New Orleans in May
Jazz Fest and heat
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
May is one of the best months to visit New Orleans.
May starts with Jazz Fest, then heats up and quiets down.
May in detail
What May actually feels like
- Weather
- 21–30°C
- Hot and humid.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy early, quieter later.
- Prices
- $$$
- Rates drop after Jazz Fest.
+The last Jazz Fest weekend.
–Heat and humidity build.
My tip for May
Go to Jazz Fest early on weekdays for smaller crowds.
- Music
- Food
How May compares
Against the other eleven months
2nd of 12 overall in New Orleans, 5th for weather, 8th for space, 8th for value. The emptiest month is August; the best value is August.
See all twelve months for New OrleansNot set on May?
Even stronger months in New Orleans
Weather
Weather in New Orleans in May
In May New Orleans averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 21°C (70°F), with about 143 mm of rain or snow over 8 wet days. The warmest month is July (around 33°C) and the coolest is January (around 17°C); the wettest month is June.
- Average high
- 30°C
- 86°F
- Average low
- 21°C
- 70°F
- Precipitation
- 143 mm
- Wet days
- 8
Climate data: NOAA (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
New Orleans in May: the questions people ask
- Is May a good time to visit New Orleans?
- May is one of the best months to visit New Orleans. It ranks 2 of 12 months in New Orleans overall (5 for weather, 8 for space, 8 for value). The main upside: The last Jazz Fest weekend. The main downside: Heat and humidity build.
- What is the weather like in New Orleans in May?
- Average highs are around 30°C and lows around 21°C. Expect about 143 mm of rain or snow over roughly 8 wet days. Hot and humid. For comparison, the warmest month is July (around 33°C) and the coolest is January (around 17°C).
- Is New Orleans crowded in May?
- Crowds are moderate–high. Busy early, quieter later. The quietest month is August.
- How expensive is New Orleans in May?
- Prices are at level 3 of 5 ($$$). Rates drop after Jazz Fest. 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 (May ranks 2 of 12). The quietest month is August and the best value is August.
Ready to book May in New Orleans?
The last Jazz Fest weekend.
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