast beach. The air may cool down a little in the evenings, which feels nice after hot sunny days.
New Orleans In June
If you don't mind the heat, June is still a good time to visit New Orleans. Consider that temperatures in the afternoons can reach 28-30 ° C. (high 80s ° f), which can be tiring. Remember to wear a sunhat, stay hydrated, and apply sunscreen. Lightweight, breathable clothing would be ideal for June in New Orleans.
In addition, the summer thunderstorm season in New Orleans begins this month. It also gets a little rainier than in May or April, so bring an umbrella. Also, mark your calendar for Black Restaurant Week at the end of June! You can visit and sample the cuisine of some of the city's best Black-owned restaurants.
New Orleans In July
In New Orleans, July is the hottest month of the year. If you are sensitive to heat, you should visit the city at a different time. Temperatures in the 30s Celsius or 90s Fahrenheit are common in the afternoons. Only cool nights provide respite from the heat. Every day, the sun shines for 10 hours, so ensure to bring sun protection, light breathable clothing, and a sunhat if you plan to visit the city in July.
This is also one of the wettest months in New Orleans, with thunderstorms, tropical downpours, and showers expected for 15 days. However, If you do decide to visit New Orleans, you should go to the annual ESSENCE Fest, which is one of the city's biggest festivals! Celebrate Black music, health, food, beauty, and culture over three days with panel discussions and celebrity guests! Previous performers have included Prince, Mary J. Blige, and Diana Ross.
New Orleans In August
August is still brutally hot. Every day, the temperature will rise to 30°C (89°F). The weather is also quite high, making it difficult to walk around the city. With an average of 10 hours of sunlight, you'll need plenty of sun protection lotion, water, and a sunhat. Evenings bring cool air and relief from the heat. July is the ideal month for staying up late dining or partying in an outdoor setting.
This month has all of the characteristics of a tropical summer, including extreme heat, thunderstorms, and downpours. Even though this month is drier than July, there are still 14 rainy days, so bring your umbrella. Also, you can also attend the Southern Decadence, New Orleans' largest LGBTQ event. The festival lasts six days and extends beyond the French Quarter. Enjoy parties, parades, and glamorous costumes during Labor Day weekend!
New Orleans In September
Temperatures in New Orleans are slightly lower in September than in previous months, but it is still very warm and there is less rain to contend with. In comparison to July and August, the temperature drops only marginally. You can still walk around in shorts and t-shirts, so no warm clothing is required, perhaps just a waterproof jacket. Even though September is drier than the summer months, humidity remains high and rains are common. This month has ten rainy day with cooler and drier weather arriving in the second half of September. During this time, hiking, sightseeing, and other outdoor activities return to New Orleans. It's a great time to enjoy everything this city has to offer.
New Orleans In October
In terms of weather, October is one of the best time to go to New Orleans. The heat is gone, and temperatures remain comfortably warm in the 20s ℃ (70s Fahrenheit). In October, the nights begin to cool, so bring a sweater or a light jacket to stay warm. There are nine hours of sunshine left, and the skies are crystal clear. At this time of year, you can do anything in New Orleans such as walking, cycling, boating, and kayaking are all recommended activities. This is also the year's driest month which has only seven rainy days. Thunderstorms do, however, still occur on occasion, reminding us of summer. However, there is a good chance that you will experience perfect warm and dry weather at this time of year.
New Orleans In November
November is still the best month to visit New Orleans. Days are genuinely nice due to mild temperatures in the upper 17 ° C. (upper 60s ° f). Bring a sweater and a light jacket for late-night and early-morning chills, but the days are mostly dry and warm. You can still go about your business in a t-shirt and shorts. Also, do a lot of sightseeing, swamp tours, and hiking with eight hours of sunlight every day. However, the skies in November are not as clear as they are in October. Cloudy days are more common during this time of the year. In comparison to the summer, it's still quite dry. In November, there are only seven rainy days. Lastly, The humidity, on the other hand, remains quite high.
New Orleans In December
The weather in New Orleans in December is gentle and pleasant. The temperature never falls below 9°C (48°F) due to the subtropical climate. Most days are warm, with temperatures reaching 18°C (64°F) in the afternoons. It's ideal for outdoor Christmas activities such as exploring the city or cycling. In December, there are still about 5 hours of sunshine on average, but the skies are frequently cloudy. In comparison to previous months, the rain has increased. Because November has ten rainy days, bringing a waterproof jacket is a good idea. Lastly, You can take a romantic evening stroll through City Park, where holiday-themed decorations illuminate the historic oak trees. Then, head to the Mississippi River levees for the Christmas Eve Bonfires, which light the way for Santa and his reindeer.
CONCLUSION
And there you have it, the best time of the year to travel to New Orleans based on your preferred season. We hope you found the right season for you to best enjoy the beautiful city. Did we miss something, or do you have something to add? Kindly drop a comment below.