Destination
When should you visit New Orleans?
New Orleans plans its year around festivals, and the weather sets the limits. Spring is warm and packed with events, from Mardi Gras to French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest. Summer is hot, humid and stormy, and hurricane season runs from June to November. Fall and early winter are mild and quieter. Here is how all twelve months compare for weather, crowds, prices and events.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
My recommendation
March–May
Spring has warm, mostly comfortable weather and the city's best festivals, including French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest. Book early, because the festival weekends sell out.
Best for Mardi Gras
February or early March
Fat Tuesday moves with Easter.
Best for music
April–early May
French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest.
Best value
August–September
Low rates, but hot and humid, with storm risk.
Best mild weather
October–November
Warm days and fewer storms.
March scores
Plan around
What to know before you book
- Mardi Gras
- Parades roll for about two weeks before Fat Tuesday. Hotels sell out and prices peak.
- Hurricane season
- Risk is highest from August to October. Book flexible rates.
- Summer heat
- Hot and humid, with afternoon storms. Plan walking tours for early morning.
February or early March
June 1–November 30
June–September
New Orleans travel tip
Pick your trip by the festival calendar first. Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest weekends send hotel prices soaring, while a week later the same rooms are reasonable. Stay in the Garden District or Marigny for a calmer base than Bourbon Street.
Month by month
All twelve months, at a glance
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
- Temperature
- 8–17°C
- Mild and damp, with cool nights.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Quieter after New Year.
- Prices
- $$
- Good value.
Try a king cake from a local bakery, not a supermarket.
- Food
- Music
- Temperature
- 10–19°C
- Mild, with cool nights.
- Crowds
- High
- Very busy in the weeks before Fat Tuesday.
- Prices
- $$$$
- Peak rates around Mardi Gras.
Watch parades Uptown on St. Charles Avenue for a family-friendly crowd.
- Mardi Gras
- Parades
- Temperature
- 13–22°C
- Warm and pleasant.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-to-high rates.
Check whether Mardi Gras falls in early March of your year.
- Festivals
- Walking
- Temperature
- 17–26°C
- Warm and mostly pleasant.
- Crowds
- High
- Very busy on festival weekends.
- Prices
- $$$$
- High rates on festival weekends.
Book Jazz Fest hotels months ahead.
- Music
- Food
- Temperature
- 21–30°C
- Hot and humid.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy early, quieter later.
- Prices
- $$$
- Rates drop after Jazz Fest.
Go to Jazz Fest early on weekdays for smaller crowds.
- Music
- Food
- Temperature
- 24–32°C
- Hot and humid, with storms.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Quieter.
- Prices
- $$
- Good value.
Plan indoor afternoons for the storms.
- Value
- Food
- Temperature
- 25–33°C
- Very hot and humid, with storms.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Moderate, busy around Essence Fest.
- Prices
- $$
- Higher around Essence Fest.
Use the streetcar to stay out of the midday sun.
- Music
- Events
- Temperature
- 25–33°C
- Very hot and humid, with storms.
- Crowds
- Low
- Quiet.
- Prices
- $
- Low rates.
Look for prix-fixe menus at top restaurants.
- Food
- Value
- Temperature
- 23–31°C
- Hot and humid, slowly easing.
- Crowds
- Low
- Quiet.
- Prices
- $
- Low rates.
Book refundable rates and watch the forecast.
- Value
- Food
- Temperature
- 18–27°C
- Warm and drier.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-to-high rates.
Take a cemetery or Garden District walking tour.
- Walking
- Halloween
- Temperature
- 12–22°C
- Mild and fairly dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$
- Fair rates.
Go before Thanksgiving for lower rates.
- Food
- Music
- Temperature
- 9–18°C
- Mild and damp, with cool nights.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$
- Fair rates, higher at New Year.
Book a Réveillon menu for a classic Creole holiday dinner.
- Holidays
- Food
Climate
New Orleans weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°C / 63°F | 8°C / 46°F | 132 mm | 10 |
| February | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 50°F | 105 mm | 9 |
| March | 22°C / 72°F | 13°C / 55°F | 111 mm | 8 |
| April | 26°C / 79°F | 17°C / 63°F | 133 mm | 7 |
| May | 30°C / 86°F | 21°C / 70°F | 143 mm | 8 |
| June | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 194 mm | 13 |
| July | 33°C / 91°F | 25°C / 77°F | 172 mm | 14 |
| August | 33°C / 91°F | 25°C / 77°F | 176 mm | 14 |
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 130 mm | 10 |
| October | 27°C / 81°F | 18°C / 64°F | 94 mm | 7 |
| November | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 54°F | 98 mm | 7 |
| December | 18°C / 64°F | 9°C / 48°F | 122 mm | 9 |
Climate data: NOAA (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
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FAQ
Planning a trip to New Orleans
What is the best month to visit New Orleans?
March to May has warm weather and the big spring festivals. October and November are great for milder, quieter trips.
When is Mardi Gras in New Orleans?
Fat Tuesday falls in February or early March, 47 days before Easter, with parades in the two weeks before.