New Orleans in January
Carnival season begins
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
January is one of the best months to visit New Orleans.
January starts Carnival season on Twelfth Night, with the first parades and king cake in every bakery.
January in detail
What January actually feels like
- Weather
- 8–17°C
- Mild and damp, with cool nights.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Quieter after New Year.
- Prices
- $$
- Good value.
+King cake season starts on January 6.
–Cool, damp spells.
My tip for January
Try a king cake from a local bakery, not a supermarket.
- Food
- Music
How January compares
Against the other eleven months
2nd of 12 overall in New Orleans, 8th for weather, 3rd for space, 4th for value. The emptiest month is August; the best value is August.
See all twelve months for New OrleansNot set on January?
Even stronger months in New Orleans
Also good in January
Weather
Weather in New Orleans in January
In January New Orleans averages a high of 17°C (63°F) and a low of 8°C (46°F), with about 132 mm of rain or snow over 10 wet days. The warmest month is July (around 33°C) and the coolest is January (around 17°C); the wettest month is June.
- Average high
- 17°C
- 63°F
- Average low
- 8°C
- 46°F
- Precipitation
- 132 mm
- Wet days
- 10
Climate data: NOAA (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
New Orleans in January: the questions people ask
- Is January a good time to visit New Orleans?
- January is one of the best months to visit New Orleans. It ranks 2 of 12 months in New Orleans overall (8 for weather, 3 for space, 4 for value). The main upside: King cake season starts on January 6. The main downside: Cool, damp spells.
- What is the weather like in New Orleans in January?
- Average highs are around 17°C and lows around 8°C. Expect about 132 mm of rain or snow over roughly 10 wet days. Mild and damp, with cool nights. For comparison, the warmest month is July (around 33°C) and the coolest is January (around 17°C).
- Is New Orleans crowded in January?
- Crowds are low–moderate. Quieter after New Year. The quietest month is August.
- How expensive is New Orleans in January?
- Prices are at level 2 of 5 ($$). Good value. The best-value month is August.
- When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
- In the CrowdFreeViews month scores, April is the best month overall (January ranks 2 of 12). The quietest month is August and the best value is August.
Ready to book January in New Orleans?
King cake season starts on January 6.
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