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New Orleans, United States

New Orleans, United States

Best Time to Visit New Orleans

Weather month by month, from 20 years of weather-station records.

Best months
March, April, and November
Warmest month
August, 33°C
Wettest month
August, 206 mm

New Orleans weather by month

Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.

MonthHigh / lowRainVerdict
January17°C / 7°C125 mm · 7 daysFair
February19°C / 8°C113 mm · 6 daysFair
March23°C / 13°C122 mm · 5 daysGreat
April26°C / 16°C141 mm · 5 daysGreat
May29°C / 20°C143 mm · 5 daysGood
June33°C / 24°C130 mm · 8 daysHot
July33°C / 25°C185 mm · 10 daysHot
August33°C / 25°C206 mm · 11 daysHot
September32°C / 23°C183 mm · 7 daysHot
October27°C / 17°C68 mm · 5 daysGood
November22°C / 11°C84 mm · 4 daysGreat
December19°C / 9°C172 mm · 6 daysFair

New Orleans by season

Spring

Spring is glorious, with warm days, blooming azaleas, and a packed festival calendar. This is peak tourist season, culminating in the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

  • + Perfect weather (70s-80s°F / 21-29°C)
  • + Major festivals: Mardi Gras (Feb/Mar) & Jazz Fest (Apr/May)
  • + Outdoor dining and exploration are ideal
  • − Highest hotel prices and crowds, especially around Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest
  • − Need to book accommodations and events far in advance

Summer

Hot, humid, and stormy. Temperatures soar into the 90s°F (32-35°C) with high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. This is the low season.

  • + Lowest hotel rates
  • + Fewer crowds at major attractions
  • + Indoor activities like museums are pleasant
  • − Intense heat and humidity can be oppressive
  • − Afternoon thunderstorms are common

Autumn

A lovely, underrated season. Heat and humidity break by late October, leading to crisp, sunny days. Halloween is a major event here.

  • + Pleasant weather returns
  • + Lower crowds and prices after Halloween
  • + Voodoo Music + Arts Experience festival
  • − Hurricane season runs through November
  • − Early September can still be very hot and humid

Winter

Generally mild but can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from chilly (40s°F / 4-9°C) to pleasantly cool. The city is festive leading up to Mardi Gras.

  • + Christmas and New Year's are beautifully decorated
  • + Cool weather is great for walking
  • + Mardi Gras season (Jan/Feb) builds excitement
  • − Can be rainy and damp
  • − If Mardi Gras is early (Jan/Feb), prices spike and it's very crowded

New Orleans month by month

New Orleans in January

Fair

In January, New Orleans averages highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C, with about 7 rainy days and 125 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

New Orleans in February

Fair

In February, New Orleans averages highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C, with about 6 rainy days and 113 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

New Orleans in March

Great

In March, New Orleans averages highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C, with about 5 rainy days and 122 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

New Orleans in April

Great

In April, New Orleans averages highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C, with about 5 rainy days and 141 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

New Orleans in May

Good

In May, New Orleans averages highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C, with about 5 rainy days and 143 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.

New Orleans in June

Hot

In June, New Orleans averages highs of 33°C and lows of 24°C, with about 8 rainy days and 130 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

New Orleans in July

Hot

In July, New Orleans averages highs of 33°C and lows of 25°C, with about 10 rainy days and 185 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

New Orleans in August

Hot

In August, New Orleans averages highs of 33°C and lows of 25°C, with about 11 rainy days and 206 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

New Orleans in September

Hot

In September, New Orleans averages highs of 32°C and lows of 23°C, with about 7 rainy days and 183 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

New Orleans in October

Good

In October, New Orleans averages highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C, with about 5 rainy days and 68 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.

New Orleans in November

Great

In November, New Orleans averages highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C, with about 4 rainy days and 84 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

New Orleans in December

Fair

In December, New Orleans averages highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C, with about 6 rainy days and 172 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Top tours and experiences in New Orleans

The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.

New Orleans Premier Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour

New Orleans Premier Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour

4.613,856 reviews1h 45m
Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour

Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour

4.77,158 reviews1h 45m
New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

4.97,147 reviews5h
New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter with Small-Group Option

New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter with Small-Group Option

4.86,782 reviews3h
All things to do in New Orleans →

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

Plan your New Orleans trip

Best time to visit New Orleans: FAQ

What is the best month to visit New Orleans?+

March is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 23°C. April and November are close behind.

What is the rainiest month in New Orleans?+

August is the wettest month, with about 206 mm of rain.

How hot does New Orleans get?+

August is the warmest month, with average highs of 33°C and lows of 25°C. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 7°C.

Averages for 2006–2025 from the TERRYTOWN 3S weather station (6 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.