Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit New Orleans
🇺🇸 New Orleans, United States · North America
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
16°
9°
Good
Feb
18°
11°
Great
Mar
21°
14°
Great
Apr
24°
17°
Great
May
28°
21°
Great
Jun
30°
24°
Good
Jul
31°
25°
Good
Aug
31°
25°
Good
Sep
29°
24°
Good
Oct
25°
19°
Great
Nov
21°
14°
Great
Dec
17°
11°
Good
Month-by-Month Weather in New Orleans
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C | 9°C | 10 | 7h | 70% | 2 | Good | View |
| FebruaryRecommended | 18°C | 11°C | 9 | 8h | 70% | 2 | Great | View |
| MarchRecommended | 21°C | 14°C | 10 | 9h | 70% | 6 | Great | View |
| AprilRecommended | 24°C | 17°C | 9 | 10h | 70% | 6 | Great | View |
| MayRecommended | 28°C | 21°C | 9 | 12h | 70% | 9 | Great | View |
| June | 30°C | 24°C | 16 | 12h | 70% | 9 | Good | View |
| July | 31°C | 25°C | 18 | 11h | 70% | 9 | Good | View |
| August | 31°C | 25°C | 18 | 11h | 70% | 9 | Good | View |
| September | 29°C | 24°C | 13 | 10h | 70% | 6 | Good | View |
| OctoberRecommended | 25°C | 19°C | 8 | 10h | 70% | 6 | Great | View |
| NovemberRecommended | 21°C | 14°C | 7 | 9h | 70% | 2 | Great | View |
| December | 17°C | 11°C | 10 | 7h | 70% | 2 | Good | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to New Orleans
Spring (March to May)
Avg: 24°C high, 17°C low
Spring in New Orleans brings gradually warm temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 24°C (75°F) while nights cool to 17°C (63°F). Expect occasional showers, so pack a light rain jacket.
Summer (June to August)
Avg: 31°C high, 25°C low
Summer is the hottest season in New Orleans, with temperatures reaching 31°C (88°F). The heat can be intense, but mornings and evenings remain pleasant for sightseeing. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (September to November)
Avg: 25°C high, 19°C low
Fall in New Orleans is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures settle around 25°C (77°F) during the day and 19°C (66°F) at night. Rainfall increases slightly, but comfortable temperatures make up for it. Fewer tourists mean better prices.
Winter (December to February)
Avg: 17°C high, 10°C low
Winter in New Orleans brings the mildest cool season. While not as warm as peak travel months, the pleasant temperatures make for comfortable sightseeing without the summer crowds.
When to Avoid New Orleans
The least favorable time to visit New Orleans is June and July. During this period, you can expect heavy rainfall.
June
Challenges: heavy rainfall
July
Challenges: heavy rainfall
August
Challenges: heavy rainfall
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for New Orleans
Packing recommendations for visiting New Orleans during the best travel months (October, November, February), when temperatures range from 15°C to 21°C:
- +Light layers for warm days and cooler evenings
- +Comfortable walking shoes
- +A compact umbrella or light rain jacket
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
New Orleans Year-Round Climate Overview
New Orleans has a temperate oceanic climate (Koppen classification: Cfa). The warmest month is August with highs of 31°C, while the coldest month is January at just 16°C. Annual rainfall averages 1391mm across approximately 137 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 16 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 25 | 21 | 17 |
| Low °C | 9 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 19 | 14 | 11 |
| Rain Days | 10 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 7 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 116 | 113 | 118 | 101 | 93 | 139 | 150 | 157 | 128 | 89 | 84 | 103 |
| Sun h/day | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Humidity % | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| UV Index | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
Considering alternatives to New Orleans? Compare the best travel months for nearby cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit New Orleans?+
The best time to visit New Orleans is October, November, February. During these months, temperatures average 21°C (70°F) with 9 hours of daily sunshine and only 8 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit New Orleans?+
The least ideal time to visit New Orleans is June and July. During this period, you can expect heavy rainfall. While New Orleans can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is New Orleans good to visit in summer?+
Summer in New Orleans (June to August) brings temperatures of 31°C (88°F) highs and 25°C (77°F) lows, with about 11 hours of sunshine and 17 rain days per month. Consider visiting during the recommended months instead for better weather.
What is the rainy season in New Orleans?+
The rainy season in New Orleans runs from June to August, when average rain days increase to 17 days per month. Total monthly precipitation during this period averages 149mm.
What should I pack for New Orleans?+
When visiting New Orleans during the best travel months (October, November, February), pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket. A waterproof jacket and umbrella are essential. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended, especially given the high UV index.
Is October a good time to visit New Orleans?+
Yes, October is one of the best months to visit New Orleans. Expect average highs of 25°C (77°F), 10 hours of daily sunshine, and only 8 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for New Orleans
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
More Travel Weather Guides
Explore weather guides for other popular destinations: